For many couples, the 21 week detailed anatomy scan can be one of the highlights of a pregnancy. It is a wonderful opportunity to see the actual form and movements of the fetus. During the scan a specialist sonographer will measure the fetal size, examine each part of the fetal body, determine the position of the placenta and assess the amount of amniotic fluid. Special attention is paid to the brain, face, spine, heart, stomach, bowel, kidneys and limbs. Finding out the gender of the fetus can be done at this time.

Whatever your 1st trimester NT scan shows, it is recommended that you have a detailed anatomy scan to confirm normal fetal growth & development between 13 weeks and 21 weeks. In pregnancies where the NT (nuchal translucency) measurement was increased, or following infertility treatment or in high risk pregnancies (such as twin pregnancies or maternal diabetes), we will also perform a more detailed heart scan (echocardiography).

Should any fetal abnormality be detected the significance of the findings will be discussed and the parents will be given the opportunity to have further counselling. Many families are surprised at how much can be seen at this scan. Ultrasound is able to show the anatomy that lies within your baby including the brain, stomach, heart, kidneys, bladder, to name a few. Because each part of the fetus is carefully examined, this scan can take from 30 minutes to an hour.

Why is the scan done?

This is a routine examination performed at 20-22 weeks and should be offered to all pregnant women in South Africa. In our practice the vast majority of patients have had a 11-14 week scan which has already determined the number of babies present, estimated due date and risk of Downs Syndrome and early anomaly scan.

The scan at 20-22 weeks is more to assess:

• Fetal structural (morphological/organ) development.
• Early fetal growth
• Placental position
• Amniotic fluid volume
• Cervical length
• Screening for pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure in pregnancy)

What part of the baby will be seen?

You will notice a dramatic difference in the anatomic detail visible in your baby on this scan when compared to the 12 week scan.

The ultrasound will endeavour to evaluate the fetal brain, face, spine, heart, lungs, stomach, kidneys, bladder, cord insertion at the belly button, arms and legs, placenta cervix and amniotic fluid.

Can all abnormalities be seen?

An amazing amount of detail can often be seen. However it is important to realize that not all parts of the baby show up well with ultrasound. No ultrasound examination can ever guarantee a normal fetus. The best centres in the world consistently report on the limitations of ultrasound and its inability to detect all fetal abnormalities.

Up to half the fetal heart defects will not be seen. Some of these are only minor, but some may not be apparent until the fetus is bigger, later in the pregnancy. Many bone growth problems, forms of dwarfism, will only be possible to be suspected late in pregnancy and the diagnosis is made on x-rays taken after the baby is born.

What about diagnosing Down syndrome?

Down syndrome is a problem whereby every cell in the body has an extra chromosome 21. There is no specific diagnostic finding on ultrasound. It is necessary to look at fetal cells down a microscope to diagnose a chromosomal abnormality. Hence, chromosomal lesions such as Down syndrome, cannot be diagnosed with ultrasound. Some 40% of Down syndrome fetuses will appear normal on the 20-22 week scan. Sometimes, there may be some ultrasound findings which can make us suspicious of an increase chance that the fetus has a chromosome lesion. However, noninvasive ultrasound screening for chromosome lesions is best done at the 11-14 week scan.

Are there any serious abnormalities never seen?

Conditions such as cerebral palsy, blindness, deafness, autism and most skin and soft tissue lesions are never detected with ultrasound. The fetal position and size of the maternal abdomen are important factors that affect fetal anomaly detection.

It is better if your bladder is not emptied just before the scan as it helps push the uterus above your pubic bone and generally makes the scanning more technically satisfactory. We don’t require your bladder to be uncomfortable.

Can I tell the sex of my baby?

Fetal sex can often be determined on this scan. Ultrasound is never 100% accurate and fetal position and cooperation will play a big part. If you don’t wish to know the sex please tell us at the start of the examination so we can tell you when to look away from the screen.

Can I bring my partner or support person?

Husbands or partners are always welcome in the ultrasound room. Family members & children are not allowed into the examination room. This is because they are distracting to the sonographer, and the scan may take anything from 30-60 minutes.  They are welcome to join in the last 5 minutes of the examination when everything has been checked.

Is ultrasound safe?

Ultrasound has been used throughout the developed countries all over the world for the past 30- 40 years and no significant harmful effects of obstetric ultrasound have been shown. It is considered safe.

What if an anomaly is found?

We understand that this a very difficult time for the patients and their families. We work closely with Fetal Medicine Specialists in Cape Town.  We will offer referral to these specialized centres (www.fetalassessmentcentre.co.za), with the necessary counselling and support in collaboration with the referring obstetrician/midwife/general practitioner, paediatric specialists and geneticists to offer the parents and the unborn fetus the best expertise available in South Africa.