It's completely natural to be curious: When can you tell if it's a girl or a boy? For some, it's about planning, for others, it's about the feeling of being able to "meet" the baby a little more. Here, you'll find practical guidance on when the sex can typically be seen, what methods are available, and what can make it difficult to be absolutely sure.

The sex can sometimes be seen during an ultrasound scan in pregnancy, but it primarily depends on the gestational week, image quality, and how the fetus is positioned.

Many find that it becomes more realistic to get a clear answer when the fetal sex organs are more developed and easier to see on ultrasound. If you want to know the sex, it's a good idea to mention it when booking or upon arrival, so the sonographer knows that you'd like it to be assessed (and vice versa: if you don't want to know, also state that clearly).

Even with a good scan, the sex can be difficult to assess if:

• The fetus is positioned "incorrectly" or has its legs together
• There is limited visibility in the image
• The scan primarily has another purpose, and time is limited

The nuchal translucency scan takes place early in pregnancy and is not performed to determine sex. Sometimes a guess is made, but early in pregnancy, it can be uncertain, and it should be seen as an assessment (not a guarantee).

If you're considering making plans based on an early "guess," it might be helpful to discuss with yourselves how important a definitive answer is before you buy a lot of things or widely share the news.

The purpose of the anomaly scan is to review the fetus's development. If conditions are good, the sex can often also be assessed, but it is still not always possible.

A good rule of thumb is to go in with the expectation that you might get the answer, but it could also end with a "we can't see it clearly today." This doesn't mean anything is wrong, but often just a matter of angle and positioning.

Clearly state at the beginning that you do not wish to be informed of the sex. You can also ask that it not be said aloud, even if it can be seen.

NIPT is a blood test that some are offered or choose privately. It is primarily developed to investigate the risk of chromosomal abnormalities. In some contexts, sex may also be indicated, but what you are informed of, and when, depends on local guidelines and the specific offer.

Talk to your doctor, midwife, or clinic about:

• What the test investigates
• What answers you can receive (and if sex is included)
• How to consent to the information you want

If you want to increase the chance of getting a useful answer, you can:

• State beforehand that you want a sex assessment (if relevant for the scan)
• Accept that you might get a "not certain" or "not possible today"
• Discuss with your partner whether you want to receive the answer together or if it should be a surprise

And remember: There is no "right" way to feel about it. Some are disappointed if they can't find out the sex right away, others feel relieved to wait. Both are completely normal.

The waiting period can feel long, and the body often changes gradually during pregnancy. If you need more comfort in everyday life, you can look at Pregnancy, Support belts, and Pregnancy support bands.

If you're unsure what suits you best right now, take it easy and choose support and flexibility rather than something that feels tight. Feel free to talk to your midwife if you have discomfort or pain, so you can find the best solution together.