For expectant parents eager to learn their baby’s gender well before the NHS scan, early gender tests offer an exciting alternative. Peek A Baby is one such provider in the UK, offering a non-invasive gender blood test as early as 6 weeks into your pregnancy. In this review, we’ll explain how the service works, compare it with other early gender testing options, and provide recommendations to help you decide if it’s the right choice for you. There are many services which offer this and there is a great site which offers comparison of gender blood tests available.
What Is the Peek A Baby Service?
Peek A Baby is a private clinic with several locations across the UK, including branches in Bromsgrove, London, and other key areas. Their gender blood test involves taking a small blood sample from the mother, which is then analysed for fetal DNA. The test checks for the presence of the Y chromosome, meaning if male DNA is detected, your baby is likely a boy; if not, it’s a girl.
The process is straightforward: you visit the clinic, and a trained professional collects your blood. The sample is sent to an accredited laboratory that uses advanced genomic technology to ensure results are up to 99.9% accurate when performed from 6 weeks onward. This high level of accuracy makes the test a reliable option for parents who want early reassurance.
Peek A Baby offers two packages:
- Blood Test Only: For parents who just want to know the gender.
- Blood Test + Early Scan: This bundle includes a quick ultrasound to confirm your pregnancy dates and offer that extra reassurance before the blood test.
Results are usually emailed within 5-7 working days, meaning you won’t have to wait long for the exciting news.
How Does Peek A Baby Compare?
When it comes to early gender detection, there are a few options available, including both clinic-based services and at-home testing kits. Here’s how Peek A Baby stacks up against its competitors:
Pricing
Peek A Baby’s pricing is competitive, with the blood test-only option typically costing around £129. The combined package (blood test plus early scan) is slightly higher but offers the added benefit of a reassurance scan. Other providers in the market may offer similar tests at prices ranging from £89 to £250, with lower-priced options often being at-home kits. While at-home kits might seem attractive for their convenience and cost, they sometimes require you to collect your own sample, which can lead to errors or contamination.
Accuracy
Accuracy is critical when it comes to gender tests. Peek A Baby claims a 99.9% accuracy rate, a standard comparable to other reputable clinic-based tests. In contrast, at-home kits, while still highly accurate, can be slightly less reliable if the sample isn’t collected perfectly. Since Peek A Baby’s blood draw is performed by trained professionals in a clinical setting, the chance of error is minimized.
Turnaround Time
For many expectant parents, speed is of the essence. Peek A Baby typically provides results within a week. Some competing services promise even faster turnaround times (as little as 3 days), but it’s important to ensure that speed doesn’t come at the expense of accuracy. Overall, a week’s wait is a reasonable timeframe considering the reliability of the service.
Customer Experience
The experience at Peek A Baby is designed to be both professional and reassuring. Many parents appreciate the comforting environment of the clinic, where you can see your baby on the scan before the blood test. Reviews from various locations, including Bromsgrove and London, highlight the friendly staff and the high level of care provided. For those who prefer a more personalised experience over the more sterile feel of at-home kits, Peek A Baby is a strong contender.
Recommendations for Expectant Parents
Choosing the right early gender test depends on your priorities. Here are some key points to consider:
- Value for Money:
Peek A Baby offers a balanced mix of affordability and reliability. The option to add an early scan means you get double reassurance – both visual confirmation of your baby’s development and the gender result from the blood test. - Professional Service:
If you prefer a service where a trained professional collects your sample and provides immediate support, clinic-based tests like Peek A Baby’s can be more reassuring than at-home options. - Convenience:
While at-home kits offer convenience, visiting a clinic allows for a more comprehensive experience, especially if you’re interested in seeing your baby’s development on an ultrasound. - Reputation and Reviews:
Peek A Baby has built a solid reputation in the UK with positive reviews highlighting their professionalism and caring service. - Timing and Accuracy:
Remember, early gender tests are most reliable when done from 6 weeks onwards. If you test too early, the amount of fetal DNA may not be sufficient, and accuracy could drop. Peek A Baby’s recommendation is to ensure you’re at least 6 weeks pregnant before taking the test.
Conclusion
For many UK parents, Peek A Baby provides an appealing option for early gender testing. With competitive pricing, a high accuracy rate, and the comfort of a professional setting, it stands out as a reliable service for those eager to learn their baby’s gender early on. While other providers may offer faster results or lower prices, the overall experience – including the added reassurance of an early scan – makes Peek A Baby a compelling choice.
Ultimately, the best service for you depends on your specific needs. We recommend considering all the factors discussed and comparing options on sites like FindCompareHealth before making your decision. Whichever option you choose, the journey to discovering your baby’s gender is sure to be an exciting part of your pregnancy adventure!
Happy testing, and congratulations on your pregnancy!
