The Anatomy Scan: A Complete Guide to Your Mid-Pregnancy Ultrasound (Anomaly Scan)

The Anatomy Scan: A Complete Guide to Your Mid-Pregnancy Ultrasound (Anomaly Scan)

“Key Takeaway: Scheduled between weeks 18 and 22, the anatomy scan (also known as the mid-pregnancy anomaly scan) is one of the most comprehensive diagnostic evaluations of your pregnancy. It systematically surveys fetal organs, structural development, amniotic fluid volume, and placental placement.

Key Fetal Structures Examined

• Brain and Spine: Assessment of cerebral ventricles, cerebellum, and complete closure of the spinal column.

• Cardiac Anatomy: Detailed visualization of the four-chambered heart and major outflow tracts.

• Facial Structures and Limbs: Evaluating the facial profile (screening for cleft lip/palate) and verifying the integrity of digits.

• Gastrointestinal & Renal Systems: Confirming stomach filling and functional bilateral kidneys.

• Placental Health: Mapping placental location relative to the cervix (ruling out placenta previa) and measuring amniotic fluid index (AFI).

While watching your baby kick or suck their thumb on screen is deeply joyful, the paramount objective of this scan is ensuring comprehensive fetal vitality.