You might be thinking hooray I get to find out the gender of my baby today but let me give you the lowdown of what to expect at your anomaly ultrasound scan.
Although this scan is known as the scan where you find out the gender of your baby. This scan is actually a detailed examination which checks for physical and structural potential issues in your baby.
It is offered between 18 weeks and 21 weeks.
What does the anomaly ultrasound scan look for?
This scan can detect:
- Pre-eclampsia
- Screens the baby’s heart
- Screens for any physical issues
- Screens for any structural issues
- Growth of the baby
- May be able to detect gender
How to prepare for the anomaly ultrasound scan
As usual make sure you are hydrated so they can get clearer pictures of the baby and don’t forget to bring your antenatal notes.
Here I am 21 weeks pregnant and my what I thought was a bump.
What to expect at the anomaly scan appointment
I had my scan at 21 weeks and 1 day gestation.
You can expect to lay down and the sonographer will do a detailed ultrasound check of the baby.
She will explain everything she is checking as she checks it, but in summary they check the following:
- Fetal measurements of the head , heart, femur and abdomen.
- They will check the heart and heart activity.
- They will assess Fetal movement
- They will check the amniotic fluid levels
- They will check the cords of the placenta as well as it’s structure and position.
- They will check the Fetal anatomy: head, brain, face, spine, neck, skin, chest, four chamber view, rear vessels, abdominal wall, gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, bladder, hands, feet and skeleton.
- Gestational age will also be re-assessed.
- They will look at the gender if the baby is the right position and there is enough time if the baby is not cooperating.
When will you receive your anomaly ultrasound scan results?
At the end of the appointment the sonographer will go through your results verbally and also produce a detailed report which is added to your antenatal notes.
She will also give you 2 ultrasound pictures of the baby to take away with you.
If she was able to get a look at the gender you should finally know the gender of the baby which is super exciting.
If your ultrasound results are normal they will book your next ultrasound scan appointment at 36 weeks for a Fetal growth and well-being check.
She will also ensure you monitor daily the baby’s movements which may have started by the 16 week mark. If you ever suspect reduced movement make sure you call your midwife team.
No concern is too big or too small.
What happens if they detect any issues or they weren’t able to assess everything?
A further ultrasound scan and specialist appointments may be booked for you in this instance.
What happens if they are unable to detect the gender of the baby?
If they are unable to detect the sex of the baby due their position. They will not rearrange any scan to determine the gender.
However, you could book a private scan like I did to have a more special experience when finding out the gender.
I hope this post helped give you an insight of what is the anomaly scan experience in detail.
How are you finding your pregnancy? Comment below and let me know.
If you enjoyed this post why not check out my experience in the second trimester and bump update.
