Anomaly scan - what do they look for?

[T2024]

Hi everyone, I have my anomaly scan tomorrow - what do they check for? Do they check placenta blood flow as well as baby etc?

Thanks!

They will look in detail at the baby's anatomy including the heart, kidneys, brain, spine etc etc - basically all over to make sure everything is developing as it should. The NHS on their website lists the major conditions that the sonographers are looking for with these checks: https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/your-pregnancy-care/20-week-scan/

It takes longer than the 12-week scan because there are specific things they are checking and measuring so don't panic if the sonographer is quiet or taking a while, they're just concentrating.

I am pretty sure that they did check blood flow from the placenta at mine, and they should also be able to tell you where your placenta is (anterior or posterior etc). If you want to, you can also find out the baby's sex at this scan (usually, assuming they're in a helpful position!).

Good luck for tomorrow, my 20 week scan is also tomorrow 😊

Thanks so much @malimoon, I appreciate the great info. Hoping they'll check placenta blood flow as I have antiphospholipid syndrome and it would be reassuring.

@LW678 aww good luck with yours too, it'll be lovely to see our babies again ❤

Mine is tomorrow too 🥰 Hoping it goes well for everyone xx

Hi, I must've had about 10 or more scans during my pregnancy - they usually check the placenta blood flow during every scan, including during the anomaly scan. They will also check for cleft lip & palate and various other conditions. They will also check the baby's size, heart beat, bones, brain, spinal cord etc. It's a very detailed scan. Think mine took about 20-30mins.😊

Good luck @Starbiscuit, hopefully our Chrimbo babies are cooking nicely! 🎅🏻

Did everything go ok with your scan today @LW678

@Starbiscuit baby wasn’t playing ball and they couldn’t get a good view of his face or heart so going back within the next few days, aside from that all was well. How about you?

@LW678 ah sorry to hear that. Pleased they have you coming back to check again though. I’m sure it will all be fine 🤞🏻

Yes all fine for us thanks. Heart took a while as baby kept moving and turning, so I started to panic a bit 😂 but she saw everything needed in the end

@Starbiscuit awww congratulations! Good news! Have you found out the sex?

@LW678 Thank you! We already knew we were having a girl, but she did confirm it was a girl which is good 😄 Do you know what sex your baby is? What is your due date?

Aww lush. We’re having a boy which we also found out previously but was good to get it confirmed. 13th December, what about you?

@LW678 aw fab! Glad it all got confirmed for you 💙
We are due 11th December, hoping I won’t go over and make it closer to Christmas!

How did your scan go @T2024?

Overall the scan was good but the cerebellum was 5th percentile, which is worrying. Been referred to fetal medicine unit for more indepth scanning, hoping it was his awkward position yesterday and nothing scary. Just waiting on my app which feels like an eternity.

Hope both of yours went well? , @LW678 and @Starbiscuit?

@T2024 fingers crossed it was due to awkward position, my baby boy wasn’t playing ball either and decided to stay on his stomach the whole time. My rescan is Monday, I was really upfront and said how anxious I am so they booked me in quickly

@LW678 aww they do like certain positions, glad they booked you in soon, it's stressful!

I'm feeling stuck in limbo with this whole situation, could be something awful or just the fact he was sitting breech and his head position was turned.

@T2024 wishing you lots of luck, there is nothing worse than the feeling of being stuck in limbo

@T2024 Sorry you have been left in the unknown. Hopefully your appointment with fetal medicine will come through quickly and they will be able to look at it properly. Please keep us updated!

Sending positive thoughts for both of your rescans 🤞🏻