Want to know everything about your baby's 20-week scan (Anatomy Scan)?

You're about halfway through your pregnancy, right? There's something special for you, your husband, and your family to experience at this time. That's the 20-week scan. Some people also call it an "Anatomy Scan." This is where you can get a really good look at how your baby's body is developing. Let's talk about this today, shall we?

What is this 20-week scan (Anatomy Scan)?

Simply put, this is the most important scan you will have during your pregnancy. It is usually done between 18 and 22 weeks of pregnancy. It mainly checks whether all parts of your baby's body are developing properly, whether they are growing for their age, and whether there are any congenital disorders or major anatomical abnormalities.

Your doctor will usually use a 2D ultrasound machine to do this scan. But sometimes a 3D or 4D scan may be done. The technician who does this scan, also called a sonographer, will measure different parts of the baby and make sure that the baby is developing properly. You may even be able to find out the baby's gender during this scan!

What is the main focus of this scan?

This 20-week scan checks a lot of things about your baby. Specifically, it measures your baby's internal organs and body parts to see if they are growing properly. It also checks for any congenital conditions or structural problems with certain organs.

Here are some things to check in particular:

• Heart: The baby's four chambers, major blood vessels, and function are checked.
• Brain, neck, and spine: Brain development, skull shape, and any spinal deformities (such as `Spina Bifida`) are checked.
• Kidneys and bladder: Check whether both kidneys are present, their size, and whether the bladder fills and empties.
• Hands and feet: Things like the length of the limbs, the number of fingers, and their position.
• Hands, fingers, feet, and toes: Are these fully developed or are there any defects?
• Lips, chin, nose, eyes, and face: The shape of the face is checked for anything like a cleft lip.
• Chest and lungs: How the lungs develop, whether there is any problem with the diaphragm.
• Stomach and intestines: The stomach and intestines are checked for proper positioning and any obstructions to their function (conditions such as `Gastroschisis`, `Omphalocele`).

In addition to these things, the person doing the scan will pay attention to a few other things:

• They listen to the baby's heart rate and check for any abnormal rhythms.
• Umbilical cord blood circulationAnd it is examined where it is attached to the placenta.
• It checks to see if the placenta is covering the cervix (a condition called placenta previa).
• Your uterus, ovaries, and cervix will also be examined.
• The amount of amniotic fluid surrounding the baby is measured.

This scan takes a lot of pictures. You'll see the scanner draw lines on the screen. These lines are used to measure the size of the baby's organs and limbs. These measurements are compared to your due date. Sometimes you'll be told that the baby is a little big, or small, or just right. Usually, if the baby's measurements are within 10-14 days of the due date, that's considered normal. Unless the baby's measurements are outside that range, your due date won't change.

How can you see the baby on a scan at 20 weeks?

In fact, it can be difficult to make out everything at once when you look at the scan screen. But you will often be able to make out things like the baby's head, nose, arms and legs. While your baby looked like a little ball of cells during your first trimester scan, at 20 weeks your baby looks like a tiny human being .

If you don't understand what you're seeing on the screen, ask the person doing the scan. But remember, they're usually not allowed to explain the results of the scan. But if you ask something like, "What part of the baby is this showing?" they'll probably answer.

How to prepare for the 20-week scan?

There's really no need to prepare too much. This is a little longer than your other medical tests. The scan alone can take about 45 minutes . Then, if you meet the doctor, the entire test can take about an hour and a half (`75 minutes`). So, plan ahead, such as taking time off from work or finding someone to look after the children at home.

Some doctors recommend eating a little, drinking water, and keeping your bladder full before the scan. This will help you see the baby clearly and increase the chance of the baby moving.

What should I expect during the scan?

First, you will lie down on an examination table. Then, a special gel (`ultrasonic gel`) will be applied to your belly. Next, the person doing the scan will move a small device (`wand`) from the ultrasound machine back and forth over your belly. They will `freeze` the screen, take pictures of the baby's various organs and parts, and take measurements. You can watch as they measure things like the length of the baby's limbs and head circumference. These measurements are used to determine whether the baby is the right size for his or her age. You can also watch the screen. This is the most beautiful experience of pregnancy!

Imagine, if the baby's position makes it difficult to take some measurements, the person doing the scan will tell you to move around a bit, or to drink something sweet. That way, the baby will move a little, making it easier to take the measurements.

Usually, the person doing the scan will be quiet while they are working. Don't worry if they don't talk or tell you the results right away. Your obstetrician will tell you the results either after the scan or a few days later.

Once you've taken all the pictures and taken all the measurements, you can wipe off the gel that was applied to your belly. Remember to save some space in the fridge: Often the people who scan will give you some beautiful pictures of your baby as a keepsake!

Can this scan determine the baby's gender?

Yes, usually. By now, the baby's external genitalia (`genitalia`) have developed enough to identify the gender. Depending on the baby's position, the scanner may be able to see either the penis (`penis`) or the labia (`labia`). However, very rarely, if the baby is not cooperating properly, the genitals may not be clearly visible.

Most importantly: If you don't want to know the baby's gender, tell the person doing the scan beforehand. Then they won't tell you. Most of the time, they only tell you the gender if they're absolutely sure.

Is the 20-week anatomy scan dangerous?

Absolutely not. Having a 20-week scan is not dangerous for you or your baby. Research has proven that ultrasound scans are safe. In fact, this scan is medically necessary to detect serious conditions that could affect your baby's life early.

When will I know the results of the scan?

Most of the time, this anatomy scan is a very pleasant experience. In most cases, your doctor will not find any major abnormalities. Procedures may vary at each hospital or clinic. However, you will most likely be able to see your obstetrician-gynecologist right after your 20-week scan. The person who performed the scan will give the images and any findings to the doctor. The doctor will then analyze them and tell you the results.

In some cases, if they suspect something, they may recommend further testing (`prenatal testing`), or they may suggest starting treatment for a condition that was found on the scan. Sometimes, they may also take a ``wait-and-see approach``. That is, they will wait until the baby is born to see if there are any signs of the suspected condition, and then decide on treatment.

What medical conditions can be detected with this scan?

The 20-week scan cannot detect every congenital condition. However, it can help identify some serious conditions:

• Anencephaly (failure to develop the front part of the brain).
• Signs related to chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome or Trisomy 18 and Trisomy 13.
• Cleft lip.
• An opening in the spine (`Spina bifida`).
• Congenital heart abnormalities.
• Absence of one or both kidneys (`Renal agenesis`).
• Gastroschisis (intestines protruding outside the abdominal wall).
• An abnormality of the abdominal wall (`Omphalocele`).
• Skeletal dysplasia (developmental problems of the skeletal system).
• A hole in the diaphragm (`Diaphragmatic hernia`).

Important: The results of this scan are not a `formal diagnosis` of any medical condition. They are only an `indicator` of whether there is a problem. If your doctor suspects something on the scan, he or she will talk to you about what to do next.

Are there any conditions that cannot be detected by the 20-week scan?

Yes, there are. While the 20-week scan can detect some conditions, it can't detect everything. The scan is designed to detect signs of serious health problems. There are some conditions that you won't know about until after your baby is born. For example, many heart conditions are detected after birth. It's also difficult to tell from this scan if your baby has a curve in the back (scoliosis).

Will I need to have any more tests or scans?

If your doctor suspects something at your 20-week scan, they may recommend further tests. These may include amniocentesis, chorionic villus sampling, or a special scan with a perinatologist.

Talk to your doctor early in your pregnancy to find out what noninvasive prenatal testing is available to you. Several tests can be done as early as 20 weeks to check for an increased risk of birth defects.

How does a baby girl look at the 20-week scan?

A good way to identify a baby girl on an ultrasound is to look for the ``three lines.'' However, it is always best to leave the gender determination of the baby to experienced medical professionals.

How does a baby boy look at the 20-week scan?

Sometimes the absence of those three lines is what tells the scan provider that you're carrying a boy. Other times, you may see something protruding from a round sac. That's the baby's penis and testicles. It's always best to let your doctors determine the sex of your baby.

So, what are the most important things we need to remember from this?

While you're excited about your 20-week scan, it's normal to feel a little nervous. You'll get to see your baby and see how he's developing.

Remember:

* This scan is a very important medical test .

* This checks the baby's physical development and whether there are any congenital abnormalities.

* This is not dangerous for you or the baby.

* Most of the time, the results are satisfactory.

* If there is a problem, this will help you know in advance and take the necessary steps.

If you have any questions or concerns about this, talk to your doctor. They will explain everything to you and help you ease your fears. For many people, the 20-week anatomy scan is a wonderful, happy experience.

` 20 Week Scan, Anatomy Scan, Pregnancy Scan, Baby Development, Ultrasound, Prenatal Tests, Congenital Disorders