I love it when pregnant moms tell me that they are not finding out the sex of their baby. Or, I secretly hope that the sonogram will be inconclusive. We did not know with either of our children. It was a wonderful experience and here are some reasons why I think people should wait to find out:
1. It will drive people insane! It’s true; people will flip their lid when you tell them you are not finding out. They almost feel betrayed. “The more flustered people were, the more fun it was not knowing!” –Melissa Kosloski, St. Cloud, MN
1. It will drive people insane! It’s true; people will flip their lid when you tell them you are not finding out. They almost feel betrayed. “The more flustered people were, the more fun it was not knowing!” –Melissa Kosloski, St. Cloud, MN
2. It will give you something to look forward to. You’re still having a baby, but it’s like waiting for Christmas/birthdays. You know what you put on your wish list, but you don’t KNOW what you got until you open it. “Everything is so new the first pregnancy I don't regret finding out. This time around I feel adding this little surprise makes the pregnancy and labor/ birth exciting again!” – Melissa Mayer, Tampa Bay, FL
3. You will save a ton of money. You see those super cute girly clothes or that oh so adorable baby boy tuxedo? Put your money away and wait. Bam! Instant savings! But, but, but, those sweet little Mary Janes! Nope! Wait!
4. You will get things you actually need “instead of adorable (useless) dress outfits”. Jillian Hilton Blakeman, North Richland Hills, TX
People are more likely to buy you the practical items from your registry rather than the cute little clothes. Not that clothes are bad, but instead of having all clothes and no car seat, you are more likely to get the car seat. “So you get gender neutral big ticket stuff, and then more clothes than your baby can possibly wear. It's really just more practical.” –Suzanne Brown, Justin, TX
5. It will narrow down your choices. Pink, Blue, or Green? Green it is!
People are more likely to buy you the practical items from your registry rather than the cute little clothes. Not that clothes are bad, but instead of having all clothes and no car seat, you are more likely to get the car seat. “So you get gender neutral big ticket stuff, and then more clothes than your baby can possibly wear. It's really just more practical.” –Suzanne Brown, Justin, TX
5. It will narrow down your choices. Pink, Blue, or Green? Green it is!
6. It will give you motivation for labor. “I couldn't wait to find out exactly WHO I was meeting.” Kristi Keen, Houston, TX
7. Sometimes, they are wrong. “…and no one needs to know that your son's manhood was actually undetectable.” Jillian Hilton Blakeman, North Richland Hills, TX
8. Disappointment is not usually a reaction. “Some moms express concern that they prefer one gender and they need either the relief of knowing, or time to process disappointment. I actually think waiting until birth to find out is great for these moms - the bonding hormones at birth are so powerful and much more effective than several months of wallowing or trying to force yourself to be excited. You can't help but be excited about and in love with the baby you just pushed out of your body, no matter their genitalia.” Suzanne Brown, Justin, TX
7. Sometimes, they are wrong. “…and no one needs to know that your son's manhood was actually undetectable.” Jillian Hilton Blakeman, North Richland Hills, TX
8. Disappointment is not usually a reaction. “Some moms express concern that they prefer one gender and they need either the relief of knowing, or time to process disappointment. I actually think waiting until birth to find out is great for these moms - the bonding hormones at birth are so powerful and much more effective than several months of wallowing or trying to force yourself to be excited. You can't help but be excited about and in love with the baby you just pushed out of your body, no matter their genitalia.” Suzanne Brown, Justin, TX
9. It’s against nature. “I feel that if we were supposed to know the name and sex of our babies before we met them, there would be a tell. Maybe when you are 20 weeks your pee turns blue or pink. Or perhaps your belly button would pop out only if it’s a boy. Nature would provide a tell.” Lauren McClain, Maryland
I’m not saying that interventions aren’t necessary. I, myself, get the 20 week scan to make sure that everything is a-ok with Baby. I just tell the sonographer to stay away from that area.
I’m not saying that interventions aren’t necessary. I, myself, get the 20 week scan to make sure that everything is a-ok with Baby. I just tell the sonographer to stay away from that area.
10. A private moment with your partner and birth team when the baby makes their appearance. When my son was born, we, obviously, had no idea. After I pushed him out, my husband caught him. I think the moment kind of freaked him out a little and he just placed the baby on my chest without looking. Baby was covered with a towel and after about 5 minutes I said, “What is it?” My husband looked to our midwife just in case she had special powers or something and could tell instantly what we just had. She said, “I don’t know. Why don’t you look Dad!” My husband yelled out “It’s a boy!!! It’s Aaron!!” When our daughter was born, he was a bit more of a pro with the whole catching the baby thing and when he delivered her, he spun her around in all sorts of flips and then yelled out, “Oh my gosh!!! It’s Sara!!!” Both moments were so precious to us and are sweet jokes we have.
Whether you find out the sex of your baby or not, you will still end up with a baby. It will still be a joyous day for you and your family. Just consider what kind of surprise it will be if you decide to wait.
Did you find out? Tell me your surprise stories.
Whether you find out the sex of your baby or not, you will still end up with a baby. It will still be a joyous day for you and your family. Just consider what kind of surprise it will be if you decide to wait.
Did you find out? Tell me your surprise stories.