20-Week Anatomy Scan: Let's see if everything is fine with the baby?

You're almost five months pregnant now, right? Today we're going to talk about one of the most important and special scans you'll have to have at this time. This is the Anatomy Scan. This is usually done between 18 and 22 weeks of pregnancy. This is very special because it looks in great detail at the development of your little one, from their head to their toes. Many mothers, like you, are a little scared and also very excited about this scan. So let's see what it really is.

What exactly is an anatomy scan?

Simply put, this is a detailed ultrasound scan that examines almost every part of your baby's body. It checks how your baby is developing, whether his organs are developing properly, and whether he has any signs of any congenital conditions.

This is a very important test for your doctor who will be taking care of you throughout your pregnancy. It helps to know the health of your baby and to identify any problems during pregnancy. The person who performs the scan (sonographer) takes pictures of your baby and takes various measurements.

How do you do this scan?

This is just like any other ultrasound scan you've had before. Ultrasound is a technique that uses sound waves to create pictures of things inside the body.

The person doing the scan applies a gel to your belly and moves a small device called a transducer back and forth over your belly. The sound waves it emits bounce off your baby's body and bounce back, creating a picture of your baby on a computer screen. They look at those pictures to take all the measurements I mentioned earlier.

What do I need to prepare before going for the scan?

This one doesn't really require much preparation. But it does take a little longer than your other scans, about 45 minutes , because they have a lot to look at.

Some doctors recommend that you eat something before the scan. This will allow the baby to move around a bit more. When the baby is moving around, it's easier for the scanner to take the measurements they need. Sometimes, if the baby stays in one position, it can be difficult to see some parts of their body.

What to expect during the scan?

When you go into the scan room, this is what happens:

• You will be made to lie down on an examination bed.
• Then your stomach is exposed and some gel is applied to it.
• The person doing the scan places the transducer on different parts of your abdomen and moves it around.
• They look at the screen and take the necessary pictures and measurements. Sometimes you'll see them drawing lines on the screen and measuring the length of the baby's arm, leg, or head.
• If the baby's position makes it difficult to see something, they may tell you to turn around a little, or give you something sweet to drink. That way, the baby may move a little.
• Once they've taken all the necessary measurements, they'll wipe away the gel on your belly and give you some beautiful scan pictures of your baby as a keepsake.

Is it possible to know the gender of the baby?

Yes. Most of the time, the baby's genitals are visible during this scan. So you can tell if the baby is a girl or a boy . But it depends on the position of the baby. Sometimes it can be difficult to see exactly if the baby's legs are close together. If you don't want to know the baby's gender, don't forget to tell them before the scan starts . Otherwise, they may tell you without you knowing.

Are there any risks to this? What are the benefits?

An ultrasound scan is a very safe test that poses no risk to you or your baby. It does not emit any radiation. So don't be afraid of it at all.

The only downside to this is that there is a very small chance of getting a false positive. That is, there is a very small chance of making a problem seem like it is when it is not, and of missing a problem when it is.

But the benefits outweigh the risks. Knowing early on if your baby has any health problems can help both you and your doctor plan for the special care and treatment your baby needs after birth.

What medical conditions can be detected by the scan?

Remember, this scan cannot detect all birth defects. However, it can help identify some serious conditions.

What happens if I see a problem with the scan?

Most of the time, the results of most anatomy scans are normal . So don't worry. But if you suspect something is wrong, your doctor may refer you to the following:

• Referral to a maternal fetal medicine specialist for high-risk pregnancies .
• Amniocentesis: A test that takes a sample of the amniotic fluid surrounding the baby.
• Chorionic villus sampling (CVS): A test that takes a small piece of the placenta.
• Fetal echocardiogram: A detailed scan that looks specifically at the baby's heart.

Whatever this refers to, your doctor will explain it all to you thoroughly.

The anatomy scan is a beautiful and important milestone in your pregnancy journey. It is a precious opportunity for you to clearly see your little one in the womb and learn about his development. Don't be afraid or anxious about it. If you have any questions, ask your doctor. This is often a happy experience for mothers.