After confirming a pregnancy, many mothers consider learning the baby’s gender the next major milestone and opt to test as early as possible. The earliest way to determine a baby’s sex is through cell-free fetal DNA (cffDNA) analysis, aka the Peekaboo Early Gender DNA Test.
What Is Cell-Free Fetal DNA?
Cell-free fetal DNA (cffDNA) is genetic material that originates from the fetus and circulates freely in the mother’s bloodstream. It is released from the placenta and can be detected through a simple blood test, offering a non-invasive method to analyze fetal genetic characteristics like sex.
The use of cell-free fetal DNA in diagnostic testing has been an industry standard for over a decade. Some common diagnostic tests that utilize cell-free fetal DNA include:
- Early Gender Testing
- Non-Invasive Prenatal Paternity (NIPP) Testing
- Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT)
- Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)
- Amniocentesis
- And More
Cell-free fetal DNA can be detected starting approximately in the 4th-5th week of gestation, and its concentration rises with the progression of pregnancy. This concentration is measurable and is referred to as fetal fraction. By 6 weeks of pregnancy, your fetal fraction is typically high enough to be detected by the Peekaboo Early Gender DNA Test.
Fetal Fraction Explained
Fetal fraction refers to the proportion of cell-free fetal DNA present in a pregnant woman’s bloodstream compared to the total cell-free DNA in her blood.
A woman’s fetal fraction ratio is an important measurement in prenatal testing, as a higher fetal fraction typically leads to more accurate diagnostic test results. However, for a small percentage of women, fetal fraction ratios are lower than normal during the first trimester. This can be influenced by a variety of factors, including gestational age, weight, and medical conditions, and is not necessarily an indication of any problems with the pregnancy.
How the Peekaboo Early Gender DNA Test Works
With the Peekaboo Early Gender DNA Test, only a small blood sample from the mother is required. This sample can be collected at home using our Lancet or Click kit or in person using Peekaboo PRO. After the mother’s blood sample arrives at the Peekaboo laboratory:
Step 1: Cell-Free Fetal DNA Extraction
Our all-female team of lab technicians extract the cell-free fetal DNA from the provided blood sample.
Step 2: Total Fetal DNA Quantification
The DNA is first assessed in terms of quantity. Most moms have enough cell-free fetal DNA in their blood at six weeks, but if you do not, we will contact you and ask you to provide an additional sample.
Step 3: Male (Y) Chromosome Analysis
Once it’s established that there is enough cell-free fetal DNA to proceed with testing, our expert lab technicians will analyze the DNA and check for the presence of a male (Y) chromosome.
Step 4: Interpreting the Results
If a male (Y) chromosome is detected, it indicates you’re expecting a boy! If no male (Y) chromosome is detected, it indicates you’re expecting a girl!
Avoid Testing Too Early
As mentioned above, for a small percentage of women, fetal fraction ratios are lower than average during the first trimester, and a low ratio can be problematic for specific diagnostic tests like Peekaboo. Ensure you are at least six weeks pregnant before providing a blood sample for best results. Check out our due date calculator!
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some frequently asked questions about the earliest test for gender.
Can You Use the Peekaboo Gender Test If You’re Pregnant with Twins?
The Peekaboo Early Gender DNA Test has not been validated for multifetal pregnancies. If you are expecting twins or other multiples, we suggest relying instead on ultrasound and ultrasound 4D to determine your babies’ sexes.
What Is the Earliest Test for Gender?
Peekaboo is one of the earliest tests for gender. The Peekaboo At-Home Early Gender Test is easy, affordable, and accurate. That’s why it’s the only early gender reveal test endorsed by the American Pregnancy Association.
What Is the Difference Between NIPT and Early Gender Testing?
NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing) and early gender testing serve distinct purposes. A NIPT test is typically performed between the 10th and 13th weeks of pregnancy and screens for genetic conditions like Down syndrome. On the other hand, early gender testing focuses solely on determining the baby’s sex and does not screen for genetic conditions. Both tests utilize cell-free fetal DNA as a sample source to be analyzed.
Can Early Gender DNA Testing Be Wrong?
When tested in clinical trials through venipuncture, the Peekaboo Early Gender DNA Test is over 99% accurate. Regarding at-home sample collection, avoid male DNA (even male pet DNA) contamination to best achieve accurate results – even the tiniest amount of male DNA contamination can lead to a false male result.
Be mindful as you use the faucet; avoid touching it with your hands after washing them. Also, steer clear of touching anything after washing your hands – shared towels, your phone, doorknobs, etc – as they can lead to recontamination. Learn more helpful tips for successful at-home testing here!
Ready to discover your baby’s gender?
Get the Peekaboo At-Home Early Gender DNA Test, proven to be over 99% accurate, and discover your baby’s gender as early as 6 weeks from the comfort of home!