The sex development of babies is a result of genetic and hormonal processes. During pregnancy, the sex of a baby is genetically determined at the moment of fertilization. This depends on the type of chromosome carried by the sperm cell. If the sperm carries the X chromosome, the baby is a girl; if it carries the Y chromosome, it is a boy. However, it takes a certain amount of time for the external genital organs to develop and for the sex to become visible by ultrasound.
The process of physical sex determination starts from the first weeks of pregnancy and becomes visible by medical methods after a certain stage. This process depends on both genetic and hormonal interactions.
Process of Gender Development
1. Sex Determination at the Genetic Level
At the moment of fertilization, the baby's genetic sex (XX or XY) is determined. At this stage, the genetic material forms the basis for the baby's biological sex. However, the external genitalia have not yet formed and the embryo has a gender-neutral appearance.
2. Hormonal Process and Internal Organ Development
From the 7th week of pregnancy, hormones are secreted depending on the genetic sex. In male fetuses, the Y chromosome SRY genetriggers the formation of the testicles, which in turn leads to the production of testosterone. These hormones lead to the formation of male genitalia (penis and scrotum). In female fetuses, however, testosterone is not produced and the genitalia develop into the vagina and clitoris.
3. Development of External Genital Organs
The external genital organs begin to differentiate from the 9th week of pregnancy under the influence of genetic and hormonal processes. However, these structures are usually not clearly distinguishable by ultrasound until 14-16 weeks of gestation. By the 20th week, ultrasound technology can usually determine the sex with high accuracy.
Gender Determination by Ultrasound
Ultrasound is the most widely used technique for determining the sex of the baby. Generally, the sex can be determined from the 16th week of pregnancy, depending on the position of the baby and the experience of the doctor. However, it is recommended to wait until the 20th week of pregnancy to get a definitive result. Ultrasound not only determines gender, but also assesses the baby's general health and organ development.
Sex Determination and Genetic Testing
In some cases, ultrasound may not provide enough information for sex determination. In such cases, genetic testing comes into play. Especially in risky pregnancies or in cases of genetic disease carriage Amniocentesis or Chorionic Villus Biopsy (CVS) tests such as these can accurately determine the sex of the baby. These tests analyze the baby's chromosome structure and provide clear results.
Ethical Dimensions of Sex Determination
Sex determination can become a controversial issue in some societies as a result of cultural or personal preferences. Prenatal sex determination is strictly regulated in many countries, particularly to avoid discrimination or unethical practices based on sex. This once again emphasizes the importance of ethical principles in medical practice.
Conclusion
Although the sex of the baby is genetically determined at the moment of fertilization, it is usually necessary to wait until the 16-20th weeks of pregnancy for the external genital organs to be visible by ultrasound. As Center Clinic, we provide services with the latest technology by prioritizing the health of both mother and baby during pregnancy. We are at your side for you to have a healthy pregnancy process with the controls performed by our specialist doctors.
