Introduction
The prenatal scans are important during the pregnancy to determine the growth and development of the fetus or any possible anomalies. The 20-week scan is important among the prenatal scans where the fetus can be seen through ultrasound and any anomalies are detected early.
What Is a 20-Week Ultrasound Scan?
A 20-week ultrasound scan, also known as an anatomy scan or anomaly scan, is a prenatal diagnostic procedure conducted between the 18th and 22nd weeks of pregnancy. This specialized ultrasound examination helps assess the physical development of the fetus and identify potential anatomical abnormalities and medical conditions.
During this procedure, healthcare professionals utilize two-dimensional, three-dimensional, or even four-dimensional ultrasound technology to capture detailed images of the fetus within the uterus. These images help evaluation of the baby's growth and development in relation to the gestational age. Additionally, the 20-week ultrasound offers the opportunity to determine the gender of the fetus, providing an exciting moment for expectant parents.
During a 20-week anatomy scan, the healthcare provider carefully examines specific aspects of the fetus. These include:
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Head, neck, and brain.
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Heart.
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Arms and legs.
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Fingers, toes, and feet.
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Face.
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Chest and lungs.
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Kidney and bladder.
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Stomach and intestines.
Along with the anatomical assessments, the 20-week anatomy scan also checks for the following:
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Fetal Heart Rate and Abnormalities: Monitoring the baby's heart rate and looking for any cardiac abnormalities.
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Umbilical Cord: Assessing the attachment of the umbilical cord to the placenta and examining blood flow within the cord.
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Uterus, Ovaries, and Cervix: Examination of the mother's uterus, ovaries, and cervix to ensure they are healthy and functioning properly.
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Amniotic Fluid Levels: Measuring the amount of amniotic fluid as an abnormal level can indicate potential issues.
What Are the Questions to Be Asked During a 20-Week Ultrasound Scan?
What Is an Anatomy Scan, and What Will the Technician Look For?
An anatomy scan, often conducted during the second trimester of pregnancy, is a detailed and comprehensive ultrasound examination. During this scan, a skilled technician or sonographer assesses various aspects of the developing fetus and its organs. The technician/ doctor will look for:
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Growth of the Baby: The technician will measure the baby's size and assess its growth to ensure it aligns with the expected gestational age.
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Development of Body Organs: Detailed examination of the baby's internal and external organs, including the brain, heart, lungs, kidneys, stomach, spine, and limbs. This evaluation ensures that these organs are developing correctly.
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Abnormalities: Look for any signs of abnormalities or birth defects. This can include looking for conditions such as cleft lip or palate, spina bifida (a neural tube defect), congenital heart conditions, and other structural or developmental issues.
What Should Be Expected During the Appointment for an Ultrasound?
During the appointment, the technician will use a specialized ultrasound device to capture detailed images of the baby's body. The entire procedure typically lasts between 45 minutes to 1 hour. To ensure the best possible results, make the patient comfortable for the appointment and ensure to drink enough water before the scan. Proper hydration can often enhance the clarity of the ultrasound images, providing a clearer view of the baby's development and health.
What Type of Ultrasound Will Be Done?
The 20-week ultrasound scan can be performed using either a transabdominal or transvaginal ultrasound. In the transabdominal method, a transducer is placed on the mother's abdomen to create images of the fetus from outside the body. On the other hand, transvaginal ultrasound involves the insertion of a small probe into the vagina to capture images from inside the body. The choice between these techniques depends on the specific needs of the examination and the fetus's position.
Is the Mother Able to See the Baby?
Yes, during the ultrasound scan, the mother can often see the baby on the screen. The doctor may describe the baby's head, limbs, and even face, depending on the baby's position and the clarity of the images obtained. It is a special moment for expectant parents to see their developing child. The parents can also get a picture of the ultrasound scan and save the beautiful memories of the pregnancy journey.
Can Hear the Heartbeat of the Baby?
Yes, the baby's heartbeat can be heard during the anatomy scan. The doctor typically uses a Doppler device to measure and listen to the baby's heart rate.
Is It Possible to Find the Sex of the Baby?
Yes, it is possible to determine the baby's sex during the scan, provided that the baby is in a favorable position for the sonographer to identify it accurately.
What Should Be Done if Abnormalities Are Detected During the Scan?
If abnormalities were identified during the scan, the doctor may recommend further prenatal testing to confirm the condition; if possible, treatments are recommended. In some cases, doctors may advise a wait-and-see approach, closely monitoring the baby's development throughout the rest of the pregnancy.
It is important to know that the 20-week anatomy scan can provide probable indications of abnormalities in the baby's growth, but it is not always highly accurate. The fetus may not be in an ideal position during the scan, which can affect the accuracy of the results. A comprehensive evaluation and discussion with the healthcare provider will help determine the best course of action and any necessary next steps.
What Is the Next Step Following the Ultrasound Scan?
If the ultrasound scan reveals any abnormalities, the doctors may recommend further prenatal tests to confirm the findings. If everything appears normal, there may not be a need for another anomaly scan, and the doctors will continue to monitor the baby's development until delivery.
Conclusion
The emergence of innovative imaging techniques enabled the timely monitoring of the baby's development. The growth, development, and any abnormalities are detected early. The ultrasound scan conducted during the 20 weeks of pregnancy is very important scanning compared to the other ones. It helps in the proper assessment of the pregnancy and the health of the developing baby. The expectant mothers can send their concerns to the doctor without any worry. This helps to clear all possible doubts and can have a great period of pregnancy ahead.
