Anyone who is pregnant, has been pregnant, or knows someone that is/has been pregnant has heard of the 20-week ultrasound – this is basically everyone, right?
You might hear your OB provider refer to it as the anatomy scan. This is your big, first glance into how your little one is developing, inside and out!
It sounds like a big deal-and truthfully, it can be a little scary. But it’s also a very exciting pregnancy milestone!
Have no fear, mama! We are going to break the 20-week ultrasound down to make sure you know exactly what to expect!
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The 20-week ultrasound is an ultrasound scan performed by an ultrasound technician. Often, it takes place in your regular OB office, but you might have to go to a different location.
The technician will dive into things like heart health, organ development, and baby’s growth. They’ll also screen for some of the more common issues that can be spotted before birth. The results are then shared with your provider for review and discussion.
Knowing that this might be the ultrasound where you find out about possible defects, delays, or other abnormalities is a little nerve-wracking. But remember, early intervention, education, and knowledge are key to giving your baby the best possible outcome.
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Technically speaking, the 20-week ultrasound (and all ultrasounds, for that matter) is voluntary. Your doctor might strongly recommend a scan at some point, especially if you’re experiencing any complications, but you’re never obligated to undergo a scan.
Consider this if you’re questioning its necessity: ultrasound has been proven to be very safe when used at the right time and by a properly trained and responsible clinician.
However, there are still measurable impacts on the body when ultrasound is used (though they’re very minimal). The long-term effects of these impacts are unknown, so most research advises patients to seek ultrasound services only from a trained medical professional and only for legitimate medical reasons.
In other words – skip the private, pay-out-of-pocket fetal photographers.
But what will you see in the ultrasound? What happens during the 20-week anatomy scan? What does the scan look for?
These are the really important questions to keep asking yourself as you prepare. If you know the right things to consider and ask about, you will get so much valuable information and insight out of this appointment.
The ultrasound technician will use some gel and a probe on the outside of your belly. He or she will take their time moving through different parts of your baby, examining all organs and parts very closely.
They will focus on capturing key data to track baby’s development on a curve full of averages. This helps them know if the size of your baby’s organs, head, and other areas are growing in time with the data.
The technician will look at specific parts of the body, such as the heart and the lungs, and look for markers of spot potential defects or conditions.
Luckily, care providers that operate in this space tend to be familiar with the fears that parents-to-be have. They are usually prepared to provide peace of mind or a solid understanding of the implications if something less than ideal is apparent on the ultrasound.
The anatomy scan you have around 20-weeks (can happen anytime between 18 and 22 weeks) will provide insight to your medical staff on whether or not your baby has any significant conditions visible at this time in their development.
This specialist will look at the heart, brain, face, other organs, and spine to ensure these are developing as expected.
The conditions discussed below are pretty rare so don’t spend too much time stressing over them. I just wanted you to be aware of some of the things they will be looking for.
Now, these are all big and scary words. Remember, though, most of these are very rare!
If any of the more concerning defects or abnormalities are present, you should find out immediately. Either while the ultrasound technician works or after they consult with your OB provider.
The long and short is that you shouldn’t have to wait a while for your results. It is in your best interest, as well as your baby’s and provider’s, to identify and acknowledge these types of things early so i
The great thing is that you will also likely learn the sex of your baby during this scan (assuming you and your partner plan on finding out).
Related Reading: 40+ Beautiful and Unique Gender Reveal Ideas You’ll Love
So, we’ve touched on the types of issues that might arise. But what’s a mama to do if you receive less than ideal news?
What if the ultrasound reveals a complication?
In such a scenario, you can anticipate one of two outcomes:
Receiving news about potential complications with your little one can be heartbreaking and downright scary.
In the end, if your baby is diagnosed with any of the discussed complications, it’s essential to be referred to a high-risk OB specialist team. This team will collaborate with your OB provider to oversee your pregnancy.
Make sure to thoroughly discuss these matters with your provider to ensure you have a complete understanding and all the essential information to make informed decisions as you progress.
We’ve discussed the purpose of the anatomy scan and briefly touched on its specifics. Now, let’s step back for a moment and delve into what birth defects entail more generally.
According to The March of Dimes, “Birth defects are structural changes at birth that can affect almost any part of the body. They may impact how the body looks, functions, or both.” Even though birth defects can technically occur at any time during pregnancy, most occur during the first trimester when the baby’s organs are forming.
The level of intervention and treatment required will vary depending on the type of birth defect detected.
Keep in mind that the majority of conditions screened for during the 20-week ultrasound are rare. According to the CDC, approximately 3% of all babies born in the United States are affected by such defects or conditions. This 3% is an average and includes some of the more common and less concerning incidents. For example, Edwards syndrome only occurs in about 0.03% of all US births.
So, take a deep breath, remember the questions you want to ask, and don’t forget to take pride and joy in what your body is accomplishing, mama! In case no one has told you yet, you’re doing a darn good job.
While we’re reviewing risk and dangers, I want to emphasize a point I touched on earlier about the safety of ultrasounds. According to the governing body of obstetricians, ACOG, “No links have been found between ultrasound and birth defects, childhood cancer, or developmental problems later in life.” (source)
ACOG does recommend that ultrasounds be performed only for medical reasons and only by medical professionals because there’s a possibility that effects might be identified down the road.
Long story short, the occasional, medically necessary ultrasound should not jeopardize the safety of you or your baby.
Related Reading: The Very Best Ways to Do a Pregnancy Announcement to Family
There isn’t any one specific question you should or must ask during your anatomy scan. Despite that, it’s good to prepare a few 20-week appointment questions based on your own interests, fears, or family history concerns.
If you need a little guidance, consider the following questions as a baseline for things you might ask:
This is actually a really great place to start documenting your pregnancy journey, if you’ve been putting it off. There are SOOO many things you’ll want to remember during this time.
This 20-week anatomy scan is a huge milestone, marking progress toward the creation of your sweet little one. If that’s not amazing enough, you’re also doing it with style, mama.
It’s important to take full advantage of the ultrasound technician’s time. This is what they do all day, every day. They are experts on ultrasound and infant development. And trust me, they have seen it ALL.
So when it’s time for that 20-week ultrasound appointment, take your full self to the clinic and invest all your heart into feeling, seeing, and learning.