Frequently Asked Questions

What is Anomaly Scan?

Anomaly Scan is the detailed scan of the fetus and can be performed between 20th to 24th week of the pregnancy. This scan is done to examine the whole fetal body, determine the position of the fetus as well as the placenta, the amount of amniotic fluid, and measurement of fetal growth. Though, special attention is given to the progress of the brain, face, spine, stomach, heart, kidneys, bowel, and limbs. If any deformity or abnormality is seen during the Anomaly Scan, then the case is further discussed with specialists and the couple will be given the chance to further decide the steps of action to be taken.

Why is Anomaly Scan done?

The Anomaly Scan is done to detect fetal abnormalities or deformities and may not find everything that is or might be wrong. The conditions detected by the scan are:

1. Patau’s syndrome
2. Anencephaly
3. Edwards’ syndrome
4. Open spina bifida
5. Lethal skeletal dysplasia
6. Cleft lip
7. Bilateral renal agenesis
8. Diaphragmatic hernia
9. Serious cardiac 
10. Abnormalities
11. Gastroschisis
12. Exomphalos

Can the Anomaly Scan find any condition if present?

1. Some conditions are easily detected than others such as Spina Bifida. Some conditions such as heart abnormalities are harder to detect and hence 5 out of 10 babies’ heart defects can be diagnosed through Anomaly Scan
2. Some physical conditions such as cleft lip are easy to diagnose and the baby may need surgery soon after they are born.
3. In very rare cases, abnormalities in heart, kidney, brain, etc are detected because of their undergrowth or abnormal growth.

What is expected during an Anomaly Scan?

1. Anomaly Scans are carried out by trained and professional Sonographers and the scans are carried out in dimly lit rooms so that the sonographers can see the scans properly on the screen. The patient is asked to full the bladder as the scan are more clear when the bladder is full. 
2. The patient will be asked to lie down on the bed or couch and asked to lower the bottom she is wearing till the hips and lift the top till the chest hence the abdomen is bare. 
3. The gel is applied to the abdomen to make good contact between the abdomen and the probe used during sonography and a black & white image of the fetus is seen on the screen. 
4. Usually, the scans don’t hurt, but the sonographer has to apply little pressure on the abdomen to get the better visuals of the fetus.
5. The scan usually takes around 30 minutes.

Can a patient be accompanied by their partner or friend to Anomaly Scan?

Yes, the patient can be accompanied by their partner or friend to see the scans. Usually, the hospitals don’t allow children to the scans as there won’t be any child safety. One can contact the facility and inquire about the visitor policies during the scans.

Is Anomaly Scan harmful to the baby or the mother?

There are no known risks of undergoing scans to the baby or to the mother. But to undergo scans is totally up to the parents-to-be.

Is it necessary to undergo an Anamoly Scan?

No, it is not necessary to undergo this scan. This is up to the couple, some wanna know whether their unborn child has any condition and some do not. Even if the mother decides not to undergo the scan the pregnancy care will be carried out in the same manner as previously.

When does the result of the Anomaly Scan be known?

The sonographer might be able to tell the result while doing the scan.

Are further scans needed after Anomaly Scan?

In most of the cases, the scan shows the growth of the baby as expected. If the scans show some kind of abnormality then the couple is asked to go for further advanced tests to confirm the condition.