Anatomy Scan (20-Week Ultrasound)
Detailed mid-pregnancy ultrasound examining baby's anatomy, growth, and development. Often when you can learn baby's sex.
📅 When Performed
Weeks 18-22, typically around week 20
⏱️ Results Timeline
Preliminary findings immediately, official results within 1-2 days from doctor
Overview
The anatomy scan, also called the 20-week ultrasound or level II ultrasound, is the most detailed ultrasound of pregnancy. This comprehensive examination checks your baby's anatomy from head to toe, ensuring all organs and systems are developing normally.
During this scan, the technician systematically examines your baby's brain, face, spine, heart, stomach, kidneys, bladder, arms, legs, and all major structures. They also check the placenta location, amniotic fluid levels, and umbilical cord.
This is often the scan where parents choose to learn their baby's sex if they want to know. However, the primary purpose is medical - to check for any developmental issues or abnormalities that may need monitoring or treatment.
🎯 Purpose of Test
- •Examine all major organs and body structures
- •Check heart structure and function in detail
- •Assess brain and spinal cord development
- •Measure growth and confirm due date
- •Determine placenta location (rule out placenta previa)
- •Check amniotic fluid levels
- •Detect structural abnormalities or birth defects
- •Optionally determine baby's sex
🔬 How It's Performed
- 1.Standard abdominal ultrasound with gel on belly
- 2.Takes 30-60 minutes (longer than other scans)
- 3.Technician systematically examines every part of baby
- 4.Multiple images captured from different angles
- 5.May need to reposition if baby isn't cooperative
- 6.Non-invasive and painless
- 7.Performed by specialized ultrasound technician
- 8.Doctor reviews images and provides official results
👀 What to Expect
- →Much clearer, detailed images than first ultrasound
- →Can see baby's face, fingers, toes clearly
- →Baby is much more developed, about 10 inches long
- →May see baby moving, sucking thumb, or yawning
- →Technician will be quiet during exam (needs to concentrate)
- →Questions answered after exam is complete
- →Photos and possibly video provided
- →Can usually learn sex if desired and baby cooperates
✓ Normal Results
All structures developing normally, appropriate growth, normal placenta position, normal fluid levels
⚠️ Abnormal Results
- •Structural abnormalities (heart defects, neural tube defects, etc.)
- •Growth restriction or concerns
- •Placenta previa (placenta covering cervix)
- •Too much or too little amniotic fluid
- •Markers for chromosomal conditions
- •Umbilical cord abnormalities
- •Multiple pregnancy complications
⚠️ Risks & Considerations
- •No risks to mother or baby
- •Non-invasive with no radiation
- •Completely safe
- •Slight chance of false positive findings requiring further testing
📝 How to Prepare
- →Usually don't need full bladder (unlike early ultrasounds)
- →Wear two-piece outfit for easy belly access
- →Bring partner or support person
- →Allow extra time - can take 45-60 minutes
- →Prepare questions for technician or doctor
- →Decide beforehand if you want to know sex
- →Some practices give 3D/4D images - ask if interested