Gender scan – when can you see the sex? Everything you need to know (2026)

When can you have a gender scan?

One of the questions we get most often from expectant parents is: "When can we find out whether it's a boy or a girl?" The gender scan is the second most booked scan in Denmark, and it's easy to understand why. The moment the sex is revealed is one of the great highlights of pregnancy for many.

At Stork Scan we offer gender scans centrally in Copenhagen by Nørreport Station. No waiting list, no doctor's referral – you book directly online.

From which week can you have a gender scan?

We offer gender scans from week 14+0 up to and including week 40+0. Most people choose to come between weeks 15 and 18, as the sex is easiest to see during this period. The earlier you come, the greater the risk that the fetus is not lying optimally and that we cannot determine the sex with certainty.

Our recommendation is weeks 15–17 – in the vast majority of cases the sex is clearly visible, and there is still plenty of time to tell family and friends, hold a gender reveal or prepare before the baby arrives.

What affects whether the sex can be seen?

It is not always possible to see the sex at the first attempt – even with an experienced sonographer and high-quality equipment. Several factors come into play:

The position of the fetus is the most important factor. If the fetus is lying with its genitals away from the ultrasound scanner, or has crossed legs, it can be difficult to see. This is not something the sonographer can control, but we have tricks to get the fetus to move.

The week of pregnancy also plays a role. Before week 14 the genitals are not fully developed, and even experienced sonographers can find it difficult to determine the sex with certainty. There is therefore a greater risk of misdetermination if you come too early.

The position of the placenta can also affect image quality, as can the mother's build and the amount of amniotic fluid. All these factors can make sex determination more difficult – but at Stork Scan we are used to scanning in all situations.

What if the sex cannot be seen?

At Stork Scan we always offer a free rescan if the sex cannot be determined because of the position of the fetus. You don't have to pay again – we make sure you leave with an answer.

What do you get from a gender scan at Stork Scan?

A gender scan at Stork Scan is much more than just a reveal of the sex. You also get a professional assessment of the pregnancy, including heartbeat, the position of the fetus and placenta, and an estimated weight. You take printed pictures home, and pictures and video clips are sent directly to your phone via QR code immediately after the scan.

Ways to have the sex revealed – choose what suits you

At Stork Scan we know the moment itself is different for everyone. That's why we offer several ways to have the sex revealed:

Find out right away during the scan. The most popular way – the sonographer reveals the sex directly, so you can share the joy in the moment it happens.

Have the sex placed in the envelope with your scan pictures. If you want to open it at your own pace – perhaps at home or with someone special – we put the answer in the envelope with your pictures.

Buy a gender reveal balloon as an add-on. The balloon is filled with confetti in your baby's colour – pink or light blue – so you and your loved ones can open it together and get the answer at the same time.

Scratch cards – a fun way to reveal the sex. Perfect if you want to pass the excitement on to grandparents, siblings or other loved ones so they get their own reveal moment. Or use them yourselves if you prefer to find out that way.

Gender scan for twins

Expecting twins? We also offer gender scans for twins from week 14. The excitement doubles when we find out whether it's a boy and a girl, two girls or two boys. We always set aside extra time for twin scans.

Frequently asked questions about gender scans

When is the earliest gender scan? From week 14+0, but we recommend weeks 15–17 for the best result.

Can you have a gender scan without a doctor's referral? Yes, you book directly with us without any kind of referral.

How long does a gender scan take? The scan takes about 20–30 minutes including a professional review.

Is a gender scan safe? Yes – ultrasound scanning uses sound waves and is well documented as safe for both mother and fetus.

Read more about our gender scan and book your appointment here →