What is an Anomaly Scan?
An anomaly scan, also known as a mid-pregnancy scan, is a detailed ultrasound performed usually between 18 and 21 weeks of pregnancy. It checks for structural abnormalities in the baby, assesses the baby’s growth, examines the placenta’s position, and checks the amount of amniotic fluid.
Cadabams Diagnostics is one of the top diagnostic centres in Bangalore and specialises in diagnostic services for anomaly scans.
Purpose of Anomaly Scan
The scan’s main purpose is to ensure that the baby is developing normally and to detect any potential issues that might require further monitoring or intervention.
Overall, this scan is essential to prenatal care, reassuring and identifying any issues that might need further investigation or intervention.
How does an Anomaly Scan Differ from Regular Ultrasound?
An anomaly scan is a detailed, specific type of ultrasound conducted around 18-21 weeks of pregnancy to check for structural abnormalities in the fetus and assess detailed physical development.
Regular ultrasounds might be less comprehensive, focusing on basic fetal growth, heartbeat, and maternal health at various stages of pregnancy.
Reasons to Have the Anomaly Scan
Reasons to have the anomaly scan include:
- Detecting Birth Defects: It helps identify any structural abnormalities in the fetus, such as issues with the brain, spine, heart, kidneys, and limbs.
- Monitoring Fetal Growth: The scan assesses the baby’s growth to ensure it is developing as expected.
- Checking Placental Position and Health: This is important for ensuring that the placenta is functioning properly and is well-positioned to support the baby’s development.
- Assessing Amniotic Fluid Levels: Proper levels are crucial for fetal health and movement.
Comprehensive Fetal Health Assessment
- These include dating, anomaly, and growth scans, which visualise the fetus’s structure, monitor its growth, and check the placenta and amniotic fluid levels.
- These help detect genetic conditions, infections, and the mother’s health status, which can affect fetal development.
- A blood test can detect certain genetic disorders like Down syndrome, trisomies 13 and 18, and other chromosomal abnormalities.
Early Detection of Physical Abnormalities
Early detection of physical abnormalities in fetus is crucial for planning appropriate medical interventions and providing informed choices to expectant parents.
Determining the Position of the Placenta
Determining the position of the placenta is an important aspect of prenatal care, typically assessed through ultrasound imaging.
Estimating Fetal Size and Growth
Estimating fetal size and growth is critical to monitoring a pregnancy’s health and development. These methods allow healthcare providers to track fetal growth trends over time, ensuring that any potential issues are addressed promptly to support healthy development.
Detection of Congenital Abnormalities
The detection of congenital abnormalities involves various prenatal screening and diagnostic techniques aimed at identifying potential issues with a fetus’s development as early as possible.
Opportunity for Further Testing
When congenital abnormalities or potential risks are detected during prenatal screenings, further testing is often available to confirm the findings, understand their severity, and plan appropriate interventions.
Informed Decision-Making
Informed decision-making in the context of prenatal care involves a process where expectant parents are equipped with comprehensive information about their pregnancy health, potential risks, and the implications of various tests and interventions.
Preparation for Potential Outcomes
Preparation for potential outcomes in prenatal care involves several strategic steps to ensure parents are ready for a variety of scenarios that might arise during the pregnancy or at birth.
Peace of Mind
Achieving peace of mind during pregnancy is vital for expectant parents’ physical and emotional health.
When and How is the Anomaly Scan Performed?
The anomaly scan is typically performed between 18 and 21 weeks of pregnancy. During the scan, a sonographer applies a gel to the mother’s abdomen.
Then, an ultrasound transducer creates images of the baby, checking for structural abnormalities and assessing fetal development.
Optimal Timing During Pregnancy
The optimal timing for various tests and interventions during pregnancy is crucial for monitoring the development of the fetus and ensuring the health of the mother.
Here’s a general timeline for key prenatal tests and procedures:
First Trimester:
- Initial Prenatal Visit: As soon as pregnancy is suspected or confirmed.
- Dating Ultrasound: Between 6 to 12 weeks to confirm the due date.
- First Trimester Screening: Between 11 to 13 weeks, including a nuchal translucency scan and blood tests to assess the risk of chromosomal abnormalities.
Second Trimester:
- Anomaly Scan (Mid-Pregnancy Ultrasound): Between 18 to 21 weeks to check for structural abnormalities and the development of fetal organs.
- Glucose Screening Test: Between 24 to 28 weeks to screen for gestational diabetes.
Third Trimester:
- Growth Scans: Starting from 28 weeks, these may be performed regularly (often monthly) to monitor the baby’s growth, especially in high-risk pregnancies.
- Group B Strep Test: Between 35 to 37 weeks to check for the presence of Group B streptococcus bacteria, which can harm the baby during delivery.
Throughout Pregnancy:
Rh Factor Test: Early in the pregnancy, with follow-up treatment as needed if the mother is Rh-negative.
What to Expect During the Anomaly Pregnancy Scan?
During the anomaly pregnancy scan, you can expect a detailed ultrasound where a sonographer will apply a gel to your abdomen and use a transducer to create images of your baby on a monitor, checking the baby’s structure and development, including the brain, heart, spine, and limbs.
The scan typically takes about 20-30 minutes, and you may receive some immediate comments from the sonographer, with a full report discussed later by your healthcare provider.
How to Prepare for Your Anomaly Scan: Tips for Expectant Parents?
Preparing for your anomaly scan can help make the experience smoother and more comfortable. Here are some tips for expectant parents:
- Schedule Appropriately: Ensure the scan is booked between 18 to 21 weeks of pregnancy, as this is the optimal time for detailed imaging.
- Full Bladder: Drink water before your appointment to have a moderately full bladder, which can improve the clarity of ultrasound images.
- Wear Comfortable Clothing: Choose loose-fitting, comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your abdomen.
- Bring Prior Ultrasound Images: If you have had previous scans, bring these along for reference, as they may provide valuable information for comparisons.
- Understand the Procedure: Familiarise yourself with what the scan involves to reduce anxiety. Knowing that the scan is typically painless and non-invasive can help ease any concerns.
- Plan for Support: Check with the clinic if you can bring a partner, family member, or friend for emotional support, as some facilities may have restrictions.
- Prepare Questions: Write down any questions or concerns you have beforehand so you can discuss them with the sonographer or doctor during your visit.
Understanding Your Anomaly Scan Results
When you receive your anomaly scan results, they will typically include detailed measurements and observations of the fetus’s anatomy.
The sonographer or your healthcare provider will explain these results, highlighting normal findings and any irregularities.
Common Findings and Their Meanings
Some of the common findings are:
- Normal Organ Development: Indicates that the baby’s organs, such as the heart, brain, kidneys, and limbs, are developing appropriately.
- Appropriate Growth Measurements: Confirms that the size of the fetus corresponds to the gestational age.
- Placental Position and Health: This shows the placenta is appropriately located and functioning, which is crucial for the baby’s nourishment.
Common Anomalies Detected in an Anomaly Scan
Some of the common anomalies are:
- Neural Tube Defects: Such as spina bifida, where the spine does not close completely.
- Abdominal Wall Defects: Like gastroschisis or omphalocele, where intestines are outside the body.
- Heart Defects: Various cardiac issues can be identified, which might require further specialised scans.
- Skeletal Anomalies: Issues with the formation of bones or limbs.
- Kidney Problems: Such as missing kidneys or issues with kidney development.
- Facial Abnormalities: Including cleft lip or palate.
Next Steps After an Abnormal Result
If an anomaly scan reveals an abnormal result, the following steps are typically recommended:
- Detailed Discussion with Healthcare Provider: Understand the specific findings from the scan and their implications for the pregnancy and the baby’s health.
- Further Diagnostic Testing: Depending on the anomaly detected, further tests such as detailed ultrasound, fetal MRI, or genetic tests like amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS) may be recommended to confirm the diagnosis.
- Consultation with Specialists: You may be referred to specialists such as a fetal medicine expert, genetic counsellor, or pediatric surgeon who can provide more specific care and advice.
- Genetic Counselling: If the anomaly has a potential genetic cause, genetic counselling can help understand the risks, recurrence in future pregnancies, and implications for family planning.
- Personal and Psychological Support: To manage the emotional aspects of an abnormal scan result, it’s important to seek support, whether through counselling, support groups, or discussions with family and friends.
Limits and Capabilities of the Anomaly Scan During Pregnancy
Limits:
- Detection of Functional Issues: The scan cannot detect functional problems like metabolic disorders or intellectual disabilities.
- Late-Developing Conditions: Some conditions, particularly those that develop later in pregnancy or after birth, may not be detectable during the scan.
- Subtle Defects: Minor anomalies or subtle defects may be missed, especially if the fetus is in a position that makes it difficult to get clear images.
- Maternal Factors: Maternal obesity, scar tissue, or other factors can impede the clarity of ultrasound images, potentially leading to missed or unclear findings.
- Technical and Operator Limitations: The accuracy of the scan can vary based on the quality of the equipment used and the sonographer’s experience performing the scan.
Capabilities:
- Detection of Structural Abnormalities: The anomaly scan is highly effective in identifying major structural defects in the fetus, such as neural tube defects (e.g., spina bifida), heart defects, limb abnormalities, and abdominal wall defects.
- Assessment of Fetal Growth: It helps measure the fetus’s size and growth, ensuring it is developing according to expected milestones.
- Placental Position: The scan checks the location of the placenta, identifying conditions like placenta previa which could affect delivery.
- Amniotic Fluid Levels: It measures the amount of amniotic fluid, which is important for fetal development and movement.
Accuracy and Detection Rates
Anomaly scans are highly effective in detecting many structural abnormalities, with accuracy rates for detecting major defects ranging from 50% to 90% depending on the condition.
Ultrasound Markers and Chromosomal Abnormalities
Certain ultrasound markers, like increased nuchal translucency, short femur length, or echogenic bowel, can indicate a higher risk of chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome, trisomy 18, and trisomy 13.
Limitations in Detecting Certain Conditions
Anomaly scans may not detect all abnormalities, especially those that are functional rather than structural, such as metabolic disorders.
The Role of Amniocentesis
Amniocentesis is a diagnostic procedure that involves taking a sample of amniotic fluid to test for genetic and chromosomal abnormalities.
It is usually offered if there is a high risk of abnormalities based on the anomaly scan or other screenings, and it provides definitive information about conditions such as Down syndrome, trisomy 18, and neural tube defects.
Support and Communication
Effective communication between healthcare providers and expectant parents is crucial for understanding the anomaly scan’s results and implications.
Risks of an Anomaly Scan in Pregnancy
By being aware of these risks and preparing for various outcomes, parents can better manage their expectations and seek the appropriate support throughout their pregnancy.
The Possibility of False Positive Results
- False Positives: An anomaly scan may sometimes indicate the presence of an abnormality that is not actually present. This can lead to unnecessary worry and additional invasive testing, such as amniocentesis, which carries its own risks.
The Risk of False Negative Outcomes
- False Negatives: The scan might also miss an abnormality (false negative), giving a false sense of security. Some conditions may not be visible or develop later, beyond the detection capabilities of the scan at the time it is performed.
Considerations Regarding Ultrasound Exposure
- Ultrasound Safety: Ultrasound is generally considered safe and uses sound waves rather than radiation. However, it is important to ensure that the procedure is performed by a qualified sonographer using appropriate settings to minimise any potential risks, although current evidence suggests that there are no significant risks from ultrasound exposure.
Emotional and Psychological Impact
- Emotional Stress: The process of undergoing an anomaly scan and awaiting results can be stressful for expectant parents. The potential for receiving unexpected or worrying news can cause significant anxiety and emotional distress.
Closing Thoughts: The Role of Anomaly Scans in Your Pregnancy Journey
Cadabams Diagnostics’s team of specialised experts can help if you are looking for fetal Doppler ultrasound scans. We offer diagnostic tests, including laboratory investigations, radiology services, and imaging studies in Banashankari, Bangalore. Our advanced technology and experienced team ensure accurate and reliable results.
With a focus on quality and precision, we strive to contribute to the overall well-being of our patients.
For more information or to schedule your anomaly scan, visit our website or reach out to us at +91 9900665696. Let us be your trusted partner in prenatal care, delivering the highest standards of medical excellence and compassionate support.
FAQs
1. Can anomaly scans detect all birth defects?
Anomaly scans can detect many structural birth defects but not all; some conditions may not be visible or develop later.
2. What should I do before the anomaly scan?
Before an anomaly scan, drink water to have a full bladder, which improves image quality, and carry any previous scan reports.
3. Is the anomaly scan painful or risky?
The anomaly scan is non-invasive and painless, with no known risks to the mother or baby.
4. What is the price for the pregnancy anomaly scan?
The price of a pregnancy anomaly scan varies depending on the location and facility, typically ranging from Rs. 2000 to Rs. 3000.
5. Can I bring family or friends when I have the scan?
Policies on bringing family or friends during the scan vary by clinic, so it’s best to check with the specific medical facility beforehand.