Precise DNA Baby Gender Testing is normally carried out in an accredited testing laboratory. There are two types of samples that are normally used. These are either blood or Urine samples. The laboratory would analyze the samples in order to detect the fetal DNA present in them. The sample done through blood can be considered the more invasive one as you would need to prick your own finger in order to collect a drop of blood on FTA paper.
In terms of affordability, the Baby Gender Test done through a blood sample seems to be the one falling in the lower price bracket. Possibly this could be due to the fact that it’s been out in market for longer and seems to be a little bit easier to find. The test done via a blood sample also means that there is no need to abstain from sexual contact 72 hours before the sample collection. But when it comes to accuracy of the test itself, the urine test beats the all at a 99% accurate result rate. Unfortunately the baby gender test done through blood so far has only managed to promise accuracy of 95%. Even though there is a slight difference, it is not worth taking the risk of obtaining a wrong result. Always steer clear of old wives tales and myths like the Drano test or cabbage test – these tests are not accurate or scientific.
What happens in the laboratory? How does it work?
In order to find out the sex of your baby, a laboratory needs to detect the fetal DNA in the sample provided. This technology is a very advanced one and is done through a process called “Polymerase chain reaction” or “PCR.” By detecting the presence of a Y Chromosome in either the blood or urine sample we are able to tell if the mother is expecting a boy or a girl. All men carry and XY pair of Chromosomes while girls carry two XX Chromosomes. It is therefor accurate to say that any Y Chromosome present would indicate the boy and the lack of the Y Chromosome would indicate a girl.
Even though the urine sample might be considered the be the best option due to it’s higher accuracy level at 99%, caution needs to be taken as not to contaminate the sample with any male chromosome. It is advised not to engage in sexual intercourse for at least 72 hours before collecting the sample.
Which is most accurate. Ultrasound or DNA baby gender testing?
Ultrasound in itself does is not based on a scientific evidence at all. It is merely an observation and detection of the male genitalia that can be seen whilst capturing an image of the baby in the womb. DNA baby gender testing is a scientific confirmation that there is or not the presence of the male Y Chromosome. It can be considered to be highly effective to detect the sex of the baby when it is not possible with ultrasound as at time the baby could be positioned in way were it is not possible to see the evidence of the male penis.
Can I afford a baby gender test?
Baby Gender Testing can be affordable if you can’t wait and can’t shake off the eagerness to know the sex of you child earlier than you would normally. You might find yourself itching to start planning for you baby and to tell your friends with grand excitement that it’s a boy or a girl. You can plan to have baby shower gift that already are adequate for the sex of your child. Having the possibility to plan in advance will definitely ease off some stress as you prepare yourself to become a mother.
As the baby gender test with blood has been around a little bit longer that the one with urine, it might be that the cost could be slightly lower. But as advised earlier, with a higher accuracy rate, the urine test is well worth the additional cost as to make sure you get the correct result. As the test becomes more popular the price will come down but one must consider that this test is indeed an advanced test that is carried out in a highly accreted lab by scientists.
There are many old wives tales that explain various traditional methods to determine the sex of your baby. Even though they might be fun to try you must not depend on them as only a DNA test is capable of giving you scientific evidence with the correct result.