To find out or wait???

mw2802 · 07-05-2006, 18:38

We are expecting our first child in October, and will be going for the 2nd scan in a couple of weeks. At this scan we can find out the sex of the child if we wish. Originally we decided to wait until he or she is born to find out the sex, as we wanted the excitement of finding out on the day. Recently though we have discussed finding out at the scan, because we haven't the patience to wait that long!!
We are not bothered what sex the child is, and it isn't a great problem decorating the nursery or buying clothes for him or her, when we don't know what sex it is.

Does anyone have any suggestions or opinions as to whether we should find out or wait, or if you have been through the same experience.

buttonsmum · 07-05-2006, 18:46

It'll be October before you know it, When I was expecting Siobhan I was very tempted to find out but Ian wanted the surprise on the day so we waited until the day and got a lovely surprise.

With it being your first i would say it would make it more special to wait.

SPUGGIE J · 07-05-2006, 18:47

When my wife was pregnent we disscused at length over this issue and decided to wait. All clothing was nuetral with the plan to buy once we were sure. We were offered the choice but declined with the result that when she was in labour and we did not know the sex we were more "teared up " because of it. The not knowing and anticipation is worth it. The decission has to be down to you and partner we can say how we felt and with luck both mothers and fathers will add their views on both sides of the question.

entwisi · 07-05-2006, 19:07

For the first I would say wait, teh second it is probably more convienient to know so you can start sorting out bedrooms etc.

Gayle · 07-05-2006, 19:15

When I had my first we decided not to find out. That would have been fine but everyone kept telling me I was having a boy (old wives tales, midwives etc). We had a boys name chosen and I'd got used to calling it a 'he'. Then when she was born and the midwife said 'it's a girl' I didn't believe her at first.

So when the second was due I decided to find out straight away then there was no confusion at the birth.

It's very personal though so it's got to be your call!

grego · 07-05-2006, 19:36

Why dont you ask them to write it down and seal it in an envelope, thats what we did when I was expecting our first, I didn't want to know the sex but Ian did, we didn't find out in the end and it was a lovely surprise. We are now expecting our second in October and I think we're going to find out this time!

MUMMIBOO · 07-05-2006, 19:54

We could not wait to find out with our first and second but i think if we were to have another one(and that would be the last!) we would wait to find out as we now have one of each.

West Ender · 07-05-2006, 19:58

When I had my children (now aged 42, 40 and 30) there was no such thing as a scan. I would have loved to know what sex they were, before birth, but it was unheard of. The odd thing was, I had a gut feeling about all 3 of them and I was right (girl, boy, girl).

My eldest daughter found out her baby was a boy just a month before he was born - I'd been right again - and my younger daughter knew from 12 weeks that hers was a girl, which I'd said from the day she announced she was pregnant!

It's an individual decision, whether to know or not. No one can advise you but, if you don't want to know, better not invite me round just yet.

Tinkerbelle · 07-05-2006, 20:15

Remember that it isn't 100% accurate. After a scan that said we were having a girl we named my bump Kayleigh .......... Kayleigh was quickly renamed Thomas

entwisi · 07-05-2006, 20:34

You do realise that by posting this he can now sue you for PBT(Pre Birth Trauma )

sarah · 07-05-2006, 20:39

Having not had any children, I have no idea how I would feel if it ever does come about, but I do know me, and I think I would wait and enjoy the surprise on the day.

mw2802 · 07-05-2006, 20:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by grego

Why dont you ask them to write it down and seal it in an envelope, thats what we did when I was expecting our first,

That's a cracking idea, thanks grego. I will suggest that to the misses

mw2802 · 07-05-2006, 20:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tinkerbelle

Remember that it isn't 100% accurate. After a scan that said we were having a girl we named my bump Kayleigh .......... Kayleigh was quickly renamed Thomas

This is true, Ive heard so many stories similar to this, and they only have 2 options how can they get in wrong!!!!!!!!!

junetta · 07-05-2006, 23:22

As in West Enders case, I had my two before scans were the norm. My daughter chose not to know the sex of her three but my son and his wife decided it would be better for them to know.

Personally, I found that the most exciting thing about giving birth was asking what it was! I was well lucky though. I wanted a son first and a daughter next and that's what I got!!

June xx

steeljack · 08-05-2006, 00:03

Why don't you use the old fashioned way of finding out the sex of the baby , dangle a threaded needle over the Mother-to-be's belly and see which way it swings, backards and fro is one sex and side to side is the other (don't remember which is which, but sure someone does)