Anomaly Pregnancy Scan

(19-24 weeks)
An anomaly pregnancy scan forms an integral part of antenatal care takes a close look at your baby’s developmental structure.

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Description

An anomaly scan is a detailed anatomy scan to exclude structural abnormalities and genetic syndromes.

There is specific focus on the central nervous system, facial morphology, cardiac & chest cavity, urinary, gastro-intestinal tract, abdominal cavity and skeletal system.

The placenta and amniotic fluid will also be surveyed. The scan is routine and has become protocol in antenatal care. It also serves as a second look over and above your Gynaecologists scan.

Timeline

Between 19 and 24 weeks of pregnancy because visualization at this stage is optimal

What to expect

Bring all previous records and blood tests. Inform the sonographer if you had a previous abnormal or high risk pregnancy. Wear loose clothing- we scan quite low down.

This procedure is done during a routine ultrasound examination. The sonographer will carefully examine the structural development of baby and talk you through parts of the examination.

A normal scan does not guarantee a normal baby at birth.
If an abnormality is identified, it is discussed and you will be referred accordingly.
Certain minor, even major birth defects may not be visible on the ultrasound scan.
We cannot offer any gynecology advice or dispense antenatal care or medication.
Gender is position dependent- we have a high success rate but cannot guarantee.
You are free to ask questions and interact to understand and avoid misinterpretation.
Family/friends are not recommended if you are shy as we scan the lower abdomen.
The sonographer will focus on the examination and a protocol is followed.
The anomaly scan requires extensive training. Patients are not expected to understand the finer details or interpret the scan. It requires precise technique and precision.

Results are immediate and a written report will be given to you to take to your doctor/specialist, midwife or clinic.

2D – R1150
4D – R1300
HD – R1350
USB included (live clips and pictures)

Optional

DVD (Live recording) – R50
CD (images) – R50

Detailed Anatomy screening & Foetal Biometry
Gestational Age and Estimated Due Date
Gender screening
Heartbeat
Foetal position
Placenta & amniotic fluid
Cervix evaluation
Doppler studies – if necessary
Diagnostic report
Thermal prints (2D- 3-5)
Colour photo – 4D/HD

Interesting facts

The foetus is covered in downy hair called lanugo, eyebrows and hair is formed.
The foetus swallows, blinks, yawns and moves frequently.
The nostrils open and it responds to sound.
The vocal cords can function but without air cannot cry.
It weighs approximately 5-700g and about 25-35cm long.

Questions & Answers

Neural tube defects: hydrocephalus, anencephaly, encephalocoele, spina bifida, meningocoele, cystic hygroma, sacrococcygeal teratoma, microcephaly, holoprosencephaly, sirenomelia, sacral agenesis
Cardiac: ectopia cordis, pericardial effusion, VSD, hypoplastic heart, great vessel transposition, myocardial tumours, aortic stenosis, arrhythmia
Abdominal wall: gastrochisis, omphalocoele, ascites, duodenal/jejuna atresia, diaphragmatic hernia, cloacal bladder, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, ascites
Renal tract: hydronehrosis, polycystic kidney, unilateral kidney, megacystis
Genitalia: ambiguous genitalia, ovarian cyst

Autism, cerebral palsy, deafness, blindness and genetic disorders such as Down’s Syndrome if there are no associated markers. Certain anomalies manifest later and certain anomalies are obscured from technical limitation. Therefore a normal scan cannot guarantee a normal baby at birth. Due to technical challenges, abnormalities can be overlooked or difficult to confirm.

An anomaly scan is a detailed anatomical survey of the baby’s bone, soft tissue and organ development. In addition to routine measurements, the scan investigates the possibility of structural birth defects and signs of genetic disorders. The results are immediate and a diagnostic report will be issued.

Ultrasound is operator dependent. An experienced, skilled operator is likely to produce diagnostic accuracy but ultrasound cannot diagnose 100% of congenital abnormalities. Some abnormalities are too subtle, there may be technical limitations and some disorders cannot be seen on ultrasound at all.

Such cases will be offered strict confidentiality and referral management. We work alongside a network of Fetal Specialists, Gynaecologists, Public Hospitals, Pathologists, General Practitioners, and Midwives to function as a team in providing effective obstetric care.

Depending on the findings the parent/s will be offered the following:

Referral to a foetal specialist or gynaecologist.
Detailed report to the antenatal clinic or midwife.
Referral with further investigation via an amniocentesis, cordocentesis, chorionic villis sampling (CVS).
Referral to a geneticist for counselling and management.
Minor abnormalities will need ultrasound surveillance and possibly Doppler of the umbilical arteries.
Severe abnormalities or incompatibility with life may be offered a termination by the specialist.

Scrotal hydrocoele, cliteromegaly, hypospadia, hydrometrocolpos.

Limbs: micromelia(dwarfism), polydactyly, syndactyly, talipes(club foot), thanatophoric dysplasia, osteogenises imperfecta, IUGR(growth deformity)
Facial: cleft palate/lip, micrognathia, proboscis, Cyclops, hypertelorism, hypotelorism,
Twins: co-twin demise, IUGR, TTS, conjoined(Siamese twins), acardiac monster, stuck twin phenomenon

Anomaly Pregnancy Scan

Description

Timeline

What to expect

Optional

Interesting facts

Questions & Answers

Ultrasound Scans

Vitality Medical Centre

Contact Details

Address

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