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The anomaly scan or mid pregnancy scan as it is sometimes called is ideal for those parents looking for reassurance or as a secondary option when an earlier screening test has not been performed. Furthermore, it provides an added opportunity to assess the baby’s well being.
Your baby’s internal organs are examined in cross section which may be difficult for you to make out. Bones appear white, fluid is black and soft tissues may seem to be varying degrees of grey.
At this time we will check for soft markers which are changes in the normal anatomy and may indicate an abnormality. The four most common markers are choroid plexus cysts, renal pelvic dilatation, echogenic bowel and an echogenic foci attached to the muscle of the heart. It is important to understand that although these can be seen in affected pregnancies they can also be seen in normal healthy babies. If you had screening earlier in your pregnancy e.g. NT then the presence of any soft markers later in pregnancy are even less likely to be of any significance.
The baby’s head is examined for shape and size. Internal structures such as the ventricles of the brain and cerebellum are examined. The sonogrpaher will do standard measurements and look at the baby’s lips and nose for any obvious defects.
The spine is assessed in both long and short axis views to make sure that all of the vertebrae are in alignment and that the skin is closed. The baby’s abdominal wall is checked at this time too to make sure that all of abdominal organs are in their correct position. 90% of all abdominal wall and spine defects can be picked up by ultrasound.
The chest is assessed to view a four chamber foetal heart and to check its size and shape. The two atria should be equal in size and the two ventricles should equal in size. If the baby is in a good position the main vessels will also be assessed at this time.
The stomach and bladder are also imaged. The baby swallows some of the amniotic fluid that it lies in and so some of that fluid will be seen as a black bubble in the stomach and the urinary bladder as well. Yes, the baby has a wee inside about every half hour so the urinary bladder fills and empties during the scan.
Baby’s legs, arms, hands and feet are examined.
The umbilical cord is assessed to make sure there are three vessels.
The placenta will be documented to lie anteriorly or posteriorly and to ensure that the placenta does not cover that cervix.
There should be enough amniotic fluid at this stage to allow baby to move around freely.
Procedure Includes:
• Medical Report for you and your Doctor.
• Glossy Picture Prints.
Depending on the position of the baby we will be happy to provide 3D pictures and CD with pictures and video clip.
*Medical Cards (GMS) are accepted for all medical ultrasounds. A reduced rate is applied for all scans.
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