What is the Hamburger Sign in Ultrasound? A Simple Guide for Expecting Parents

Finding out your baby’s gender is one of the most exciting moments in pregnancy! Some parents love the surprise, while others can't wait to know if it’s a boy or a girl. You might hear about the hamburger sign ultrasound if you're eager to find out. But what does that mean? And how accurate is it? Let's keep it simple and explain what to expect at your next scan!

What Is the Hamburger Sign in Ultrasound?

The hamburger sign ultrasound is a way doctors check if a baby is a girl during a scan. It gets its name because, on the ultrasound, the baby's genital area looks like a hamburger—three white lines representing the labia and clitoris (two buns and a patty in the middle!). This helps doctors tell the difference between a boy and a girl.

For a baby boy, the ultrasound shows a "turtle sign" instead, where the penis and scrotum are visible instead of the three lines. It may sound funny, but this method is a handy way to figure out your baby's gender early on!

When Can the Hamburger Sign Be Seen in an Ultrasound?

Expecting parents excited to know their baby's gender usually find out during the second trimester. The hamburger sign ultrasound is easiest to see between 18 and 22 weeks when the baby’s genitalia are fully developed and visible on the scan.

Sometimes, a skilled sonographer might spot it as early as 14 weeks, but early gender predictions aren't always accurate. That's why most doctors wait until at least 18 weeks to give a more reliable answer.

You Must Read: Chinese Gender Predictor

How Sonographers Use the Hamburger Sign to Identify a Baby Girl

During an ultrasound, the sonographer carefully checks the baby's lower body to see if they can spot the hamburger sign ultrasound. The baby’s position is important—if they're in the right spot, the technician looks for the three white lines that indicate a baby girl.

But sometimes, babies don't cooperate! If the view isn't clear, the technician might ask you to change positions, drink water, or walk around to help the baby move into a better spot.

How Accurate Is the Hamburger Sign in Predicting Gender?

The hamburger sign ultrasound is a common way to determine a baby’s gender, but it’s not always 100% accurate. The baby's position, ultrasound quality, and the technician's skill can all affect the results.

After 18 weeks, ultrasound gender predictions are about 95% accurate, but mistakes still happen. Sometimes, the umbilical cord or baby's fingers can look like genitalia, leading to confusion. That's why some parents confirm the results with other tests for extra certainty!

Other Methods Used to Determine Baby's Gender

Aside from the hamburger sign ultrasound, there are other ways doctors can determine a baby's gender:

1. NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing) is a blood test that can determine gender as early as 10 weeks with nearly 99% accuracy.
2. Amniocentesis or CVS (Chorionic Villus Sampling) – These are invasive tests primarily used for genetic screening but can also reveal gender with certainty.
3. 3D and 4D Ultrasounds – These advanced imaging techniques provide a clearer view of the baby's body, making gender identification easier.
4. Old Wives' Tales and Gender Prediction Kits – While fun, these are not scientifically reliable. Methods like the shape of your belly or cravings are purely for entertainment!

Related Article: Old Wives’ Tales for Baby Gender Predictions

Conclusion

The hamburger sign ultrasound is a simple and helpful way for doctors to tell if you’re having a baby girl. While it's not 100% accurate, it gives a good early guess about your baby’s gender. If you're excited to find out, this method and other tests can give you a pretty clear idea.

But in the end, whether it's a boy or a girl, what truly matters is that your baby is healthy and growing well. Enjoy this special journey and have fun preparing for your little one's arrival!