Anomaly Scan
Nurturing Healthy
Pregnancies
With Anomaly Scan
Anomaly scan, also commonly known
as Level-2 ultrasound or mid-pregnancy ultrasound, is an imaging technique
often performed between the 18th and 22nd weeks of pregnancy. It is a crucial
prenatal diagnostic test that plays an important role in determining overall
health and development of the fetus. The primary objective of anomaly scan is
to screen for and detect any abnormalities or anomalies in the developing
fetus. Anomaly scan plays an important role in early detection, diagnosis, and
treatment management of any potential health issues. The scan provides very
crucial insights about the well-being and developing of the fetus and is a
milestone step in prenatal care.
Overview of the Key Aspects of Anomaly Scan
Anomaly Scan and its Primary Uses
Anomaly scan screens various
aspects of the fetus including fetal anatomy that checks for proper development
of limbs and organs, brain and head to determine their normal development,
heart vessels for their proper functioning and structural growth, spine for
neural tube defects, and amniotic fluid levels. However, it is important to
remember that even though major structural abnormalities are detected by the
anomaly scan, not all conditions are visible on the ultrasound.
Procedure:
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Patients may be advised to have partially full bladder
before the scan to ensure proper and accurate imaging.
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Patients will be then asked to lie down on the
examination table with the abdomen exposed to getting prepared for the
ultrasound.
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The technician will then apply a gel to the exposed
abdomen and a hand-held transducer will then be moved across the area where the
gel is applied.
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The sound waves transmitted then create greyscale
images on the monitor.
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The technician will then gently move the transducer
over the stomach to capture images from different angles.
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The images on the monitor allows technician and patient
to see the fetus’ anatomy in real-time.
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Various measurements of the organs such as brain and
head, heart, spine, and limbs, among others will be taken to make clear
assessment of the development and growth.
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The technician will then measure the blood flow and
heart functioning through color Doppler ultrasound.
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The technician will then gather the images to make
interpretions and provide them to healthcare providers for further evaluation.
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In any case, the healthcare provider will discuss with
the patients if any further treatment or diagnostic evaluations are needed.
Benefits:
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Relatively safe, painless, non-invasive, and quick test
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Helps in early detection of any structural or
developmental defects in the fetus allowing for early medical intervention
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Provides valuable information about fetus’ development
such as head circumference, abdomen circumference, and femoral health
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Provides a comprehensive evaluation of the fetal
development alleviating anxiety and putting the parents’ mind at peace
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Enables in informed decision making during pregnancy
and after the birth to treat any anomalies
If the patient is allergic to gel
or latex, they must immediately inform their healthcare provider as it will
allow finding a suitable alternative in time. Patients and healthcare providers
must ensure the scan is scheduled during the necessary weeks for appropriate
and accurate evaluation of fetal development. Patients must inform about their
complete medical history to the healthcare provider including if they’ve
recently had any ultrasound done as the images can be helpful in assessment.
Patients may need to refrain from applying any gel, moisturiser, or lotion on
the stomach as it can interfere with the sound waves that are emitted and might
result in inconclusive results.
