Mid pregnancy ultrasounds, more commonly described as anomaly scans, encompasses the base scanning done in antenatal care. If expectant parents understand what such scans involve, they are in a position to make suitable choices for their pregnancy and that of their unborn baby. In the subsequent sections, you will find your question answered to what an anomaly scan is, why is it needed, what does it involve among other questions.


What Is an Anomaly Scan?

An anomaly scan roughly means an ultrasound examination. This is usually done between week 18- week 22 of pregnancy. An anomaly scan more or less simply means a scan to check for abnormalities or anomalies in the growth of the fetus, including its shape. It is a check-up which can see to it if everything inside the baby's body and limbs goes all right in terms of development.


Objectives of an Anomaly Scan

The key objectives of an anomaly scan are to:

  • Measure Fetal Growth: One of them is to determine its dimensions and size to ensure that the fetus grows proportional to the gestational period.
  • Examining the Organs and Structures: The X-ray obviously reveals the structures of the organs of the fetus, that is the heart, brain, kidneys or limbs to check the anomaly in structures.
  • Confirmation of Multiple Pregnancies: The scan may also reveal multiples pregnancies such as twin, triplet and many more; this alters the antenatal care.
  • Confirmation of Placental Position: Scanning the placenta will enable knowing its position, hence guiding one to judge on some complications when delivering.
  • Measurement of levels of Amniotic fluid: Scans can be used to measure the amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus. This is one aspect that is considered essential for the welfare of the fetus.

Importance of Anomaly Scans

Anomaly scans are significant in the following:


Early identification of anomalies

This would give an early detection if there is a possibility of some kind of congenital abnormalities. This will give both the parents and the health care providers a chance to plan for interventions needed. Some common abnormalities that have been diagnosed include the following:

Neural Tube Defects: The detailed imaging of the fetal spine and skull might identify spina bifida or anencephaly.

  • Cardiac Abnormalities: It will provide an opportunity to detect structural heart abnormalities and enable babies to be referred early on, if necessary, to pediatric cardiologists.
  • Cleft Lip and Palate: These anomalies are also frequently detected during the scan, so there may be early plans available for surgical interventions after birth.

Making an Informed Choice

Anomalies scans may assist the expectant parents in deciding during pregnancy and at delivery time. In such case, if this anomaly is severe enough, then alternative provisions come in handy for the parents:

  • Continued Pregnancy They continue with the pregnancy and prepare for whatever medical attention may arise post-delivery
  • Specialized Care In some cases, preparations for such specialized care might be undertaken shortly after delivery. 
  • Pregnancy Termination Sometimes, because of the gravity and the extent of anomaly, parents have to take very hard decisions regarding continued pregnancy.

Preparation for Delivery

Of course, knowing the health and development of a fetus help birth planning be more effective both on the side of parents and healthcare providers. Here are some examples:

  • Selecting the Right Hospital: If such a serious condition has to be treated, the parents would want to be in the right type of facility with the proper medical experts in case the newborn complicates after birth.
  • Preparation for Newborn's Care: In case the newborn requires special care, he would communicate his teams on the actual birth day so that all the equipment and manpower needed to handle the situation would be ready.

View More: How Many Weeks Is It Safe To Give Birth


Monitoring Mother's Health during Pregnancy

The anomaly scan is not only a scan of the fetus but also a snapshot of the mother's health status from which possible complications may be suspected, including the above mentioned ones:

  • Placental Anomalies: Any such abnormalities as placenta previa may be diagnosed that may affect the mode of delivery.
  • Uterine Anomalies: Any abnormality of the uterus can also be evaluated and further managed accordingly.
  • What to Expect at an Anomaly Scan?

Preparation

Pregnant women are mainly advised to consume enough water and to be fully prepared for scanning. This improves the resolution of images during an ultrasound scan.

A mother, during the test, lies on an examination table. The healthcare provider applies a small amount of gel to the abdomen for easy performance of the ultrasound. Afterwards, sound waves are emitted by means of a transducer that creates images of the fetus on a monitor. The scan usually lasts for about 30 minutes up to one hour depending on the complexity of the test.


What's Next

The results will be communicated to the parent through a doctor after conducting the scan. Should there be something abnormal, you could be advised to undergo further tests or be referred to specialists. Still, in most cases, everything would appear fine with your developing baby through the scan.


Emotional Consideration

While anomaly scans are a form of medical checks; they also translate to being emotionally ready for the expected parents. Waiting to view the baby and know that its health condition may call for a cause for merriment but, as well, creates anxiety on thinking that the anomaly could exist.


Coping with Uncertainty

Anomalies may leave parents with mixed emotions, afraid, unhappy, or bewildered. At such a moment, parents should readily access counseling and other appropriate services without much ado. Healthcare professionals should have guaranteed the patient comprehensive information and support during this course of events.


Conclusion

Scans for anomalies are an essential component of care during pregnancy. They provide information concerning the health and development of a fetus. Early detection allows parents and healthcare provider’s information that may significantly alter the course of a pregnancy, thereby affecting the well-being of a baby. Awareness of the importance of an anomaly scan to expectant parents may make them approach their journey with awareness and confidence.


Please book an appointment with the best Gynecologist in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and all major cities of Pakistan through InstaCare, or call our helpline at 03171777509 to find the verified doctor for your disease.