What are the reasons for the mid-pregnancy anatomy scan?

The main reason for the mid-pregnancy anatomy scan is to help identify some problems with baby or placenta. This scan is offered to all women, some choose not to have the information and some just limited information (for example the position of the placenta).

It is entirely up to you, discuss your needs with the sonographer. It is a usually a very pleasant part of pregnancy care for most couples, but occasionally we find something that can turn your world upside down.

Remember that we are here to help all the way.This scan cannot rule out all possible morphological abnormalities and/or genetic diseases despite the care and time taken for the examination.

A scan is a safe test for you and your baby.

Any special instructions?

It is useful to have a moderately full bladder, which can allow a better picture of the baby as your bladder pushes the uterus up above the pelvic bone. An hour before your appointment, please empty your bladder and drink 2 standard glasses of water. Please do not go to the toilet again until after your scan. We do not need you to have an uncomfortably full bladder. Please talk to our reception staff if you are uncomfortable while waiting for your scan.

What will happen during the examination?

It is useful to have a moderately full bladder, which can allow a better picture of the baby as your bladder pushes the uterus up above the pelvic bone. An hour before your appointment, please empty your bladder and drink 2 standard glasses of water. Please do not go to the toilet again until after your scan. We do not need you to have an uncomfortably full bladder. Please talk to our reception staff if you are uncomfortable while waiting for your scan.

• You will be introduced to the sonographer(the person doing the scan) when you are called into the room
• It helps the sonographer to do a high quality study when there are limited distractions, consider leaving a toddler in the waiting room or with a relative until the end of the study
• You will be asked to lie on you back with only your tummy uncovered
• The lights will usually be dimmed
• Gel will then be spread on your tummy to enable contact with the probe
• The probe sends sound wave through your tummy. The sound wave bounce back to produce an image on the screen.
• The length of the study can vary, it usually 20-30 mins

Will I have to come back for another scan?

You may be offered a follow-up scan if we could not complete the study.

Reasons for that includes:

• Baby in a difficult position to see clearly
• It’s too early in your pregnancy to identify all structures
• You are above average weight, it can sometimes make it more difficult to obtain clear pictures

The sonographer may ask for a second opinion because the exact nature of the problem is not clear. Sometimes the finding is considered a normal variant.You may be offered further tests based on our findings. You will be well supported in making these choices.

After your scan

The scan shows that your baby appears to be developing normally

• This means that that all the standard images that were taken during the examination were normal. Most babies in this group will be born healthy with no physical problems. However, we also know there is a very small chance that certain problems cannot be detected by ultrasound

The study could not be completed and you are being offered a follow-up appointment

• Baby in difficult position
• Too early in your pregnancy
• Above average weight sometimes makes it more tricky to obtain clear pictures

We have identified a feature that we would like to review together with experts in the field.

• This will happen in a very timely fashion together with your managing doctor.