I just do not like surprises. If a family member asks me if I want to know what my birthday gift is, I will answer "Yes" without hesitation. If a friend has news for me and I have to wait to hear it in person because "It's a surprise," then I am filled with dread rather than excitement and anticipation.
But that's just me. As soon as bits and pieces were visible via ultrasound, I just had to know the sex of my kiddo. In addition, I figured I was going to be stressed and distracted enough with the pain and work of childbirth. I didn't want the announcement of my child's sex to be lost in all that. I don't regret learning the sex, either. I felt like it really added an element of bonding when I knew he was a he and I could buy boy clothing and talk to him about his future using his name.
According to CBS News, however, only about 47 percent of people share my desire to know the sex of their baby before giving birth. Now, I think that number is a bit off. Maybe this is why -- the poll consisted of 1,000 adults. And since I'm a parent, you know I'm not used to talking to adults. I only get to talk to myself, children, telemarketers and other parents. (Ha.) I think, though, that if you ask 1,000 pregnant women along with their partners or folks who are already parents (the CBS story mentions this group as being slightly higher) the answer would lean more toward wanting to know the sex. I know that when I talk to other parents, most say they found out or want to find out.
Take the poll or leave a comment about your experience finding out or waiting... Do you wish you'd made a different decision?
Related: Fun Ways to Guess Your Baby's Sex
I made the decision to find out the sex of my son before he was born. I have not regretted that decision once. Prior to being pregnant my husband didn’t think he would want to know but I let him make the decision and we are both glad we did!!
We found out the sex of our children because we wanted to plan accordingly. I found it to be wise so we could buy everything in advance. (unless you wanted to go with everything neutral until the baby arrives) I have no regrets. I felt I was ready and didn’t have to do tons of shopping before the bundles of joy arrived. I could focus 100% on my baby, not last minute running around.
My husband and I decided not to find out the sex of our first child. We had fun picking out boy and girl names and at our baby shower we received lots of neutral colors that would work for either sex. Finding out at the birth that we had a son was much much better than being told by an ultrasound tech 5 months into the pregnancy. I can say that with absolute certainty because we did decide to find out what our second child was. We were thrilled to be having a girl but it was totally anti-climatic. I would much rather be holding my baby in my arms when I find out the sex. #3 will be a surprise!!