Technological innovations developed through ongoing research in the field of prenatal genetic testing now allow us to perform genetic tests conveniently from our own home. For those looking to learn the gender of their baby as early as possible, a prenatal gender test can be performed simply by sending a blood sample from the mother-to-be to a lab.

This is possible thanks to the discovery of cell-free fetal DNA (cffDNA) in the bloodstream of pregnant women. This type of DNA is found in fetal cells that have been shed from the placenta and circulate in the mother’s bloodstream. The amount of fetal DNA circulating in the mother’s bloodstream increases as the pregnancy progresses, reaching an amount that is detectable in a blood test at around seven weeks into pregnancy. This DNA can be used to determine a number of genetic factors, including the gender of the baby.

It’s All in the Y Chromosome

Gender is a relatively easy aspect of the baby’s genetics to determine. Whether the baby is male or female comes down to the presence or absence of the Y chromosome. The presence of the Y chromosome in a blood sample indicates that the baby is male, while the absence of this chromosome could mean that the baby is female, or not enough fetal DNA was found in the blood sample to detect the Y chromosome. We strongly suggest to our clients that they wait until the 10-week mark in the pregnancy to conduct a prenatal gender test—this is to ensure that the mother’s blood sample will contain enough fetal DNA for Y chromosome detection.

Straightforward Test Results

We try to make the testing process as easy and stress-free as possible for those involved. As such, we provide our clients with an easy-to-read report explaining the results of the test—no consultation with a geneticist required. When it comes to the prenatal gender test, our test results are pretty straightforward—the result will either be positive or negative for the presence of the Y chromosome. If a blood sample was collected at least ten weeks into the pregnancy, we can guarantee that our test results have an accuracy rate of greater than 99%. This is a higher accuracy rate than that provided by an ultrasound, and a prenatal gender test can be performed weeks earlier (an ultrasound that can reveal the baby’s gender is typically performed at 12 weeks into the pregnancy).

At Prenatal Genetics Laboratory, we offer non-invasive methods for testing the gender of your baby—as early as 10 weeks into the pregnancy. Our process involves a simple blood test, and we provide everything you need for collecting and submitting your blood sample. We have also ensured that our tests results are extremely accurate and easy to interpret. Contact us today for an efficient, accurate and affordable prenatal gender test!