What is the 20 week scan for?

[StephV]

I'm having my 20 week scan next week and I was told it would take an hour (when I booked in). Besides finding out the sex and counting fingers and toes - what is it for?

[~clover~]

The 20 (18 - 22) weeks scan or Morphology is a more detailed scan.
It checks ou the heart chambers, main arteries & organs. Makes sure everythings in the right place.
Someone else should be able to give you more details.

[curl]

It also checks the placenta, the umbilical cord flow, umbilical cord insertion into the baby, and matches up the growth of the baby to your due date and many more technical things. General gist is that's its a really important scan.

Best of luck with your ultrasound and enjoy the wondrous view of your baby on tv.

[Nadine216]

Hi StephV *wave*

We miss you in the BB group I can't believe it's 20 weeks already. I'm having my 20 week scan on next week also and tbh, for us, it's only to find out the sex

No, like the other girls said. They check EVERYTHING. Make sure there are no abnormalities in the organs, no problems in the placenta, that baby is growing as it should ect. And IF you need any further test or procedures if something looks fishy or strange. It just takes a while longer, because they make double sure everything is OK. It also depends on the position the baby is in. I know it sometimes take alot of persuasion (sp) to get the little rascles to be in the right spot so everything can be checked. That may be why they told you it could be a hour

Found this on the web for you:

Fetal anomaly scan (20 – 23 weeks)
After checking your baby’s heartbeat, the main purpose of this scan is to check your baby’s anatomy for normality. A thorough examination of your baby’s brain, heart, spine, kidneys, organs and limbs will be undertaken. The placenta will be checked for its position and measurements of your baby will be performed to ensure it is growing normally.

Anomaly scans are important as they can reassure the parents that everything appears to be as it should be; however, in a few cases a potential problem may be indicated. In these cases a further follow up scan may be needed and it may be necessary for us to discuss the problem with your midwife or doctor. We will explain any complications of the pregnancy with you at the time of scan and give you advice and guidance where we can.

We are happy to look for the sex of your baby during this scan, however, ultrasound is not 100% accurate and this is only an opinion and not a guarantee of one particular gender.

ENJOY it!!!

Oh, make sure they take some nice profile pictures or give you a dvd of the u/s. It's always a nice keepsake

[StephV]

Thank girls - you rock!!

[~clover~]

It just takes a while longer, because they make double sure everything is OK. It also depends on the position the baby is in. I know it sometimes take alot of persuasion (sp) to get the little rascles to be in the right spot so everything can be checked. That may be why they told you it could be a hour

My one with Jesse took an hour & a half, & I had to go back for a second one which took about an hour too, coz he wouldn't roll over so they could see the main artery going down his back. They are pretty thorough.