Parents have varying preferences on whether to discover the gender of their baby prior to birth or wait for the big day. Ultra sounds are no longer the only way to determine whether you are have a boy or girl. The latest technology has provided parents-to-be with a urine gender prediction test that can provide results 10-weeks sooner. With the convenient advances in gender prediction a difficult choice is presented: To know or not to know?
If you are struggling with this conundrum (like I have), I strongly advise making a pros and cons list. To go a step further, I have made two lists for you to review and determine if discovering your baby’s gender before birth is the right choice for you.
To Know:
- Early start on the name game. Many find the naming process one that takes time, energy, and lots of research. If this is something that is important to you and you feel will take some time, consider knowing prior to birth so the options are narrowed and picking can come seamlessly.
- Gender Reveal Party. Everyone loves to throw a party! Determining the gender of your baby is a wonderful reason to celebrate and share in fun games with close family and friends. If this interests you — know!
- Cure Curiosity. If you are one of those people who likes to be in control, fully aware of the future, and often states, “I don’t like surprises!” then knowing is probably best for you. Using gender prediction tests will only ease curiosity but will prevent a perceive anxiety or stress throughout the remainder of the gestation period.
- Makes you feel more connected to your baby. Parents often find a disconnect calling their little one “it” or “hey, you, in there.” To some, determining their babies gender fosters a special relationship where referring to their unborn child as “little girl” or “baby boy” or even names that are picked far in advance.
- Illnesses specific to gender. On a more serious note, some parents may be more than willing to pursue early gender prediction exams to prevent and prepare for any explicit gender related illness or disease.
Not to Know:
- Element of surprise. The most common reason to not determine gender is the wondrous rush of emotion when seeing your baby for the first time, hearing it cry, and the nurses sharing, “what a beautiful baby (insert gender here)!” If you enjoy the shock and suspense — don’t find out!
- Fun guessing games and bets. Many enjoy the shock of not discovering the gender, while others look forward to the competitive games. There can be gender predication pools as well as the common bets over height and weight.
- Reduce gender bias. While gender roles still play a significant role in western culture, the assumption that a little girl must be dressed in pink and ruffles or a boy in blue and overalls is beginning to lessen. If you feel knowing the sex will in no way shape how you prepare, name search, or room decoration, whether boy or girl, by all means, wait until delivery!
- Disappointment due to error. Yes, even the ultrasound technician can make a mistake. Getting comfortable with the gender prediction via ultrasound or other tests will get you psyched up for your deciphered boy or girl. But there is always a “what-if?” Going through all the planning for one gender or the next can be time consuming and discovering your child is not what was predicted at birth may be frustrating. If you are worried about the risk of error, not knowing may be best for you.
Whether you wait until delivery or determine your unborn baby’s gender, you can enjoy benefits of either choice in addition to the greatest gift of all — the life of a child and opportunity to be a parent.
