9 out of 10 parents want to know the sex of their child before birth

To know or not to know, this is the question many future parents ask themselves. According to a national study conducted in France by Elfe (French Longitudinal Study of Childhood) on births in 2011 and conducted on 18,300 families, the need to know the sex of the child before birth has become a norm, with 89% of mothers and 84% of fathers reported having asked the question.

A desire that varies with the age and experience of the parents

Young mothers under 25 are the most curious, with a staggering 97% wanting to know the sex of their baby. This desire decreases slightly among mothers aged 25 to 29 (92%) and even more among those aged 30 and over (89%). Parents’ experience also plays a role: parents who are expecting their first child are more likely to want to know the sex than those who already have children.

Education, religion, important factors in this decision

Education levels leave a significant mark. Less educated parents are three times more likely to want to know the sex of the baby (15%) than their more educated counterparts (5%). Religious practice also plays a role, as religious mothers (and to a lesser extent fathers) are less likely to want to know gender.

The influence of medical visits on the desire to know

Prenatal care also influences the decision. Couples who have had numerous doctor visits (12 or more) or ultrasounds (5 or more) are slightly more likely to want to know the sex of the baby.

The need to know the sex of the baby before birth is a widespread trend, but there are nuances depending on age, education, religion and medical follow-up. A key fact to remember: 90% of parents want to answer the question “Girl or boy?” » before the great revelation of birth.

Listen to Laisse-moi kiffer, Madmoizelle’s cultural advice podcast.