Pregnancy is a journey of excitement, anticipation, and countless questions about your baby's health and development. Among the essential steps in prenatal care is the fetal anomaly scan—a detailed ultrasound that offers a window into your baby's world. This examination provides valuable information about their physical growth and can help identify potential health conditions. Learn more about fetal anomaly scans—what they are, why they matter, and what to expect during the procedure. We'll explore the conditions these scans can detect and their crucial role in supporting a healthy pregnancy.

What is an Anomaly Scan in Pregnancy?

An anomaly scan, also called a fetal anatomy scan or 20-week scan, is a detailed ultrasound performed during the second trimester, typically between 18 and 22 weeks of pregnancy. This important prenatal check evaluates the baby’s physical development and can identify certain congenital conditions or major anatomical abnormalities. It also assesses the health of the placenta, amniotic fluid, and uterus, providing a complete view of the pregnancy's progress.

During the scan, an ultrasound technician (sonographer) will use advanced imaging, such as 2D, 3D, or 4D ultrasound, to take pictures of the baby inside the womb. The sonographer will measure the baby to ensure they are growing appropriately for their gestational age and may also check for any visible abnormalities.

Fetal anomaly scans are routinely offered to all pregnant women, but it is entirely your choice whether to have one.

Why is a Fetal Anomaly Scan Used?

A fetal anomaly scan gives a detailed assessment of your baby’s growth and helps identify any potential abnormalities. It allows ultrasound technicians to measure the baby’s organs and physical features, ensuring proper development and detecting congenital disabilities or developmental concerns.

What Does the Scan Evaluate?

The sonographer will examine various parts of the baby’s body, including:

Heart
Kidneys and bladder
Brain, neck, and spine
Arms, legs, feet, toes, hands, and fingers
Eyes, nose, lips, chin, and face
Stomach and intestines
Chest and lungs

Additionally, the anomaly scan sonography evaluates:

The amount of amniotic fluid surrounding the baby.
The baby's heart rhythm to detect any abnormalities.
The umbilical cord, its attachment to the placenta, and the blood flow.
The placenta's position to ensure it does not cover the cervix (a condition called placenta previa).
The condition of the uterus, cervix, and ovaries to identify any potential complications.

What Conditions Can the USG Anomaly Scan Detect?

Fetal anomaly scans can identify several medical conditions, such as:

Open spina bifida (detected in approximately 90% of affected cases)
Serious cardiac abnormalities
Lethal skeletal dysplasia
Anencephaly
Cleft lip
Exomphalos
Diaphragmatic hernia
Edwards' syndrome
Gastroschisis
Patau's syndrome
Down syndrome
Bilateral renal agenesis

Identifying these conditions early allows expectant parents to consider medical treatments, interventions, or special care before or shortly after birth. This proactive approach can improve outcomes for both the baby and the parents.

When Should You Get an Anomaly Scan in Pregnancy?

An anomaly scan is usually done during the second trimester, between 18 and 22 weeks of pregnancy. This timing ensures the baby’s organs and structures are developed enough for a detailed assessment.

Your sonographer will schedule the fetal anomaly scan during this window to evaluate the baby’s growth, detect any abnormalities, and assess the health of the placenta, amniotic fluid, and uterus.

What Happens During the Fetal Anomaly Scan?

The fetal anomaly scan is one of the longer appointments during pregnancy, lasting between 45 to 75 minutes, depending on the sonographer and the images needed.

Before the scan begins, the sonographer may ask you to eat or have a full bladder to help improve image quality and encourage the baby to move. You will then be asked to lie down on the exam table, and a special gel will be applied to your belly to help the ultrasound wand glide smoothly.

During the scan, the technician will use the ultrasound wand to move over different areas of your abdomen. They will capture images and take measurements of the baby’s organs and body parts, such as the heart, brain, and limbs. They may pause the screen to freeze images for closer inspection. The sonographer will measure the baby’s size, including the length of the limbs and the circumference of the head, to ensure the baby is growing appropriately for its gestational age. Additionally, the technician will check the placenta, amniotic fluid levels, and the baby’s position to ensure everything functions correctly and there are no complications.

One of the most exciting parts of the scan is being able to watch your baby move on the screen. While the technician typically doesn’t discuss the results during the scan, your doctor will review them with you either immediately after or at a follow-up appointment. Once the scan is complete, you can wipe off the gel and, in most cases, take home some pictures of your baby as a keepsake.

What Happens After the Anomaly Scan in Pregnancy?

After the fetal anomaly scan, the ultrasound images are carefully reviewed by an obstetrician to evaluate the baby’s development and overall health. If the anomaly scan report is normal, it indicates that the baby is growing as expected, with no detectable concerns. The obstetrician will discuss the findings with you, providing reassurance and answering any questions you may have.

In cases where the scan reveals unusual or concerning results, the obstetrician may recommend additional prenatal tests to gather more information. Sometimes, early treatment for certain conditions may be initiated. The obstetrician will also monitor any suspected conditions throughout the pregnancy and delivery to ensure the best possible care.

The anomaly scan plays a crucial role in identifying potential health concerns, including genetic or developmental conditions and life-threatening issues that could impact the baby or mother. Regardless of the outcome, the scan’s results guide the next steps in ensuring a healthy pregnancy.

How Accurate is a Fetal Anomaly Scan?

A fetal anomaly scan accurately detects many congenital conditions, especially when performed by an experienced sonographer. It can identify most issues that might require specialist care for the baby. For example, over 90% of cases of open spina bifida can be detected through the scan. Additionally, at least 50% of heart defects can be identified before birth.

However, it’s important to note that not all conditions can be diagnosed with anomaly scan ultrasound. Certain conditions, such as autism or some genetic syndromes, cannot be detected during this scan. While the anomaly scan is a valuable tool, its accuracy depends on factors like the type of condition and the imaging quality.

Conclusion

Going for a fetal anomaly scan can bring mixed feelings for parents—it’s exciting to see a clear picture of the baby and follow their growth, but it can also be a bit nerve-wracking. This scan plays an important role in checking your baby’s health, and if there are any concerns, consulting a healthcare provider can help address them. For most parents, the 20-week anomaly scan is a happy and unforgettable moment.

Apollo Cradle is a well-known maternity hospital in Bangalore, offering great care and modern medical support for expectant parents. With experienced obstetricians and gynaecologists in Bangalore and the latest technology, the hospital makes the journey from pregnancy to delivery smooth and stress-free. Apollo Cradle is known for its high-quality diagnostic services and personalised care, ensuring the health and safety of both mother and baby.

Beyond maternity care, the hospital also has the best paediatricians in Bangalore, making it a great choice for children's health at all ages.

To book an appointment at Apollo Cradle, Bangalore – Brookefield, call 1860-500-4424 today.

Request an appointment at Apollo Cradle, Bengaluru - Brookefield. Call 1860-500-4424 to book an appointment.

1. What is the Anomaly Scan Time?

The anomaly scan week is usually between 18 and 22 weeks of pregnancy.

2. What Happens if an Abnormality Is Found During the Scan?

If an abnormality is found during the scan, your healthcare provider will discuss the results with you and may recommend further tests or treatments. They will guide you on the next steps to ensure the best care for you and your baby.

3. How to Prepare for an Anomaly Scan?

To prepare for a fetal anomaly scan, you may be asked to drink water and have a full bladder before the appointment. Choose comfortable clothing that makes it easy to access your abdomen. Follow any specific instructions given by your healthcare provider for the scan.

4. Is Fetal Anomaly Scan Painful?

No, the fetal anomaly scan is not painful. However, the sonographer might need to apply gentle pressure to your abdomen with the ultrasound wand to get clearer images of the baby. This pressure is usually mild and not uncomfortable for most people.

5. What is the Price for the Anomaly Scan?

The anomaly scan price can vary but typically ranges from ?1,000 to ?5,000, depending on the hospital or clinic. For more information or to book an appointment, please contact Apollo Cradle, Bangalore – Brookefield, at 1860-500-4424. Our team is ready to assist you with any queries or scheduling needs. Call today!