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How early can I tell if my baby is a boy or a girl?

By Robin Elise Weiss, LCCE, About.com

Question: How early can I tell if my baby is a boy or a girl?

Answer: Ultrasound is the least invasive way to find out if you are having a boy or a girl. It is best done during the 18-22nd weeks of your pregnancy. Prior to this time the baby may not be well enough developed to get an accurate answer. After this time the baby is more crowded making it more difficult to get a good view.

Amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling (CVS) are genetic tests that can be used earlier to find out the sex of your baby. They are more invasive and can pose health risks to your baby. Though they also yield better information about genetics.

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