At around twenty weeks of pregnancy, an anomaly scan closely examines the baby and uterus (womb). What the thorough scan looks for in the baby and the womb is as follows:

Every region of the baby's body is closely examined by the radiologist doing the scan, and measurements are taken to assess proper growth.

Look for any malformations, such as missing fingers or toes, on the limbs.
Examines the lips, nose, and other facial characteristics.
Searches for congenital anomalies in the brain, spinal cord, bones, heart, lungs, kidneys, and abdomen.
Inspects the placenta's location.
Identifies if the amniotic fluid level is average.

About the test

The primary goals of the anomaly scan are to properly evaluate the pregnancy and identify any uncommon disorders, such as those of the brain, spine, and heart. The placenta's location, the quantity of amniotic fluid present, the size of the fetus, and each portion of its body are all assessed during the scan. The brain, face, spine, heart, stomach, colon, kidneys, and limbs get particular care.

The importance of the results will be addressed if any anomalies are found, as well as the opportunity to get further consultation from an expert.

Risk factors associated with the test

Although undergoing a fetal anomaly scan is not known to pose any threats to the baby or you, it is still vital to consider your options carefully. It could provide you with the knowledge that requires you to make critical choices.

Preparing for the test

Since a full bladder is unnecessary for your ultrasound exam, please eat regularly and drink properly. However, unless you are uncomfortable, we ask that you refrain from emptying your bladder before your visit since having some fluid in the bladder helps with vision.

What to expect from the test

It takes time to do the 20-week ultrasound, so allow plenty of time. Do not plan it around crucial commitments like business meetings.

Your ultrasound appointment might take 45 minutes or well over an hour.

It often relies on how obedient your small one feels on any given day. After the ultrasound is finished, you may schedule a consultation with your doctor.

Possible results of the test

The mid-pregnancy anomaly scan aims to examine the developing infant for any physical anomalies. While it can't detect every issue, it does provide a sonographer with a concept of the baby's bones, heart, brain, spinal cord, face, kidneys, and belly. It enables them to recognize the following problems, some of which are pretty uncommon:

Exomphalos
Unclosed spina bifida
Diaphragmatic hernia
Cleft lip
Anencephaly
Major renal anomaly
Edwards' syndrome or T18
Serious cardiac
abnormalities
Patau's syndrome or T13

The scan usually shows that the infant is growing correctly, but sometimes, the sonographer may discover or suspect a problem.

When to see a doctor

The scan aims to check the developing infant for any significant physical anomalies. The right pregnancy period and quality of the scanning machine affect the result. In the image, the radiologist can examine the baby's face and hands at 20 weeks and get insight into what is happening. Without a doubt, this is wonderful.

A comprehensive examination of the fetus must be performed at this time since this scan is mainly intended to exclude or confirm fetal defects. In essence, the scan is a full-body ultrasound evaluation of the baby.

Conclusion

You can get a 4D scan of the fetus depending on the technology and equipment availability. Your little one's adorable face will be revealed, their size will be updated, and you can see whether everything is growing and developing typically. While some individuals can take home a perfect 4D picture of their child's face, others are left with a basic outline of their features.

The technician will look for any abnormalities in the organs. All of this may seem quite daunting, and it undoubtedly increases the anxiety level of this thrilling ultrasound. It's also crucial to remember that spotting any possible problems early on can assist you and your medical team in creating a strategy for delivery and beyond. Additionally, it might aid in psyching you up for the adventure ahead. One of your pregnancy's largest and most significant visits is the ultrasound at 20 weeks.

Request an appointment at Apollo Cradle, Amritsar - Abadi Court Road. Call 1860-500-4424 to book an appointment.

1. Should I fill my bladder up and consume water before my scan?

The doctor may ask you to walk, have a drink, and then return to the scan room if she is having trouble getting clear images of your baby, which is usually the case with the 18-20+6-week scan.

2. Why is an anomaly scan performed?

This is a crucial, in-depth scan carried out to look at every aspect of the fetal body and any anomalies.

3. Do I need another scan?

If everything seems fine, you won't likely need another scan. You may need to have the scan redone on a different day if the sonographer cannot see everything correctly, possibly because you are overweight or the baby is resting in an unusual position. This often occurs but doesn't always indicate that the sonographer has observed anything concerning. You won't be given a third scan if the sonographer makes two unsuccessful efforts to get a clear picture of the baby.