I've had an ultrasound done, and the nurse said that I'm having a girl, but what's the room for error?

Question

I've had two friends that are boys that when their mom's had an ultrasound, they were supposed to be girls. Do we have better ultrasounds now than we did 20 years ago (I'm assuming yes)?

Answer 1

You're assuming incorrectly. LOL. I don't know any statistical numbers but I can tell you what happened to me. When I had an U/S at 17 weeks, they told me it was a girl. We REALLY wanted a boy, but we were happy anyway because she was healthy & doing fine. At 28 weeks, they confirmed it was a girl. So, I started getting everything ready for my shower which was set to take place during my 35th week. I registered & chose all kinds of beautiful pink & mint green lacey things for the nursery. My hubby had even bought her a few dresses. I had the invitations ready to go. Then I went in at 32 weeks for another U/S. The tech says to us "They told you it was a boy?" Yes, why? "Because I see testicles!" Sure enough, there on the screen was a big ol' set of nuts!!! My husband leaped out of his chair & almost knocked me off the table trying to hug the tech. We were SOOOO happy!! Until I remembered the shower. I had to go back, re-register (at least we got to do the baseball theme that we really wanted!), repaint the room from pink to blue, redo all the invitations, etc... Could you imagine if I'd already mailed them?/ And the **** is that some people had already started buying things for "her".

So, no, not much has changed at all. From what I've read, if they tell you its a boy, it's a boy. But if they tell you it's a girl, they could make a mistake. I think if the doc can't tell then tell me that. I'd rather wait than be misinformed. Hope this helps!

Answer 2

There is always room for error. I was told at 20 weeks 6 days that I was having a girl. Based only on the fact that she couldn't seen anything in between the legs. Then at 24 weeks 4 days I had another on to make sure and what do you know she now says that I am having a boy. She said she had a better view because the body was head down instead of breech like it was the first time. If your doctor found the three white lines which indicate the labia then you are probably having a girl. However, if she says you are having a girl only because she couldn't find anything inbetween the legs then you could be having a boy like me. Ask her to check at the next appointment.

Answer 3

Errors do still happen now and again but it is rare. Mistakes are usually when they say it is a boy and wow it is a girl, why? Because in utero and after being born all babies genitals are swollen from hormones and some times that swollen little girl is mistaken for a boy. It is my gut that says you are having a girl if they said you were.

Also, if you have an ultrasound and the baby doesn't give a perfect view of him/herself or if the ultrasound is very early it can be hard to tell.

Good luck and congratulations!!!!!

Answer 4

I think it would depend on what stage of pregnancy you're in. The more advanced the pregnancy, the more accurate the ultrasound, as the sex organs of the fetus are better defined. And yes, I'm sure there have been technological advances in ultrasound over the past 20 years, if indeed ultrasounds were even in existence 20 years ago. If there were, they had to be very primitive compared to the machines of today.

Answer 5

if the machine was from the 80's or early 90's then yes it could be wrong.... however now adays the machines are much more acurate and clear on their pictures. plus the nurses are a lot more skilled with working with them. a sure sign for a girl on an ultrasound is three white lines. if you can see two or three white lines that is the "cookie". back in the day they determined the sex by how the baby was laying if it didnt have a clear shot. they say that boys dont put there legs compleatly together and girls do. that is not so. they also used to tell by the heart rate but with all the different factors in pregnancy today they cant tell by that either. chances are you are having a girl so congrats to you!

Answer 6

The nurse guessed the gender on the basis of whether she saw a penis or not. This can be obstructed by the position of the baby in the womb. If an old machine was used there is a 10% chance of error if the gender is thought to be a girl. With the new 3D or 4D machines it's a lot less. With the 4D you can tell who the baby looks like.

Answer 7

I think the chances for them to tell you the wrong thing these days because the doctor explained me with a girl ultrasound you see the three stipes on her private area, are the muscles and if you have an idiot doing your ultrasound.. then you might have it wrong

Answer 8

Um- a nurse is NOT a radiologist. A radiologist is a DOCTOR who has done post-graduate training in radiology.
It is illegal for ultrasound techs and nurses to diagnose; if they are telling you the sex of the baby, they are interpreting an x-ray procedure. The facility should be made aware that unlicensed people are making unlawful diagnoses.

The only definitive sex differentiation is a chromosomal assay done by amniocentesis (evaluation of a sample of amniotic fluid drawn from the uterus by a long needle).

Answer 9

Did they even do ultrasounds to check the sex back then? I'm 19 and my sister is 20 and they wouldn't give my mom one to find out the sex. But even so I think the margin for error is like 10%...they are usually right.

Answer 10

Yes, we have better ultrasounds, but better safe than sorry. I would keep all receipts. Also bring an outfit for a boy and girl to the hospital. This way you are covered either way. Good Luck!