Patient's question:
I am 20 weeks pregnant and have always been curious about whether I am carrying a boy or a girl. My Down syndrome test results are as follows: Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), result: 96.52, unit: U/ml, corrected MOM: 1.98, Free B-HCG, result: 30.82, unit: U/ml, corrected MOM: 3.18, Free Estriol, result: 10.96245, unit: U/ml, corrected MOM: 1.46. I don't know the most accurate method to determine the gender from the Down syndrome results. The help I need: What is the most accurate method to determine gender from the Down syndrome results?Doctor's answer:
There are two items in the Down syndrome screening: alpha-fetoprotein and human chorionic gonadotropin. Although the internet says that an MOM value less than 1 indicates a boy, this is not supported by evidence. Down syndrome screening is used to determine the likelihood of a fetus having Down syndrome, not to determine the gender of the fetus. The current accurate methods for determining fetal gender are ultrasound, amniocentesis, or cord blood testing. The statement you mentioned is completely irrelevant and lacks scientific basis. Down syndrome screening is used to assess the risk of the child developing several congenital diseases, including Down syndrome, and it has no relation to whether the child is a boy or a girl.In your case, it is generally acceptable to have an ultrasound examination around 14 weeks of pregnancy. Under normal circumstances, it is possible to determine the gender of the fetus, and the accuracy is generally around 80%, which is quite reliable. However, sex determination during pregnancy is illegal, and hospitals generally do not allow it. Private clinics might offer this service, but it is unclear whether HCG testing can be used for this purpose.