20 week anomally scan - what can I expect?

[littlelamb]

I have my 20 week scan tomorrow and I really can't remember what happened with dd. All I really remember is that they had a new ultrasound machine and were more interested in telling each other what it could do than really explaining it to me! How long will it last, and what kind of things are they looking for? I am really much more aware this time round that this isn't just a chance to ogle mini-me, it is actually a diagnostic tool and I am really worried they could find soemthing wrong. If that does (god forbid) turn out to be the case, will they tell me? And do I need a full bladder?

Will take 20 minutes or so with the sonographer taking a whole list of measurements and looking for various things to be in the right place. Most of them will give you a little running commentary, if not, I would ask for one!!

Full bladder not required! Hope it goes well.

Thanks beansprout. Can the sex be obvious? To me and dp rather than the sonographer- I don't know if hospital policy has changed, but I really would like to find out this time, after having a surprise with dd. She is dead set on a sister and would like to be able to prepare her if that seems unlikely

littlelamb- not much to add to what beansprout says but can say if worst happens they do tell you and should explain to you what it means re baby and what happens next. You won't be kept in limbo although further follow up may be required.

The sex isn't obvious but there is info on the interweb about what to look for.