Do you want to know whether you are having a boy or a girl? Most parents today do find out the sex of their baby. Until recently, parents would need to wait several months before finding out their baby's gender via ultrasound. Research in the August 10, 2011 issue of the JAMA reveals that a new DNA test successfully identifies a baby's sex very early in pregnancy, yet some argue that having this information could be problematic.
Blood DNA Test Identifies Baby's Sex
A meta-analysis including 57 studies and over 6,000 pregnancies (about half resulting in females, the other half males) were compiled in this review. Results showed that the blood test correctly identified the baby's gender with a success rate between 95-99%.
How is the blood test done? A sample of the mother's blood is taken and is tested for cell-free fetal DNA at seven weeks of pregnancy in order to identify the sex of the baby. In comparison, measuring the DNA in the mother's urine at the same time was found to be unreliable. This DNA blood test is also a noninvasive way to identify certain genetic disorders early in pregnancy.
Current Prenatal Testing More Invasive
Until recently, amniocentesis has been the prenatal test of choice to not only confirm the baby's sex, but alert care providers and parents to the presence of disorders in the baby. However there are downsides to this valuable tool. Statistics show that about 1 in every 200 expectant moms have a miscarriage as a result of amniocentesis. Parents also have to wait until about 14 weeks before it can be done.
Scientists have discovered that this new DNA test can be done much earlier and there is no additional risk to the mother or her baby. The researchers in this review explain that "the availability of a reliable noninvasive alternative to determine fetal sex would reduce unintended fetal losses and would presumably be welcomed by pregnant women carrying fetuses at risk for disorders."
Ethical Dilemma with Knowing Baby's Gender Early in Pregnancy
Some critics have expressed concern that a simple blood test available so early in pregnancy may in fact present parents with additional moral and ethical problems. What if the parents find out the baby is healthy, but he/she is not the gender they were hoping for? This may be especially true in certain regions such as China or India, where " sex selective abortions " are more commonplace.
Would finding out that there are problems with the baby this early in pregnancy also increase the likelihood of parents choosing a medical abortion? While this DNA blood test is indeed a helpful and non-invasive prenatal tool, consumers and providers alike have legitimate concerns surrounding the moral issues of this baby gender test and also how to best utilize it. Undoubtedly expectant parents have more information available to them today than they did years ago. With that information, also comes a heavier responsibility.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
Brenda Lane - Brenda Lane is a published author, Lamaze certified childbirth educator, DONA certified birth doula and approved birth doula trainer.
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