20 Week Scan


The 20-week scan, also known as the anomaly scan or morphology scan, is a significant milestone in prenatal care.

Conducted around the halfway point of pregnancy, this ultrasound examination provides a comprehensive assessment of the developing fetus's anatomy and health.

The 20-week scan serves as a critical tool for identifying potential issues early in pregnancy. If any abnormalities are detected, further testing or consultations with specialists might be recommended to determine appropriate measures.

It's important to remember that while the scan is highly informative, not all problems can be detected with absolute certainty. Nonetheless, the comprehensive assessment it provides plays a significant role in ensuring the health and well-being of both the expectant mother and the developing baby.

Why do I need a scan at 20 weeks?

During a 20-week scan, you can expect to see a detailed view of your baby's anatomy and development. The scan provides valuable insights into various aspects of your baby's body, including:

  1. Facial Features: You can see your baby's facial profile, including the nose, lips, and eyes.

  2. Limbs: The scan allows visualization of your baby's arms, legs, hands, and feet, as they start to take shape.

  3. Organs: Vital organs, such as the heart, brain, kidneys, and spine, are examined to ensure proper development and function.

  4. Fingers and Toes: The ultrasound can reveal the presence of all the tiny fingers and toes.

  5. Placenta Position: The position of the placenta is checked to ensure it is not covering the cervix, which could lead to complications during delivery.

  6. Gender Determination: In many cases, the baby's gender can be accurately determined during the 20-week scan.

  7. Structural Abnormalities: The scan plays a crucial role in detecting any potential structural abnormalities or congenital anomalies, enabling early intervention and appropriate care planning.

While the 20-week scan offers a detailed assessment of your baby's development, it's important to note that some very small abnormalities may not be visible during the scan. Additionally, conditions like autism and cerebral palsy cannot be diagnosed through ultrasound as they do not present visible abnormalities.

What can I expect on the day of my scan?

At your 20 week scan you can expect an informative experience. You'll be led to the ultrasound room where, following positioning on the examination table, a warm gel will be applied to your belly. A skilled sonographer will then use a transducer to capture detailed images of the fetus's anatomy, including the brain, spine, heart, limbs, and organs. If desired, they might determine the baby's gender.

After the scan, a healthcare provider will discuss the findings, addressing any questions and outlining potential next steps, such as follow-up appointments or tests. You will receive digital ultrasound images for keepsakes and record-keeping. The 20-week scan offers crucial insights into your pregnancy's progress, enabling you to make informed decisions about your care and the well-being of your growing baby.

FAQs

Will I be able to know the sex of my baby?

The 20 week ultrasound is very accurate in determining the sex of the baby. It is correct 99% of the time. At the 13 week ultrasound it is sometimes possible to sex the baby but not as accurately. In 10% of cases it is not possible to sex the baby and where sexing is done it is wrong 10% of the time. 

Will I receive images of my baby?

At Melbourne Ultrasound for Women, we utilise the Tricefy app to send images via SMS to your mobile from the ultrasound system. You will also receive some printout photos of your scan. We use the latest 3D/4D technology clinically as part of our ultrasound protocols. Our sonographers will make every effort to obtain 3D/4D images of your baby to send to your phone during the medical examination, however the quality of the images may be limited due to a variety of factors such as fetal position, placental and/or uterine position.

Will the scan be able to detect all possible problems?

While the scan is a valuable tool for early detection, it might not identify all potential issues. Some structural defects and abnormalities are identified later in pregnancy.

Additional scans and tests might be needed later in pregnancy to ensure a comprehensive assessment.

It is recommended that you also have a scan at 20 weeks to assess morphology and placental location.

How long does the scan usually take?

The scan typically takes around 30 minutes, depending on various factors such as the position of the fetus and the quality of the images obtained.

Anticipate around 90 minutes for the duration of your visit, although the actual duration is usually shorter. Unforeseen delays can occasionally occur.

If an issue arises during the routine ultrasound, it will be addressed immediately with the patient. Depending on the complexity and individual requirements, additional examination and assessment might extend the process by over an hour. We apologize for these unpredictable delays and strive to minimize inconvenience.

How should I prepare for the scan?

There is no preparation for a 20 week scan, although it is always helpful to have a partially filled bladder.

Can I bring someone with me to the scan?

We allow one adult support person, partner, or family member to accompany you during the scan.

For various reasons, we have policies in place that restrict children from attending ultrasound appointments. While it might be disappointing for families, Ultrasound appointments require a focused environment to obtain accurate diagnostic images, and having children present can sometimes cause distractions that might affect the quality of the examination.