Nowadays, expecting parents tend to host parties - known as gender reveals - to share the happy news with their friends and family. However, there are several like-minded couples out there who plan to keep the gender of their little one tight-lipped and even wait until birth to discover the exciting news.
While keeping your babies' gender a secret may seem tempting, one woman who previously worked in pregnancy ultrasound care has issued important advice for these pregnant parents. Sharing her experience in the field, she warned couples why they could end up regretting their decision - no matter how exciting it may seem.
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Explaining her view on popular video-streaming service TikTok, mum Shanna warned that parents should be "1000% sure" of their decision - as it could potentially lead to disappointment.
Whilst some parents couldn't possibly imagine feeling let down after finding out their child's gender, Shanna explained that it is sadly a common issue after witnessing disappointed parents first-hand.
In a bid to ensure that expecting parents don't get too caught up with the excitement of it all, she pleaded for both parents to stay open-minded about finding out sooner.
Shanna advised: "I would only not find out my baby's gender - so keep it a secret the whole pregnancy - if I was 1000% sure that I wasn't going to be bothered either way.
"I saw lots of couples come in who were like, 'we're not finding out, we don't have a preference'.
"And just from that five-minute interaction with mum and dad, you can tell that one - if not both of those parents - have a preference.
"I've never dealt with gender problems myself, but I do think it would be easier to get over it at 16 weeks and spend the rest of the pregnancy bonding rather than be candidly born, which maybe isn't the gender that you were hoping for.
"You'll then have to deal with the emotions that come with that on top of the barn fire that is the fourth trimester," she added.
Knowing that some pregnancies come with complications, gushing TikTokers praised Shanna for her advice - with some even claiming to be victims of gender upset.
"I had gender disappointment it's really difficult to deal with, I'm happy now though and can't wait for my baby boy xx," one mum admitted.
A second agreed: "I had gender disappointment and everyone said I was ungrateful 24hours later I had finished being upset and picked my names".
Shanna responded: "It’s so common and I think normal, I got the genders I wanted but I think I would have felt it had it been the other way. Congrats on your sweet boy!"
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