Bonding scan..really!! A level 2 ultrasound or anomaly scan is a special test that gives you a very specific glimpse of your growing baby.
Pregnancy is full of milestones – the positive test, the first appointment, getting to that 12-week mark, the first kicks. But it’s hard to beat the anomaly scan, which is performed usually between 18 and 20 weeks.This is a detailed scan during which each part of the fetal anatomy is examined to see if the baby is developing normally. Special attention is paid to the brain, spine, heart, stomach, bowel, kidneys and limbs. The placenta, amniotic fluid and umbilical cord are also evaluated.
Why have a Fetal Anomaly Scan?
All women, whatever their age, have a small chance of delivering a baby with structural abnormalities that cause physical or mental limitation. Many such abnormalities can be diagnosed and ruled out with the fetal anomaly scan.
What might be seen?
Most serious abnormalities can be detected on a scan. However, it is not possible to see all problems and some will only be found after birth. Some conditions such as cerebral palsy and autism will never be seen on a scan.
During the scan, the doctor will measure parts of your baby’s body, to see how well it is growing. Some conditions, including certain heart defects and bowel obstructions, may not be seen until later in your pregnancy. Having your anomaly scan will most likely rule out all these conditions, as the vast majority of babies are born healthy.
The quality of the scan image depends on many factors, including the position of the baby and the size of the mother. For example, it will be more difficult to see the baby clearly if the mother is overweight. A poor image will affect our ability to see problems.
Can Down syndrome or chromosomal abnormalities be seen on the scan?
This scan can also identify 50% to 60% of cases of Down syndrome, but the First Trimester Screening (FTS) test is definitely better for this. Because 30% to 50% cases of Down syndrome appear normal on ultrasound, only an amniocentesis (testing the fluid surrounding the baby for its chromosomes) can give you this information for certain.
What if there are signs of a problem?
If your doctor finds or suspects a problem, you will be told straight away. Sometimes repeat scanning may be necessary because the baby may not be lying in a good position, in which case the scan should be repeated after a week or two.
If doctors suspect that your baby has a heart problem, you will be asked to come in a fetal echo. The fetal echo scan will take a detailed look at your baby’s heart.
If any scan reveals a serious problem, you will be given support to guide you through all the options. Although such serious problems are rare, some families are faced with the most difficult decision of all, whether to end the pregnancy.
Other problems may mean a baby needs surgery or treatment after birth. .