Early Anomaly Scan

An early anomaly scan also called an anatomy scan, is performed around 18-22 weeks of pregnancy. It helps see the development of the body parts and fetus' organs. It can also help detect congenital issues. You also learn the fetus' sex. The 20-week ultrasound or anomaly scan is a prenatal ultrasound that checks the fetus's physical development. It can also detect anatomical abnormalities. Your doctor might use 2D, 3D, or 4D ultrasound and take images of your fetus inside the uterus. The sonographer or ultrasound technician takes measurements and ensures the fetus grows appropriately. 

What Is An Early Anomaly Scan Used For? 

An early anomaly scan measures your fetus and ensures it grows properly. It can also detect certain structural issues or congenital disabilities. Some parts it examines are: 

• Legs and arms
• Lungs and chest
• Spine, neck, and brain
• Heart
• Bladder and kidneys
• Intestines and stomach
• Face, eyes, nose, chin, and lips

The sonographer: 

1. Listens to the heartbeat of your fetus to check for abnormal rhythms. 
2. Checks for blood flow through the umbilical cord
3. Looks at the placenta to ensure it doesn't cover the cervix
4. Checks your cervix, ovaries, and uterus
5. Measures your amniotic fluid

The doctor takes several images, and the sonographer might draw on the screen to document the sizes of limbs and organs. The doctor then compares this to the due date. You might sometimes measure ahead or behind your due date. The fetus is healthy if it measures adequately within 10-14 days of the due date. The due date does not change until the fetus measures ahead of the due time.

How Does The Scan Look?

It is difficult to understand the scan for untrained eyes. You might be able to spot the legs, arms, nose, and head of your fetus. Your fetus will look more like a baby at around 20 weeks than what it looks like in your first-trimester ultrasound. Your technician might be unable to answer your questions, but they can usually detect and explain the body parts to you. 

Can You Detect Your Fetus' Sex With the Early Anomaly Scan?

Your fetus' genitalia develops enough at 20 weeks to identify the sex. Your technician might be able to spot the labia or penis depending on the fetus' position. There might be chances of missing the genitalia if the fetus doesn't cooperate. You must let your technician know that you don't want to know the sex of your fetus if you want it to be a surprise. 

Is the Early Anomaly Scan Harmful?

The early anomaly scan is safe and not dangerous to you or your fetus. It is medically necessary to detect any potential anomalies. 

What Can You Detect with an Early Anomaly Scan?

While the early anomaly scan will not find all the congenital conditions, it can help with the following: 

• Spina bifida
• Down syndrome indicators
• Cleft lip
• Anencephaly
• A hole in the diaphragm
• Bone problems
• Abdominal wall tissues
• Intestine issues
• Kidneys

You must understand that these scans are not an official diagnosis and are an indicator for further scans. 

What Can You NOT Detect with an Early Anomaly Scan?

The early anomaly scan will not detect everything. It is a form of indicator for serious health issues. However, you will only learn about some issues once your baby is born. For instance, heart issues and scoliosis cannot be found before birth.

Conclusion

The early anomaly scan or the anatomy scan is medically required to check for any serious abnormalities but cannot detect everything. Doctors conduct it around 20 weeks of your pregnancy, which is a safe ultrasound procedure. 

Request an appointment at Apollo Cradle, DELHI-NCR - Chirag Enclave. Call 1860-500-1066 to book an appointment.