Determining the gender of a baby through a blood test is possible using a method called non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT).
NIPT is a screening test that analyzes cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in the mother’s blood to assess the risk of certain chromosomal abnormalities, including conditions like Down syndrome. It is also possible to determine the sex of the baby.
Here’s how the process generally works:
- Cell-Free DNA Analysis: During pregnancy, a small amount of the baby’s DNA circulates in the mother’s bloodstream. NIPT measures this cell-free DNA. The test looks at specific chromosomes to identify any abnormalities and, in the process, can also determine the baby’s sex.
- Chromosome Analysis: The sex chromosomes that determine gender are X and Y. If the test detects a Y chromosome, the baby is male; if it detects only X chromosomes, the baby is female.
- Accuracy: NIPT is highly accurate in determining the baby’s sex, with accuracy rates well above 99%.
NOTE: It’s important to note that NIPT is usually performed after 9 weeks of pregnancy, and the accuracy may be affected in cases of twin pregnancies or if there is an insufficient amount of fetal DNA in the mother’s blood.