Introduction
Anomaly scans are essential prenatal tests to assess the baby’s growth and development as well as detecting any possible abnormalities. However, the baby’s posture might occasionally block the view, making it difficult to acquire exact results. Let’s explore different ways to change your baby’s position in anomaly scan.
What is an anomaly scan?
A mid-pregnancy scan commonly referred to as an anomaly scan or a 20-week scan, is often performed between 18 and 21 weeks of pregnancy.
This in-depth ultrasound scan examines the movement of the baby and allows you to have a closer look at your unborn child and your womb (uterus). This helps in timely intervention.
It is entirely up to you whether you choose to have the scan or not. However, it can be a lovely and thrilling experience for the parents to see the foetus. It is usually an opportunity for you to have a glimpse of your baby’s face for the first time.
What is the baby’s position in anomaly scan?
Baby’s position in anomaly scan is a crucial factor to consider. The sonographer requires the baby to be in the ideal position to get a proper view.
For example, the baby should be in a lateral position in anomaly scan to get a good view of the four chambers in the heart. Likewise, to examine the face, hands and the development of other parts of the body, the baby must be in a certain suitable position.
It becomes difficult for the sonographer to capture the baby is stubborn and idle. At times like these, the scan would be postponed until the baby becomes active.
How do I change my baby’s position in anomaly scan?
If you are an awaiting mother and your baby is not in a proper position, then your most asked question would be ‘how to change my baby’s position in an anomaly scan’.
However, there is no one particular answer that would fit all the mothers. It is different for each child-mother duo.
Here are some of the ways you can try to make your baby ready for the scan.
A quick walk
A just 10 to 15-minute walk can do wonders to the baby prior to a scan.
It can make the baby very lively and energetic and would definitely help in changing your baby’s position for anomaly scan.
Baby’s favorite food
There would definitely be a food code between you and your baby. You must have noticed your baby going hyper to certain foods.
Maybe try eating that to kindle your baby. Most popularly; chocolate, orange juice but can be anything specific between you both.
Gentle touch
Caressing your belly can be one of the finest solutions to bring mobility to your baby.
This is under the simple logic that continuous caressing of the mother would make the baby long for the maternal touch more in turn making the baby active.
Poking to the rescue
If none of the above or everything else that you have tried fails, the last resort would be to physically arouse the baby by poking the belly gently and moving the baby according to the desired position
What should I do before anomaly scan?
Unlike other scans, there is not much of a preparation for the anomaly scan. You can be comfortable in your own way.
Importantly, there is no need for fasting and a full bladder is also not a necessity, since the baby is now a little grown up.
You can eat at your pleasure and drink. Furthermore, make sure you do not empty your bladder just sometime before your scan as the visuals are more clear with the presence of fluids.
Otherwise, you are good to go. And also, on a happy note, prepare yourself to witness your little one’s movement.
Does anomaly scan hurt baby?
The answer is a clear cut no. The scan does not hurt the baby and the mother or even poses any risk. There are numerous studies that back up this claim.
The only possible uncomfortable thing could be your sonographer giving a slight pressure for a proper result or moving the baby’s position in anomaly scan.
Even in this case, the uncomfortableness would be felt by the mother and not deeply by the baby. So, no worries.
