What is a Fetal Anomaly Scan?

The anomaly scan examines the anatomical structures of the foetus, placenta, and maternal pelvic organs. It is also referred to as the "anatomy scan," "level 2 ultrasound," or "20-week ultrasound". This scan is a crucial and frequently used part of standard prenatal treatment. The purpose of the ultrasound is to assess for congenital defects and multiple pregnancies, to measure the foetus so that growth issues can be readily identified later in pregnancy, and to arrange the delivery technique.

How is this performed?

This scan is carried out as part of standard prenatal care between the ages of 18 and 22 weeks; however, it is typically done at 19 weeks. The unborn organs may not be large enough or developed enough to allow for ultrasound assessment before 18 weeks of gestation. Depending on local laws, scans obtained after 22 weeks of pregnancy may restrict the ability to request a pregnancy termination.

What All Does This Scan Show?

The mid-pregnancy screening scan is used to examine the health and development of your unborn child, including the growth of their body parts, including the arms, legs, bowel, spinal cord, and kidneys.

Your healthcare provider will talk with you at that time if the scan indicates your baby might have a chromosomal or medical problem.

What is Checked Within the Womb by the Anomaly Scan?

Every region of the baby's body is closely examined by the sonologist performing the scan, and measurements are taken to determine proper growth. He or she looks for any malformations, such as missing fingers or toes, on the limbs and 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; and identifies whether the amniotic fluid level is normal.

How precise is the scan?

Sometimes the baby's position or age, the amount of amniotic fluid around the baby, your body weight, or scar tissue from an abdominal operation, such as a prior Caesarean section, prevent the sonographer from getting a clear look. Some disorders that don't impact your baby's look, emerge later in pregnancy, or harm your baby's heart development after 21 weeks are harder to identify with scans. No screening test will catch every case, but the sonographer and clinician can typically be confident in the results. This indicates that infants are born with diseases or genetic abnormalities that the scan didn't detect in a small percentage of instances.

Consequences if a Flaw is Detected by the Scan

The abnormality scan report will often indicate that your kid is developing normally. The sinologist may occasionally notice an anomaly in the scan results and will seek the advice of a more experienced physician to confirm the findings. The parents will be counselled and asked to contact an expert based on the report. Additional testing may be required to learn more about the fault and determine the best course of action.

Conclusion

The anomaly scan is a crucial way to monitor your baby's growth, the placenta's location, and the condition of your womb. It is a thorough scan, and in some instances, particularly physical or chromosomal abnormalities, such as spina bifida and cleft lip, may be discovered.

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

1. Can my significant other or a friend accompany me to the scan?

Yes. The baby's health problem may occasionally be discovered during the screening scan at 20 weeks. You might want a companion to accompany you to the scanning appointment. Due to the lack of typically available daycare, most hospitals do not let children attend scans. Before your consultation, inquire about this at your hospital.

2. Can the scan hurt me or my unborn child?

Although there are no known risks to the baby or you from getting an ultrasound scan, it's still important to consider your options carefully. You might need to make some critical decisions as a result of the information it may supply. For instance, you might be given the option of additional tests that carry a chance of miscarriage, and you'll need to decide whether or not to consent to them.

3. Can I find out my baby's gender?

In India, prenatal sex determination is a punishable crime, so any parent or doctor who tries to determine the sex of the unborn child is liable to be punished under the law.

4. Does this scan have necessarily to be done?

No, you are free to decide whether to have it or not. Some parents want to learn if their child has a condition, while others do not. Your prenatal care will continue as usual if you decide against having the scan.

5. Will I require any additional tests?

You might be given another test to rule out anything definitively if the scan suggests there might be something. If more tests are provided, you will be given more details so you can decide whether you wish to take them.