The anomaly scan is performed to check the structural development and growth of the baby. It is best performed between 18 – 24 weeks, ideally 20 weeks. The anomaly scan is verbally discussed with you throughout your scan and we encourage you to ask questions during the process. All the results will be discussed with you at the end and you will have time to ask questions so that you can go home feeling reassured.
What do we check for on the Anomaly Scan?
During the anomaly scan we check your baby’s development and look at the following organs and movements on the anatomy scan:
Head, brain and face including cleft lip
Chest and abdomen including the heart, diaphragm, stomach, kidneys and bladder
Spine
The cord insertion
All four limbs and the position of the hands and feet
The placental site and fluid around your baby
Growth
We can also determine the sex of your baby if you wish to know.
Facial profile at 20 weeks
When you attend for the anomaly scan, we will assume that you wish to know about any problems or concerns that are detected by the scan. If any abnormalities are detected, the significance of the findings will be discussed and further counselling offered.
The vast majority of babies are healthy, occasionally some do have problems. Over half of all serious congenital malformations such as anencephaly, spina bifida and major cardiac defects can be detected by the 20 week scan. If the baby appears normal on the anomaly scan, there is only a small chance that your baby will have a structural problem. However, some problems may not be present at 20 weeks, but develop later (e.g. diaphragmatic hernia and some cardiac defects).
At this is my we have a full obstetric medical team which includes two fetal medicine consultants who will support you should any problems be detected. We will also liaise with your healthcare team and hospital, letting them know our findings and provide them with a report, we will organise any follow-up appointments.
