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Why Keeping the Baby’s Sex a Surprise Is the Best Surprise of All

Thanks but no thanks, gender stereotyping

Vicky McDonald
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Published on: October 30, 2018

pregnant mom baby gender

When you’re pregnant, one of the first things people ask is, “Is it boy or girl?” These days it’s assumed that you know before birth. 

You can usually discover the sex of your baby at your 20-week ultrasound or even earlier with a blood test. Once you know, you could plan a big reveal party but guess what? You don’t have to find out. You can leave it a surprise. 

Here are just a few reasons why leaving the sex a surprise can be a wonderful thing. 

Thanks but no thanks, gender stereotyping 

Many of us want our kids to grow up as individuals and not feel boxed in by gender stereotypes. Unfortunately, that’s often easier said than done. Take the types of clothes available for kids: frilly pink onesies “for” girls and construction truck pajamas “for” boys. 

And the minute you tell friends and family you’re expecting a boy or girl? You guessed it: The (stereotypical) gifts start rolling in. Before you know it, you already have a closet full of pink before your baby girl is even born. One benefit to keeping your baby’s sex a surprise: You can start off gender neutral right away.  

Not to mention, as soon as people hear that you don’t know the sex, they start to speculate. All the old (and kinda fun) superstitions come out: Sweet cravings for a girl, salty for a boy. Boy bumps are like basketballs while girl bumps are like watermelons. Accuracy aside, it certainly keeps things interesting. 

Sometimes the technicians get it wrong

Even though ultrasound imaging has advanced a lot, it’s still possible for the technician to get it wrong. In fact, it happens about 5 percent of the time. If you want to be 100 percent certain of the sex, get a blood test — or save yourself the hassle and the stress altogether and leave it a surprise.

Talk about a fun surprise

Giving birth can be one of life’s most precious moments. Now add the suspense of finding out your baby’s sex when they arrive, and you’ve got a recipe for even more special day.

One word of caution: If you do choose to keep your baby’s sex a secret, be sure to inform (and remind!) your medical team along the way. They may forget and we don’t want any accidental slip-ups! 

Feel confident when you’re pregnant no matter what the occasion

Pregnant and looking for something special for those upcoming holiday parties? Here’s a tip: Try Rent the Runway. The retailer’s best-known for fancy designer wear and now they’re bringing those clothes and accessories to every stage of pregnancy, too.

Instead of splurging on something that you probably won’t wear again, you could sign up for a one-time rental and get a stunning outfit for four days. You can also choose unlimited rentals where you can rent four different styles and swap them anytime. 

And it’s not just designer goodies, either. You can rent everything from cute workwear to designer maternity jeans. If you’re feeling a bid jaded by your current maternity wardrobe, this service might just be the pick-me-up you need. 

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