| Anomaly Scan | 20 Week Scan | Anatomy Scan |
20 to 24 weeks of Pregnancy
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What is an Anomaly Scan?
What is an Anomaly Scan? It is usually the next chance after the 12 week Nuchal Scan to carefully check on growth and development.
When can I have an Anomaly Scan?
The reason the Anomaly Scan isn't performed earlier in the pregnancy is because your baby's internal organs wouldn't be fully formed. After 24 weeks a full anatomical examination may not be possible because your baby will often adopt a less helpful position.
Why is the Anomaly Scan important? It is critical that any abnormalities are detected at this stage so that a management plan can be formulated for the remainder of the pregnancy, for the delivery and if necessary after your delivery if post natal treatement is required. It also allows the parents sufficient time to prepare or make difficult decisions on rare occasions where a severe abnormality is discovered If you are having your scans on the NHS this is usually the last scan that you will have in your pregnancy.
How accurate is the Anomaly Scan? One way to think of the Anomaly Scan is as a big checklist for the operator to complete in order to sucessfully perform the appointment. It is for this reason that sometimes the mother may have to be scanned on several attempts and walk around in between to encourage her baby to move into a better position. Therefore the accuracy of the Anomaly Scan is dependent on the sonographer or consultant's ability to complete every item on the list. Your baby's growth and a well being assessment are also part of the examination.
What will I see at the Anomaly Scan Scan? This can be a confusing or unnerving experience for the parents, which is why all operators at The London Ultrasound Centre will explain what they are looking at as they scan your baby. Parents shouldn't hesitate to query what they are seeing at on the screen. The Anomaly Scan is performed in conventional 2D ultrasound so that internal organs may be examined. It is not possible to scan in 3D or 4D nor would it offer any greater accuracy or detail. During the Anomaly Scan your baby can be seen in its infant form and is the usually the time at which most parents really start to relate to their unborn child on the screen. How does the Anomaly Scan Scan work?During the appointment our sonographer or consultant will:
All the measurements and images will be digitally transferred to our Fetal Database and added into your pregenancy record for comparison with earlier and subsequent later scans. You will receive a comprehensive medical report detailing the health, growth and well being of your baby. A separate copy will be forwarded to your GP, Midwife or Obstetrician.
Are there any other reasons to have an Anomaly Scan? However sometimes parents come to see one of our Fetal Medicine Specialists seeking a second opinion on a condition that has been diagnosed in an earlier Anomaly Scan. In this situation a routine Anomaly Scan is insufficient to fully examine your baby in detail and so we would book you in for a Fetal Medicine Consultation which includes a detailed Anomaly Scan.
Is there anything else I should know about the Anomaly Scan?
Why should I have my Anomaly Scan at The London Ultrasound Centre? In the rare occasion that a fetal anomaly is detected by our sonographer during the Anomaly Scan you will be referred to one of our Fetal Medicine Specialists.
How do I book an Anomaly Scan?
What is my next scan? If you are having your scans on the NHS this is usually the last scan that you will have in your pregnancy. You may also consider having a 4D Baby Scan from 24 weeks. |
