What Is a SneakPeek Test? Baby Gender Test from 6 Weeks
·Future Baby Scanning Clinic
What Is a SneakPeek Test? Finding Out Your Baby’s Sex from 6 Weeks
Boy or girl?
For many expectant parents, finding out their baby’s sex is one of those exciting pregnancy milestones. Some are perfectly happy to wait, while others want to know as soon as they possibly can.
Traditionally, parents have had to wait until later in pregnancy to find out through an ultrasound. A SneakPeek test offers another option — using a small blood sample to predict your baby’s sex much earlier.
So, what exactly is a SneakPeek test, how does it work and how is it different from a gender scan?
Here’s what you need to know.
What is a SneakPeek test?
SneakPeek is an early gender DNA blood test designed to predict whether you are having a boy or a girl.
According to SneakPeek, the test can be carried out from 6 weeks of pregnancy.
Unlike a gender ultrasound, which involves looking at your baby on the screen, SneakPeek analyses DNA found in a sample of the mother’s blood.
The test looks specifically for the presence of Y-chromosome DNA.
If Y-chromosome DNA is detected, the result indicates a boy. If it isn't detected, the result indicates a girl.
How can a blood test tell my baby’s sex?
During pregnancy, small fragments of DNA from the pregnancy circulate in the mother’s bloodstream. This is known as cell-free DNA.
The SneakPeek test analyses a blood sample for Y-chromosome DNA.
Women normally have XX chromosomes, while males usually have XY chromosomes. This means that detecting Y-chromosome DNA in the sample can indicate that the pregnancy includes a male baby.
It sounds quite remarkable, but the science behind analysing cell-free DNA during pregnancy is well established.
How early can you take a SneakPeek test?
SneakPeek says its test can be used from 6 weeks into pregnancy.
That's considerably earlier than parents would normally expect to find out their baby's sex through an ultrasound.
However, it's important to be confident about how far along you are before testing.
If you're unsure of your dates, an early pregnancy scan may help establish how the pregnancy is progressing and provide measurements that can help estimate gestational age.
How accurate is the SneakPeek test?
SneakPeek reports an accuracy rate of over 99% for predicting fetal sex when the test is carried out from the appropriate stage of pregnancy and according to its instructions.
As with any test, however, it's important to follow the correct procedure.
This is particularly relevant because the test is looking for tiny amounts of male DNA. Correct sample collection and handling are therefore important.
SneakPeek or a gender scan – what’s the difference?
Although both can be used to find out whether you may be expecting a boy or girl, they're completely different experiences.
A SneakPeek test uses a blood sample and DNA analysis.
A gender ultrasound scan uses ultrasound imaging so that the sonographer can look at your baby and, where possible, identify the baby's sex visually.
The biggest difference is timing. SneakPeek can be performed much earlier in pregnancy, while gender determination by ultrasound takes place later when the relevant anatomy can be seen more clearly.
There is also an emotional difference.
For some parents, receiving an early DNA result is exactly what they want. Others prefer waiting until they can see their baby moving on screen and discover the sex during an ultrasound appointment.
There's no right or wrong choice — it simply depends on the experience you want.
Does SneakPeek replace an ultrasound scan?
No.
A SneakPeek gender test and a pregnancy ultrasound serve very different purposes.
SneakPeek is designed to predict fetal sex. It does not assess your baby's development, confirm the location of a pregnancy or replace your routine NHS maternity scans and screening.
An ultrasound allows a trained sonographer to look at the pregnancy and, depending on the type and stage of scan, assess particular aspects of development.
You should therefore continue attending all NHS antenatal appointments, scans and screening offered during your pregnancy regardless of whether you have a SneakPeek test or private ultrasound.
What if I’m expecting twins?
This is a particularly interesting question.
According to SneakPeek, if Y-chromosome DNA is detected in a twin pregnancy, the result indicates that at least one of the babies is male.
For identical twins, this can provide more information because identical twins generally share the same sex.
With non-identical twins, however, detecting male DNA cannot tell you whether you're expecting two boys or one boy and one girl.
An ultrasound later in pregnancy may be able to provide further information.
Can I keep the result secret for a gender reveal?
Of course.
Some parents want to know immediately. Others want the result kept away from them completely so that a partner, friend or family member can organise a surprise.
Opening an envelope, cutting a cake, popping a balloon or simply sharing the result privately at home can make the moment particularly memorable.
Just make sure you decide before receiving the result whether you actually want to see it!
What if I’d rather wait for a gender scan?
That's absolutely fine too.
There is something very different about seeing your baby on the ultrasound screen while your sonographer carries out the scan.
For many families, finding out during the appointment becomes part of the experience itself, particularly when a partner or other family members come along.
At Future Baby, our private pregnancy scans are designed to give families time to enjoy seeing their baby while their scan is carried out by an experienced sonographer.
Which option is right for me?
It really comes down to what matters most to you.
If finding out as early as possible is important, an early DNA gender test may appeal to you.
If you'd prefer to wait and find out while seeing your baby on an ultrasound screen, you may prefer a gender scan.
And, of course, plenty of parents choose not to find out at all.
Pregnancy is full of decisions, and this is one of the more enjoyable ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a SneakPeek test?
SneakPeek is an early gender DNA blood test. It analyses a sample of the mother's blood for Y-chromosome DNA to predict whether the baby is male or female.
How early can I take a SneakPeek test?
According to SneakPeek, its early gender DNA test can be used from 6 weeks of pregnancy.
How accurate is SneakPeek?
SneakPeek reports accuracy of over 99% when testing is performed at the appropriate gestation and according to the test instructions.
Is SneakPeek the same as NIPT?
No. Although both involve analysing blood during pregnancy, they are not the same test. SneakPeek is designed to predict fetal sex. It should not be confused with medical prenatal screening such as NIPT.
Does a SneakPeek test replace my pregnancy scans?
No. A gender DNA test does not replace NHS antenatal care, screening or ultrasound scans.
Can I have a pregnancy scan as well as a SneakPeek test?
Yes. They provide different information. Having an early gender DNA test does not prevent you from having your routine NHS scans or choosing additional private pregnancy scans.
What happens if I don't want to know the result myself?
If you are planning a gender reveal, you can arrange for the result to be shared with the person organising the surprise rather than viewing it yourself, subject to the options provided with your test.
Is SneakPeek suitable for twins?
SneakPeek states that it can be used with twin pregnancies, but the interpretation is different. If Y-chromosome DNA is detected with non-identical twins, it indicates that at least one baby is male; it cannot establish the sex of both babies individually.
Thinking about seeing your baby before your next routine scan?
Future Baby offers a range of private pregnancy ultrasound scans at our clinics in Reading, Leicester and Peterborough.