The pregnancy journey is filled with anticipation and excitement, and one of the most eagerly awaited revelations for expectant parents is the sex of their unborn baby. Next Biosciences' Laboratory Research and Technical Specialist, Gloudi Agenbag has developed the MiniMi Early Fetal Sex Test that allows expecting parents the choice to find out their baby’s sex from as early as 10 weeks, with an accuracy of 98%.
Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes, comprising 46 chromosomes in almost every cell of our bodies. These chromosomes come in pairs, with one set inherited from our mother and the other from our father. The final pair, known as the sex chromosomes, ultimately determines the individual's sex. Females typically have two X chromosomes, while males typically have one X and one Y chromosome.
During pregnancy, DNA fragments from the unborn baby's placenta circulate in the mother's bloodstream. Since the placenta and the baby share the same cells at conception, testing the placental DNA in the mother's blood can be analysed to determine the sex of the unborn baby.
The MiniMi Early Fetal Sex Test process begins with a simple blood sample from the expectant mother, making MiniMi a non-invasive and safe option for early fetal sex determination. The extracted DNA is then analysed using technology to detect the presence or absence of a Y chromosome. If a Y chromosome is identified, it indicates the baby is a boy; conversely, the absence of a Y chromosome indicates a girl.
The MiniMi Early Fetal Sex Test is suitable for expectant mothers with a single pregnancy, those more than 10 weeks pregnant, or carrying identical twins (monozygotic). Identical twins share the same genetic material, making MiniMi effective in determining the sex of the babies.
However, it is important to note certain limitations of the test. MiniMi cannot be performed on mothers who had a vanishing twin within the past four weeks, those not yet 10 weeks pregnant, carrying non-identical twins (fraternal), or those who have received a blood transfusion from a male donor. These restrictions are in place to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the results.
Discover early. Plan ahead. From nursery colours to baby names, knowing the gender earlier simplifies your planning process. Moreover, by taking the MiniMi Early Fetal Sex Test, expectant parents also have the option to choose someone else to receive the results, which is ideal for the ultimate gender reveal party!
To find out more information about MiniMi and its revolutionary approach to early fetal sex determination, click here.