Anomaly
Scans
It is a mid-trimester ultrasound done for the detailed evaluation of the baby. It serves as a baseline against which later scans can be compared for the growth.
Anomaly scan is also referred by the names of Level II scan, target scan or TIFFA scan.
This scan also helps you to determine the cardiac activity, amniotic fluid and placental position.
When should an Anomaly scan be performed?
An Anomaly scan is usually performed between 20 to 22 weeks.
Based on the expectant mother’s medical history, the healthcare provider might advise performing the test sooner or later.
What protocol is followed while doing scan?
We perform the anomaly scan in accordance with the guidelines and the protocol laid down by ISUOG (International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynaecology) and FMF (Fetal Medicine Foundation, UK) guidelines.
What does your Fetal Medicine specialist examine during an anomaly scan?
The ultrasound waves help with a black and white 2-D image of your baby.
This helps your fetal specialist carefully examine all the vital organs and take the measurements. it involves detailed evaluation of the head and spine, face , neck, heart and its connections, thorax, abdomen, kidneys and urinary bladder, arms and hands and legs and feet.
What is the Role of 3d/4d Scanning in Anomaly scan?
- The 3D/4D scan has no role.
- 2D ultrasound is the best mode to assess the structure of the fetus.
How do I prepare for my 20-week ultrasound?
There isn’t much to do to prepare for your appointment a full bladder is not necessary for an anomaly scan. it is necessary to wear comfortable or loose-fitting clothes.
- Get a snack along with you to the hospital
- Do not apply oil or lotion to the belly.
What can I expect at my 20-week ultrasound?
First, you will lie down on the examination table. Next, an ultrasonic gel is placed on your belly. Then, an ultrasound technician will move an ultrasound wand over different spots in your abdomen. They will take images and measurements of specific organs and parts by freezing the screen. You may also see them draw lines to measure the length of the fetus's limbs or the circumference of its head. This helps them evaluate the fetus's size for its gestational age. You will get to watch the fetus on a screen, one of the most exciting parts of pregnancy.
If the fetus is positioned in a way that makes it hard to take measurements, the technician might ask you to move around a little or take a drink of something sweet to make the fetus move.
Furthermore, your obstetrician will go over the results with you either immediately after the ultrasound or at a follow-up appointment in the next few days.
After all the images are taken and your ultrasound technician is happy with all the angles and measurements, you will be able to wipe the gel off your belly.
Are there any conditions a 20-week ultrasound can’t identify?
The anomaly scan is highly accurate, yet it cannot detect 100% of structural abnormalities. The scan is meant to provide indicators, or markers, of serious health problems. There are some conditions you will not know about until your baby is born.
How Much Time Does an Anomaly Scan Take?
Generally, the duration of the anomaly scan takes around 20 – 45 minutes.
However, it mainly depends on numerous factors, including the position of the baby, maternal body habitus, and the preferences of your healthcare provider.
What is the difference between an NT Scan and Anomaly Scan?
Will a 20-week ultrasound tell me the sex of the fetus?
It is not legally permitted in India.
As per the PCPNDT actus and elimination of the foetus if it is of the. The Act provides for the prohibition of sex selection, before or after conception.
What are the limitations of Anomaly scan?
- Obesity is a special challenge for ultrasonography. The fat in the mother’s abdominal wall absorbs the ultrasound energy, thus degrading the images and making the diagnosis very difficult.
- Multiple gestations (twin/triplet pregnancies etc.) may cause difficulties in ultrasound examination due to fetal position and overlap.
- Other factors such as the patient’s build, scars from a previous operation and the way the baby is positioned may limit the diagnostic ability of this test.
- Certain abnormalities like major cardiac issues, bowel obstructions, congenital diaphragmatic, hernia, hydrocephalus, microcephaly, club foot, kidney or intestinal obstruction may evolve during the later phase of pregnancy. The evolving variations cannot be diagnosed in an anomaly scan. Your fetal expert may recommend a repeat scan between 24 and 25 weeks of gestation in such situations.
- Some findings may not be anomalies but require scan follow-ups, biochemical testing or invasive testing. Some findings may be transient and may change with time