i had an ultrasound at 20 weeks and they said it was a little boy...however, twins run in my family and i want to know what are the chances that the doctor only detected one heart beat, and if one kid could be "hiding"? Does anyone know how common this is? Has this ever happened to anyone? I would also like to ask if anyone knows how often the ultrasounds are incorrect regarding the sex of the child. Thanks!
2007-02-01 03:38:26 · 14 answers · asked by mzsouthernprincess 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
The odds are 10:1 you're having a boy. Doctors know as much as the equipment is willing to show.
Is it possible? Anything is possible. Keep the faith.
2007-02-01 03:47:02 · answer #1 · answered by ♨ Wisper ► 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I can't give you stats (although I'm sure they are readily available).
However, I will tell you this...
With a "visual" ultrasound (sounds to be a contradiction, almost), it's possible that one child is hiding. At 20 weeks, though, I can't imagine that it's all that likely that the radiologist/OB didn't see any evidence of a second child. Could happen, but I'd be surprised.
With a "sound" check on the heart, it's more likely that a twin would show up. A Doppler check (which my wife's OB did at every visit starting with the first) should turn up a heartbeat signature suggestive of two hearts. As the belly expands, this will decrease simply because the hearts will be further apart.
As for the likelihood of the sex being misdiagnosed... it happens all of the time. However, this depends somewhat on the person doing it. For both of my kids, the radiologist said she would NOT tell us if she was 100% sure. She was experienced and knew the different between "oh, yeah, that's a boy" and "well, it COULD be foot" and therefore wouldn't say unless she was sure. Other radiologists, knowing full well that mistakes are made, will still point to things and claim "boy" when it might not be.
Ask your OB, who has copies of the ultrasound (if she didn't do it herself) to look at them and tell you why it's definitely a boy OR if there's a chance that the appendage could be something else.
I detect, in the way you phrased the question, that you're hoping for a girl. Trust me, you'll love the child no matter which it is. You'll feel stupid, in fact, for have even entertained the "wish" that he was a girl, once you see his face for the first time.
2007-02-01 03:51:30 · answer #2 · answered by Jay 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is possible that the doctor can only hear one heart beat on the doppler, however, since the ultrasound would have found the second baby if there were one. If they found a boy the chances are VERY slim that its actually a girl, however had they seen a girl it would be slightly possible for it to be a boy. Its VERY hard to mistake a boy in an ultrasound! CONGRATS AND GOOD LUCK!
2007-02-01 03:45:01 · answer #3 · answered by all_around_tha_mullberri_busch 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
An ultrasound at 20 weeks should be fairly accurate... I've never heard of the ultrasound AND the heart rate monitor both missing a 2nd child. Either or would have picked up the 2nd baby if it was "hiding"... face it, one baby, a boy. I'd be very happy that you are having one healthy child... some people dont' get that chance
2007-02-01 03:43:53 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Are the twins in your family identical or fraternal? It would make a huge difference in your chances. A twin can "hide." Its been known to happen. The heartbeats can mask each other, making it sound as if there is only one. Are you measuring larger than what is expected for your dates?
As for the sex, it is possible to have an incorrect gender given. It happens. Things to consider: was the baby in a favorable position? Was it a clear shot? Splurge on one of those 3D ultrasounds a little later and see what they see. Best of luck.
2007-02-01 04:04:36 · answer #5 · answered by duckygrl21 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is the possibility that the baby could be directly behins the other baby but if your at 20 wks and probably had more than one ultrasound by now I would say your chances arent that great bc I would think they would have seen the second baby by now. Sorry. Also i would say drs tend to mistakenly identify a baby as a girl when it actually turns out to be a boy alot more often then when its said to be a boy bc of the sex organs. I doubt the dr was wrong in what he said but you never know. Good luck!!
2007-02-01 03:45:34 · answer #6 · answered by italprincess 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Of course there could be a chance of having a little girl, but if they truly detected a penis, you're having a boy. So, be happy with him...he'll be great. If they haven't detected a heart beat or seen another baby on ultrasound by this point, you're only have 1 baby.
2007-02-01 03:43:23 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
AT 20 weeks there wouldn't be a hiding twin...that only occurs early on and usually it is with multiples and they say 4 when there is 5 or something...lol. If they told you boy they are generally right - if they saw his package - it is there. If he had crossed legs or the umbilical cord between the legs - that is when they may guess wrong.
You will enjoy having a son...there is nothing like mommy's little boy!
2007-02-01 03:44:06 · answer #8 · answered by bgmom 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is not common. I am sorry that you are not having a girl. At 20 wks they would be able to see another baby. U/s have changed alot. Usually when it is a boy.. it will be a boy at birth.. cause there is something to see (the turtle). I am not saying that u/s are 100%.. cause they are not. But boys are fun and alot easier to clean up than girls. I have a son and another on the way. Good luck!
2007-02-01 03:45:41 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is rare that they are wrong at 20 wkx. You can pretty much see everything then. and if there is twins you would be able to hear 2 heart beats, even if it was hiding at 20 weeks, it is growing and running out of room.
2007-02-01 03:44:36 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋