Mothers launch online gender-finder

Parents-to-be can now attempt to have the gender of their babies predicted online, thanks to a Singapore-based Web site dedicated to Asian family issues.

By keying in the mother's age and month of conception into the site (asianparenting.com.sg), the baby's gender can be predicted with 'limited accuracy'.

The site has been developed by two mothers, Francissca Pour and Audrey Lee. A company, Asianparenting, owns it.

The two have a combined nine years experience in the parenting industry but cautioned that their gender-finder could not replace an ultrasound scan. Ultrasounds are usually done during the fifth month of pregnancy.

'We hope that with our extensive library of research materials, doctors' contributions and a panel of expert advisers, the site will provide guidance, counselling and information to young parents the Asian way,' said Ms Pour, chief executive of the company. The site also provides information on issues relating to childcare, the period before conception and education.

Asianparenting says the site expects monthly hits of 50,000 when it is launched in August, and there are plans to unveil it in Malaysia and Hong Kong by the year-end.