20 week scan: what did it involve?

[Pregnantpolly]

I have my anomaly scan in a couple of days and trying to talk myself off the ledge as worried about it. I'm 19 weeks and 2.

What does your 20 week scan involve? Will there generally be a big preamble about what they're looking at before scanning you or will you just go in for the scan?

My other scan at 11 weeks was also the booking appointment so it was long and lots of parts. Will the scan literally (hopefully) just be a scan and not an appointment otherwise?

Did you just bring your notes or did you bring a urine sample?

I'm just anxious.

It really depends on the hospital to be honest! At mine we just went in for the scan, the sonographer talked us through what they were looking at but at times they were quiet while they were finding different organs etc. There's a big long list of anatomy they need to get clear pictures and measurements of to show that they have developed correctly so most of the scan is unrecognisable body parts! They asked us before they started the scan whether we wanted to know the sex but not every hospital does and it is all dependent on baby's position as to whether they can tell you clearly as legs might be crossed.

If baby isn't in the right position for checking certain things they might get you to jiggle, do star jumps or go for a walk. If they still can't get a clear picture they might get you back for another scan, so don't panic it doesn't mean anything is necessarily wrong (and they should tell you if it's because of a potential issue or just needing a clearer picture)

You definitely need to take your notes but your invite letter should say re urine sample. I have friends who have midwife appts and scans together in other areas. If you have a midwife appt afterwards then bring one but if not maybe be prepared to go if you are asked for one? It's best to have a semi full (but not bursting) bladder for the scan as it can help with position.

My sonographer was really good in that up front she said she'd be quiet during the scan as she had a lot to look for and needed to concentrate but was happy to take questions at the end.

I liked that she set expectations at the beginning and it was nice to feel like her focus was entirely on making sure baby was OK.

I had just a scan at 20 weeks then midwife appointment at 21 weeks.

At my 20 week scan we were in there for about 40 mins. She briefly talked through what she would be looking for and said that she will go quiet as needs to get the measurements. Baby was in a funny position so she struggled to see the heart and brain properly but did eventually. She also asked if we wanted the sex confirming although said she might not be able to do this. Didn't give a urine sample just took my notes x

Had mine today, just told reception I was there and then waited to be called. The scanner was really good and she talked us through the whole thing, which I liked ! She was quite chatty in general so maybe not all would be the same.
It took around 30 mins. She told us at every point what she was looking at etc, and she said if she does see anything not quite right she would tell us straight away.
I didn't have to do any urine samples or anything like that.
She asked if we wanted to know the sex before she started scanning.
Good luck op, I get the nerves !!

Oh btw didn't take my notes as I have the badger notes app for the hospital and separate notes for my midwife. Didn't need the app at any point

@GrowBabyGrow @DottieDe @thunderonlyhappenswhenits @wishuponastar1988 thanks guys! All very reassuring although still think I'll be stressing when sonographer is quiet! Keep your fingers crossed for me on Weds!

I had a trainee sonographer and a teaching sonographer so mine lasted well over an hour. They told me every time they were looking over a new organ and asked at the end if I wanted to know the sex but that was it. They spoke amongst themselves but made it clear to me that they'd be quiet with me for most of the scan.

@Pregnantpolly I had mine yesterday and was very anxious, so I really sympathise with your worry. Mine was done by a specialist midwife (not sure why, she said I was just on her list). She told us at the start she would be quiet so she could concentrate, but as she knew how anxious I was she turned the screen so we could see the heart beating away at the start. They have something like 11 areas to check and measure, plus every organ, so I did understand why she needed to concentrate. Half way through she reassured us everything looked perfect so far. At our Trust the official line is that they won't go over the appointment to check the sex of the baby, but she spent a while getting the baby to shuffle round so she could see for definite.

I'm going back tomorrow to see the Consultant (not related to the scan!) and hopefully a midwife will give me my Mat b1 (if that's the name of it) form. I think usually this is done on the same day as the scan, but they couldn't get me a scan appointment to match up with the Consultant clinic times.

Sending you lots of positive vibes 💐

@Chanel05 did you find out the sex?

@CurbsideProphet I take it you have shared care if you're seeing a consultant. Hope today went well.

In case anyone searches for this in future:
My 20 week appointment experience

• went in and the ultrasound person likely realised I was anxious so made sure I could see the heart and monitored that too.
• she was never quiet for too long which helped.
• she was really good at explaining.

@Pregnantpolly they did tell me the sex but I found it out at 9 weeks anyway from a blood test.

@Chanel05 the type you do at home? I did that. Mine matched. I did gender scan privately. I like knowing.

@Pregnantpolly it was a sneak peek but no, I didn't do it at home. I went to a franchised clinic to have a blood test. I didn't trust the accuracy if I did it myself 😂 and it was 99.9% accurate via a proper blood test.

@Chanel05 I did that too but just at home.