The Association between Placental Location in the First Trimester and Fetal Sex

Background: Because advance knowledge of fetal sex can satisfy parental curiosity and allay anxiety, attempts at its determination prior to birth have a long history. There may also be reason to determine fetal sex when sex-specific genetic disorders are suspected. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between gestational sac (GS) location and fetal sex.

Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 751 pregnant women. Transvaginal ultrasound was performed during 7-8 weeks of gestation for prenatal care and assessment of pregnancy sac and GS location. Age, parity, gravidity and GS location were recorded. Abdominal ultrasound was performed at 16-20 weeks of gestation to determine fetal health and sex and finally data was analyzed and compared to sex of the fetus after birth using SPSS software version 21.

Results: There was a significant relationship between GS location and fetal sex (P<0.0001). However, pregnancy outcomes (male or female) and GS location (anterior or posterior) were not significant correlated (P= 0.290). There was, on the other hand, a significant relationship between outcomes and GS location (right or left) (P<0.0001).

Conclusion: Maybe GS location could be considered as a helpful method for earlier fetal sex determination.