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Pregnancy is a transformative journey filled with milestones, and the anomaly scan is one of the most critical ones. This scan ensures your baby is growing healthily and without complications.
Learn about anomaly scans, it’s purpose and procedure, to what you can expect before and after the scan.
What Is an Anomaly Scan?
An anomaly scan, also known as the mid-pregnancy ultrasound or 20-week scan, is a detailed assessment of the baby’s anatomy.
Conducted between 18 and 22 weeks of pregnancy, it checks the baby’s organs, limbs, and overall development, ensuring there are no structural abnormalities.
The scan also provides valuable information about the placenta’s position, amniotic fluid levels, and the baby’s growth trajectory, making it a vital step in prenatal care.
Who Is It For?
The anomaly scan is a routine procedure offered to all pregnant women, but it is particularly important for:
- High-risk pregnancies: Women with conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or a history of congenital abnormalities.
- Multiple pregnancies: Mothers expecting twins or more, as this scan helps monitor the development of each baby.
- IVF pregnancies: To ensure the baby is developing as expected following fertility treatments.
- Women with previous complications: If a prior pregnancy involved abnormalities, miscarriages, or stillbirth, this scan is essential.
Why Do You Need an Anomaly Scan?
The anomaly scan serves several key purposes:
- Assessing the Baby’s Development: It evaluates the baby’s organs, spine, brain, and limbs, ensuring everything is forming correctly.
- Checking for Structural Abnormalities: Conditions like spina bifida, heart defects, or cleft lip can be detected during this scan.
- Monitoring Growth: Measurements of the baby’s head, abdomen, and femur are taken to track growth.
- Placenta Health: The scan identifies the placenta’s position, ruling out conditions like placenta previa, which can cause complications during delivery.
- Amniotic Fluid Levels: It ensures there’s an adequate amount of amniotic fluid to support the baby’s development.
- Determining Baby’s Position: The scan shows how the baby is positioned in the uterus, which is vital for planning delivery.
- Parental Reassurance: For many parents, this scan provides peace of mind and the first detailed glimpse of their baby.
Also Read: How to Read a Pregnancy Scan Report: A Guide For Patients
How to Prepare for an Anomaly Scan
Preparing for a USG anomaly scan is straightforward, but following these steps can ensure accurate results:
- Hydration: Drink plenty of water an hour before the scan. A full bladder helps provide clearer images, especially for abdominal ultrasounds.
- Clothing: Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes for easy access during the procedure.
- Arrive Early: Reach the clinic or hospital a few minutes before your appointment to settle in and fill out any necessary forms.
- Bring Documents: Carry your prenatal records and any earlier scan reports for reference.
- Emotional Preparation: It’s normal to feel a mix of excitement and anxiety. Consider bringing your partner or a loved one for support.
Read More About: Preparing for Your Early Pregnancy Scan: A Guide For New Mothers
What Happens During the Scan?
The anomaly scan during pregnancy is typically performed abdominally and is non-invasive. Here’s what you can expect:
1. Positioning:
You’ll be asked to lie down on an examination table, and a gel will be applied to your abdomen.
2. Imaging:
The ultrasound radiologist will move a handheld transducer over your belly. This device sends sound waves that create real-time images of your baby on a monitor.
3. Detailed Examination:
The radiologist examines the baby’s head, brain, spine, heart, abdomen, limbs, and other organs, taking precise measurements.
4. Placental Check:
The placenta’s position and blood flow are evaluated.
5. Duration:
The procedure typically lasts 20–45 minutes, depending on the baby’s position and cooperation.
6. Comfort:
The scan is painless, though slight pressure may be applied to get better images.
After the Scan
Once the anomaly scan is completed:
- Results Review: The radiologist will provide a detailed report highlighting measurements and observations.
- Discussion with Radiologist: Your radiologist will discuss the findings and any concerns, if applicable, and answer any questions that you may have regarding the findings. In most cases, the scan reassures parents of their baby’s health.
- Follow-Up: Based on the scan’s findings, your healthcare provider may recommend additional tests or scans if necessary.
It’s important to remember that most anomaly scans result in good news, and the information gathered helps ensure a healthy pregnancy moving forward.
What Other Pregnancy Scans Are There?
In addition to the anomaly scan, several other scans play a crucial role in prenatal care:
- Early Pregnancy Scan: Conducted at 6–10 weeks to confirm pregnancy and calculate the due date.
- Nuchal Translucency (NT) Scan: Performed at 11–14 weeks to assess the risk of chromosomal abnormalities like Down syndrome.
- Growth Scan: Conducted in the third trimester to monitor the baby’s growth and position.
- Doppler Scan: Doppler Scans evaluate blood flow in the umbilical cord and placenta to ensure the baby is receiving enough oxygen and nutrients.
