Difference between scan at 16 weeks and 20 weeks.

[BitchPeas]

I'm currently 18+5, I have my anomaly scan 2 weeks today.

My last pregnancy ended in a TFMR so I have had scans at 7 weeks, 10 weeks, 12 weeks and 16 weeks.

Everything has looked good so far, I have been told spine, skull, brain, bladder, stomach and heart all look good. And it has 2 arms, 2 legs, 2 hands and 2 feet. Measuring bang on for dates and my combined screening was 1 in 33,000.

But I'm a nervous wreck, I feel sick and tearful everyday. I so worried about the anomaly scan I can't sleep or eat properly.

I forgot to ask my consultant so I thought id ask here ....what is the difference between 16weeks and 20+ 5. What things could they see at 20 weeks that they couldn't at 16? Or if there was a problem or suspected problem would they have picked it up all ready? I'm a nervous wreck and am googling like crazy but can find an answer. So if anyone could tell me I would appreciate it! I feel like I'm going crazy.

Hi I'm so sorry for your loss. I understand how you feel. I had a TFMR at 22 weeks for my first baby due to bilateral renal agenesis.

With my second pregnancy ( healthy DD ) I had scans at 12, 16 and 20 weeks I remember the agonising wait between 16 and 20 weeks. I was told that the main things which can't be checked accurately until 20 weeks are heart and brain as they're just not fully developed at 16 weeks. Most other organs can be reliably checked at 16 weeks - in our case it was the kidneys and bladder which were of most concern . However, I think when you've had a loss you never fully relax or take things granted.

It's so hard but remember the odds are now in your favour- if everything looked good at 16 weeks the chances are that you will go on to have a health baby. I know how each day feels like an eternity (I'm currently 10+3 and am now in the awful wait for anomoly scans so I totally empathise). Wishing you all the best.

Congratulations, thrilled to read you are expecting again (we chatted briefly on a thread a few months ago). I completely understand your worries, I was exactly the same before our anomaly scan. I'm now 28+4 and I think because of what we've been through already we are always going to find something to worry about! I think we'll only relax when we hold our healthy babies in our arms x

They can check organs in a lot more depth at 20wks. Here in the US you have a scan at 16-21 was and they do their best to get you in at 18-20wks as so many of those scanned at 16 and 17 was have to return.

Hope your 20 week scan went well bitchpeas?