16 week gender scan when plus size?

[ducklingb]

Morning,
Just a quick question... I'm VERY overweight, approaching 21st overweight!... my BMI is very high but I had a smooth pregnancy with my son apart from the last few weeks.
Anyway. My question is. Will they be able to identify if the baby is a girl or boy at a 16 week private gender scan? B cause of my extra fluff???

If you want to know for sure, get a harmony or serenity blood test. I had my 20 week scan yesterday and the sonographer said they can't always see the genitals, depending on baby's position. We knew at 11 weeks from the blood test.

I wasn’t 20 stone by far but I’m plus size and 16 week gender scan was fine. Baby wasn’t in a favourable position so had to go back twice until she opened her legs.

If you are really very overweight I’m not sure how accurate it’ll be at 16 weeks. Your fat will obscure baby.

@Liverbird77 oh ok I had a scan at 19 weeks with my son and could see it clearly but I'm getting a bit worried with this one because of it being 3 weeks earlier how much did the blood test cost you?x

I had a private 16w gender scan when my BMI was over 40 (it was around 42-43 I think). They were able to tell the gender (correctly, DC is nearly 4 now). I was told the scan would take a little bit longer because of my "extra fluff" (as you said), and there was a caveat that they could not say with absolute 100% certainty. But I think that's the same with everyone.

@30hours yes I'm aware of the 'fat obscuring the baby' which is why I made this post in the first place I just wanted to know if it was possible for anyone. I'm a size 22 and obviously it isn't ideal but I'm blessed... fingers crossed they can see!x

@FATEdestiny well hopefully they can tell first time round 😂 if not we have our NHS scan 4 weeks after so they should be able to tell at that one. I had my 12 week scan and they did struggle to see all of the baby but managed to get all the measurements and everything they needed x

I was a size 18 at mine ... no problem seeing baby was a girl

I can't see your weight being an issue at all and even if it was they can scan internally! Don't stress yourself with something that's not yet happened. Worst case you go back for another scan or go private, there not Gunna let you go without x

I was a 22, BMI 40 and no problem telling the sex at 16 weeks. Obviously it depends on how you carry your weight (and how baby is positioned) but mine was mostly right around the tummy, so worst position for scans.

It can make scans a little trickier, so maybe be prepared just in case they can’t give a definite answer. But by 20 weeks it should be nice and clear.

hi @duckingb congrats on your pregnancy! I am also a size 22 and i have a bmi of 46. I am pregnant with a baby girl and we found out a 16 weeks + 3 days at a private clinic (Window To The Womb). They had no trouble getting through my many 'layers' to find the baby and determine the sex - it took ages becuase she kept her legs crossed for about 20 mins so we had to go for a walk to move her etc, but it really was fine and a MUCH better expereince than any of my NHS scans. With my 12 weeks they couldnt see to get measurements which you said yours could so i bet yours will be even easier! Best of luck, enjoy it and let us know!! xxx

Thankyou everyone for your replies, I'm pretty confident at my 20 week NHS scan they will be able to determine girl or boy, but was just worried about my 16 week private one... @sailing123 I also carry all my eight round my belly and have mine booked at window to the womb -Bexleyheath- again (same as last time) and they managed to tell he was a boy at 19 weeks. I had to have a few internal scans at 12 weeks and go on a few walks to get baby moving to enable them to check out everything. Dignity goes and you do what you have to do to make sure baby is ok. I just don't want an internal at my gender scan because other family members will be there hahah will let you know how it goes!xx

Just to let everyone know I found out today at 16+4 with no trouble and excited to announce we will be expecting a baby girl ❤️

@ducklingb yay!!! congratualtions what sweet news!!! So happy for you and so glad it all went smoothly! xx

duck I’ve done sonography training. I’m not gonna lie, it’s a bit trickier. The picture quality isn’t as good as the sonar has to travel through a bit more flesh. However with an experienced sonogrrapher they may be able to get a good shot. Be prepared to be asked to pull your tummy up as the flatter and tighter the skin the better!

Good luck.

Oh massively late response !

Congratulations !

@standbyyourmammaryglands hahah thanks for your reply anyway lol yeh I'm used to the awkward pulling up my tummy now had to do it with my first aswell, but I'm just relieved everything is ok and just topped it off they managed to tell she is a she x

Congratulations where did you have ur private scan?