20 week scan - error?

[Misslemon01]

How often does the sonographer make a mistake when identifying the baby’s sex at the 20 week scan?

We had ours this week and was told a girl, but not 100%. But a family friend was told a girl but then had a boy! Anyone else have experience of this, or vice versa?

Also: the midwife suggested this was the last scan before the birth ☹️ what a shame, would love to see the baby again before then!

[WaitingTillJuly17]

Are you based in the UK? The 20 week NHS scan is the anomaly scan, meaning that it’s purpose is in fact to detect health problems with your baby not tell you the sex and certainly not to just have a look at the baby. Hopefully your scan showed your baby to be healthy and thriving.

They will never 100% guarantee the sex to you even if they were certain as if there was a “mistake” they would no doubt be blamed for it. If you want another scan and confirmation of sex you could book a private scan.

[Misslemon01]

Thank you. Yes UK-based and well aware it’s an anomaly scan! The sex reveal is also nice though :)

I just wondered if anyone had experience of the wrong sex being told to them, that’s all...

[dkb15164]

From what I've read, it's 98% reliable. I'm 20+5 and we had our scan last week and they said it would be our last till the babies born unless there was any health problems. If you want to make sure closer to the time if you're planning on buying specific girl stuff, you can go for a scan at a private clinic - they'll charge you but they should have a better idea further on of the gender but nothing in life is ever 100%.

[Notsooriginalwerther]

If you’re in the UK 20 week scan will be your last one before birth...unless you have concerns they may book you in for a wellbeing scan to check the baby is okay but those scans are most definately not for verifying sex. If you can go private that would be he best option, they can do 3D or 4D scans to check if baby is a boy or girl and you can just have a scan for the sake of seeing baby :)

[Tinselistacky]

After six boys 2 separate scans told us to expect a girl!!
Overload for all things girlie .......
Ds was a gorgeous surprise!!

[Misslemon01]

I absolutely loathe colour-coding baby stuff and stuff like that, so it’s purely curiosity driving this question! And the whole name thing. Thanks everyone, sounds like we’ll have to be satisfied with c.98% accuracy!

[boredofmyoldname]

I don't have experience personally our hospital refuses to disclose the sex due to people moaning when they get it wrong and because it's "not their concern".

However, the fact they've had to put this in place tells me it's happened several times!

I know 2 people in other areas who've had a bit of a shock at the birth.

[Anticyclone]

Yep.

We were told "it's 100% definitely a girl, I wouldn't say that unless I was certain".

We had to do some pretty rapid boy's name thinking when DS popped out!

I would say it's pointless predicting the sex if it can be wrong. So just let it go, and think of two names!!

[ICanNeverThinkOfAGoodUsrname]

Yep, anomaly scan is the last one you'll have on the NHS but obviously you can pay to go private and have another one (or however many you fancy).

Sonographers do get it wrong on occasion, it's rare but I've heard of a few people who've been told one thing and got another .

[Fruitboxjury]

I’ve never known anyone whose was wrong. You can have a private scan done at any stage, 3/4D can be amazing and are best after 24 weeks I think

[PerfectlyDone]

Huge failure rate.

Which is one of the reasons why monographers don't usually comment on the baby's sex. And in many departments there is a policy to not comment.

Also, they need to concentrate on finding the measurements and features they need to see to ensure the heart/kidneys/liver/brain all look normal - you know, the whole purpose of the scan.

I would not recommend decorating the nursery in pink or blue based on a scan.

[Monkeypuzzle32]

I've had scans since 20 weeks which I assumed was the norm but as I'm considered high risk maybe that's the only reason why? On all they've said it was a girl so I'd be very shocked if it was a boy after all this!

[ICanNeverThinkOfAGoodUsrname]

Sorry, yes, should have said that some women have scans after 20 weeks but they tend to be for higher risk pregnancies.

[sausagerollsrock]

I will be having nhs scans at 28,32,36 and 40 weeks due to my bmi being just over what they like it to be.
I'm just desperate to get the 20 week scan over with so that I know baby is healthy.

[ASDismynormality]

At 20 weeks told girl, at 26 weeks was clearly a boy!

[Monkeypuzzle32]

Icannever I didn't realise not everyone had them, at least that's one bonus I get bring 'high risk' I also paid for a 3D scan and they also agreed girl-I'd recommend a 3D scan to anyone at around 26-29 weeks.