Clinical Consensus No. 455: Fetal Sex Determination and Disclosure

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Medical Imaging
• Prenatal Diagnosis

Background:

• The routine second-trimester obstetric ultrasound offers an opportunity for fetal anatomical review.
• Fetal sex determination and disclosure are components that can be integrated into this examination.
• Patient autonomy and the potential for diagnosing genital anomalies are key considerations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide guidance on the ultrasound examination of the fetal perineum.
• To offer recommendations for fetal sex determination and its disclosure during obstetric ultrasounds.
• To ensure adherence to patient preferences regarding fetal sex information.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search of PubMed and the Cochrane Database was conducted.
• International guidelines, Canadian legal rulings, and English-language research articles (2003-2023) were reviewed.
• Evidence synthesis informed the development of consensus-based good practice statements.

Main Results:

• Prenatal diagnosis of fetal genital anomalies or variants is possible.
• Parental and caregiver knowledge of fetal sex can be achieved.
• Adherence to patient wishes regarding fetal sex disclosure is emphasized.

Conclusions:

• Examination of fetal genitalia during pregnancy is recommended.
• Fetal sex can be safely disclosed to patients upon request.
• This practice respects patient autonomy and aids in diagnosing potential anomalies.