Pregnancy scans · From 16 weeks
Gender Scan
A short, relaxed scan to find out whether you are having a boy or a girl, with a check on the heartbeat and the baby's wellbeing included. If you are planning a reveal, we will put the answer in a sealed envelope and keep it to ourselves.
Performed and reported by accredited clinicians.
- When
- From 16 weeks
- Duration
- 15 minutes
- Price
- €110, report included
About this scan
What this scan involves
From sixteen weeks the baby's sex can usually be seen clearly on ultrasound. The sonographer looks between the baby's legs for the characteristic appearance of boy or girl, and will tell you the answer, or seal it in an envelope, whichever you prefer.
How reliable is it
From sixteen weeks onwards the answer is very reliable, but no ultrasound can be one hundred per cent certain. The baby's position, the umbilical cord and the amount of fluid all affect the view. If the sonographer is not confident, they will say so rather than guess, and offer a repeat appointment.
A wellbeing check comes as standard
Finding out the sex is the reason most people book, but the appointment also confirms the heartbeat and takes a look at the baby's movement, the fluid around the baby and the position of the placenta. It is not a substitute for the detailed anatomy scan at twenty weeks.
When to have it
The best time for this scan
Ideal timing: Sixteen to twenty weeks.
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Before 16 weeks
Too early to be reliable. We do not offer sex determination before sixteen weeks.
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16 to 20 weeks
The ideal window: the baby is large enough to see clearly and still has room to move into a helpful position.
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After 20 weeks
Still possible. If you are booking a Detailed Anatomy Scan at twenty to twenty-two weeks, the sex can be told during that scan if you wish.
What we check
Looked at during the scan
- The baby's sex
- The heartbeat
- The baby's movement
- The fluid around the baby
- The position of the placenta
What's included
€110, nothing added at reception
- The ultrasound examination, performed by an accredited sonographer or consultant
- A written report by a consultant radiologist
- Printed images to take home
- A sealed envelope with the result, if you are planning a reveal
The price you are quoted is the price you pay. No separate reporting fee, no consultation surcharge.
Why people book it
You might choose this scan if
- You would like to know before your twenty-week hospital scan
- You are planning a gender reveal
- Your maternity unit does not tell parents the sex
- You would like a look at the baby between hospital appointments
What to expect
Before, during and after
Before your scan
No preparation is needed. Tell us when you book whether you want to be told on the day or given a sealed envelope, so the sonographer knows not to give it away on screen.
During the scan
The scan is done through the abdomen with warm gel and takes about fifteen minutes. If the baby is lying awkwardly you may be asked to walk around or change position. If we still cannot see clearly, we will offer a repeat appointment rather than give you an uncertain answer.
After your scan
You leave with the answer, or the envelope, and printed images. The written consultant report follows, typically within three working days, and goes to your GP or maternity unit with your consent.
How to prepare
No preparation required. We are happy to write the result in a sealed envelope if you are planning a reveal.
Book your Gender Scan
€110 including the consultant report, 15 minutes. Choose a time online, or send an enquiry and we will call you back, usually within one working day. If you need to reschedule, please let us know as early as you can.
Questions
Frequently asked
Do I need a referral?
No. You can book this scan yourself.
How sure will you be?
From sixteen weeks the answer is very reliable, but not absolute. If the view is not clear enough to be confident, the sonographer will tell you and offer a repeat appointment rather than guess.
Can you keep it secret for a reveal?
Yes. Tell us when you book. The sonographer will avoid showing the answer on screen and will seal it in an envelope for you or the person organising the reveal.
Can I bring family?
One adult guest is welcome in the room. Let us know when you book if you would like to bring children.
Is this the same as the anatomy scan?
No. This is a short scan focused on the sex with a basic wellbeing check. The Detailed Anatomy Scan at twenty to twenty-two weeks is a much fuller examination.
Also consider
Other pregnancy scans
20–22 weeks
Detailed Anatomy Scan
A detailed head-to-toe review of the baby's development, the placenta, the cord and the fluid around the baby.
€220 · 45 minutes
From 24 weeks
Wellbeing Scan
Checks the heartbeat, movement, fluid volume around the baby, placental position and blood flow through the cord.
€130 · 30 minutes
26–32 weeks
3D/4D Scan
Three-dimensional still images and live 4D video of the baby's face and features, with printed images to take home.
€140 · 30 minutes