Summary
- An anomaly scan is an important pregnancy scan carried out between 18-22 weeks of pregnancy.
- It helps rule out any physical abnormality in the baby by closely evaluating the baby’s structures from head to toe.
- This scan helps parents and healthcare providers plan appropriate care, treatment, and birth plans beforehand, thus ensuring healthy outcomes for both the mother and the baby.
Introduction
What is a Congenital Anomaly Scan?
Anomaly scan, also called a TIFFA Scan, Congenital anomaly scan, or 5th month scan, is a mid-pregnancy scan, ideally done between 18-22 weeks of pregnancy.
This scan is carried out to evaluate the baby’s organs from head to toe and look for structural abnormalities or birth defects, if any. Hence, it is one of the most important pregnancy scans.
Can we do an Anomaly Scan twice?
Yes. In some cases, you may be asked to come for an anomaly scan twice if the fetus is at a higher risk of abnormality, such as an unossified nasal bone at the NT scan.
The fetal medicine specialist might recommend an anomaly scan, also called an early target scan, at 15-18 weeks of pregnancy to rule out any abnormalities. The mother will then be asked to come back for her routine anomaly scan between 18-22 weeks of pregnancy.
Other than that, a follow-up anomaly scan can be recommended if the doctor suspects any abnormalities that require further monitoring.
Can one anomaly scan be enough? – Why doctors may recommend a second scan?
Do I need a full bladder for an anomaly scan?
Although a full bladder isn’t usually required for an anomaly scan, there are some cases where the doctor may ask you to fill your bladder to see the baby clearly. This differs from case to case, and you will be informed by your healthcare provider.
How Accurate is an Anomaly Scan?
An anomaly scan is highly effective in detecting most structural abnormalities, but it is not 100% accurate. This is because there are certain conditions which can develop after the anomaly scan, including growth restriction and fluid in the baby’s brain. Hence, it is crucial to carry out routine scans, including Doppler scan, echo scan, and growth scan after an anomaly scan to ensure the well-being of the fetus.
Questions to ask during an anomaly scan
During an anomaly scan, it is normal for expectant mothers to feel overwhelmed and have a lot of questions. There are a few questions you can ask the doctor during your anomaly scan, including:
- Is the baby’s organ development normal (brain, spine, heart, kidneys)?
- Are all four heart chambers visible, with intact walls and functional valves?
- What are the baby’s current weight, size, and growth measurements?
- Does everything look okay overall – no structural abnormalities?
- Is the placenta position and amniotic fluid level normal?
- Is my baby growing normally for the gestational age?
Is Anomaly scan necessary?
As discussed above, an anomaly scan closely assesses the baby’s organs, including the limbs, heart, spine, and brain, and looks for any abnormalities. Since this scan is done in mid-pregnancy, it allows medical professionals and expectant parents to make timely decisions and medical plans if any issue is detected.
How is an Anomaly Scan Done?
The anomaly scan is a safe, non-invasive procedure. Meaning, there are no needles used in this scan. This ultrasound scan uses sound waves to generate real-time images of the baby, and it does not use any radiation.
Ideally, this scan is done transabdominally.
A thick layer of lubricant gel is applied to the abdomen, and a handheld probe is glided over the abdomen with mild pressure. Real-time images of the baby will be displayed on the monitor.
Is anomaly scan procedure painful?
An anomaly scan is a safe, non-invasive procedure, and it is usually not painful. In some cases, the scan may be carried out through a transvaginal route, which can cause mild discomfort. But usually, an anomaly scan isn’t painful.
When is the Best Time to Take an Anomaly Scan?
Doctors recommend taking the anomaly scan between 18 and 22 weeks of pregnancy. This is because this time period makes it easier to look at the baby’s structures, and the baby is grown enough while also allowing sufficient time for follow-up if required.
Is an Anomaly Scan Safe for the baby?
As an anomaly scan uses ultrasound waves and not radiation, it is very safe for both the mother and the baby if done by trained professionals.
Anomaly Scan in Twin Pregnancy
Twin pregnancies require a more detailed evaluation because two babies must be assessed individually. An expert Fetal Medicine Specialist must be consulted for a twin anomaly scan as the scan requires much precision and expertise.
What Happens if the Baby is Not in the Right Position?
The baby’s position is one of the crucial factors during an anomaly scan. This is because, since the doctors evaluate the baby’s physical structures from head to toe, the baby must be in favorable positions and show their organs, including the face, back, legs, and arms.
If the baby is not in the right position, you will be asked to eat something sweet, take a short walk, or come for the scan the next day in order to complete the scan.
What Does an Anomaly Scan Detect?
The anomaly scan closely evaluates 11 important structures of the fetus, including:
- Brain
- Spine
- Face
- Heart
- Diaphragm
- Stomach
- Kidneys and bladder
- Bones and limbs
- Amniotic fluid
- Placenta
- Umbilical cord
What cannot be seen in an anomaly scan?
While an anomaly scan is highly accurate in detecting structural abnormalities in the fetus, there are a few conditions that an anomaly scan can miss out on, including:
- Finer brain abnormalities
- Brain function-related disabilities
- Certain genetic and chromosomal conditions
- Isolated cleft palate
- Tiny heart defects
- Certain bone/skeleton-related issues
- Vision, nerves, and internal eye structures
- Subtle limb abnormalities
- Kidney function
- Genitourinary defects
- Fluid in the brain, diaphragm issues
Anomaly Scan – Video
An anomaly scan is one of the most important pregnancy ultrasounds, performed between 18–22 weeks to carefully examine the baby’s organs and major body structures. It is a head-to-toe assessment that helps detect major structural abnormalities early, allowing time for medical intervention, birth planning, and genetic counselling if needed.
Understanding Your Anomaly Scan Report
An anomaly scan looks for any anomalies in the baby’s physical structures, including the baby’s face, head, limbs, kidneys, and bladder.
Apart from that, it also measures the baby’s biometry and ensures that the baby is growing at the right pace.
Normal Anomaly Scan Report
A normal anomaly scan report indicates that the baby’s anatomical structures appear within the recommended threshold.
Abnormal Anomaly Scan Report
If an abnormality or suspected concern is identified, it will be mentioned in the report, and the doctor may recommend further scans, tests, and genetic counselling for further analysis.
Can Abnormalities Develop After a Normal Anomaly Scan?
While a normal anomaly scan is often reassuring, there are a few concerns that can develop after an anomaly scan for some babies. Conditions including growth restriction, brain cysts, development of the kidneys, and amniotic fluid-related concerns can develop after a normal anomaly scan too. This is why it is crucial not to miss out on any prenatal scans.
Can an Anomaly Scan Detect Down Syndrome?
Anomaly scan is carried out to assess the baby’s external structures. While it can detect certain soft markers associated with Down syndrome, it cannot 100% detect the condition. An NT scan and a double marker test are the crucial steps to screen the baby for Down syndrome or other chromosomal abnormalities.
Anomaly Scan Vs Other Pregnancy Scans
NT Scan Vs Anomaly Scan
| Factors | Anomaly Scan | NT Scan |
|---|---|---|
| Timeframe | 18–22 weeks | 10–14 weeks |
| Looks for | Baby’s external structures | Assesses the baby’s risk of chromosomal abnormalities |
| Additional test | Usually, none | Performed along with a double-marker test |
Growth Scan vs Anomaly Scan
| Factors | Anomaly Scan | Growth Scan |
|---|---|---|
| Timeframe | 18–22 weeks | 27–40 weeks |
| Purpose | Assess the baby for any structural abnormality | Measures the baby’s overall growth and development |
| Number of times done | Usually once | 2–3 times until delivery to track the baby’s growth |
Conclusion
An anomaly scan is one of the most important milestones in your pregnancy journey. It provides crucial information about your baby’s development and helps identify any structural abnormalities early.
An anomaly scan helps both expectant parents and healthcare providers make timely decisions, plan appropriate medical care, and ensure the best possible outcomes for both the mother and the baby.
When carried out by an expert fetal medicine specialist, an anomaly scan is highly accurate in evaluating your baby’s development.
Contact Jammi Scans at 73387 71733 to book your anomaly scan today. At Jammi Scans, Dr. Deepthi Jammi performs anomaly scans and provides accurate reports within 15 minutes of the scan.
