The accuracy of non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) for fetal sex determination is generally very high. These tests analyze cell-free fetal DNA circulating in the maternal blood to identify the presence of Y-chromosome sequences, which are indicative of a male fetus. If Y-chromosome sequences are detected, the test typically reports a male result; if absent, the result is female.
Precise fetal sex determination offers considerable advantages, including early planning for expectant parents and, more importantly, the early detection of sex-linked genetic disorders. Historically, parents had to wait for ultrasound examinations, typically performed later in the second trimester, to learn the sex of their child. NIPT provides this information much earlier in the pregnancy, enabling timely intervention and informed decision-making where necessary.
