Pregnancy is a beautiful journey filled with anticipation, joy, and a few moments of worry. One of the most important milestones in this journey is the anomaly scan, also known as the mid-pregnancy or Level 2 ultrasound. Usually performed between 18 to 22 weeks of gestation, this detailed scan plays a vital role in monitoring fetal health and identifying potential abnormalities.
In this comprehensive blog, we’ll delve deep into what an anomaly scan is, the conditions it can detect, how it helps expecting parents and doctors, and why it’s an indispensable part of prenatal care.
What Is an Anomaly Scan?
An anomaly scan is a detailed ultrasound examination done in the second trimester of pregnancy, typically between 18 to 22 weeks. Its primary purpose is to assess the development of the fetus and to look for structural abnormalities or congenital conditions.
This scan examines the baby from head to toe—checking the brain, spine, heart, limbs, kidneys, face, and abdominal organs. It’s also used to check the placenta, amniotic fluid levels, and umbilical cord to ensure the pregnancy is progressing healthily.
Why Is the Anomaly Scan Important?
The anomaly scan offers a wealth of information that helps:
Detect major congenital anomalies
Monitor fetal growth and development
Identify conditions that may require further testing, early treatment, or delivery planning
Reassure expectant parents when no abnormalities are found
While the scan doesn’t detect all possible conditions, it helps catch the most serious or life-threatening ones early—giving families time to prepare or make informed decisions.
When Is the Anomaly Scan Done?
The ideal time for the anomaly scan is between 18 to 22 weeks of pregnancy. At this stage, the fetus is developed enough for the ultrasound to clearly identify structures and potential abnormalities, yet still early enough for medical or surgical options (including termination in rare cases) to be discussed if a serious condition is detected.
What Conditions Can Be Detected in an Anomaly Scan?
A wide variety of structural and anatomical abnormalities can be detected during an anomaly scan. Based on the visual content provided by Sparsh Diagnostic Centre, here are some of the major categories of conditions detected:
1. Chromosomal Abnormalities (e.g., Down Syndrome Indicators)
While an anomaly scan can’t directly confirm a chromosomal disorder, it can pick up soft markers that may suggest increased risk, such as:
Thickened nuchal fold
Short femur or humerus
Ventriculomegaly (enlarged brain ventricles)
Echogenic bowel
These findings may prompt further testing such as NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing) or amniocentesis.
2. Limb Conditions (e.g., Lethal Skeletal Dysplasia)
Skeletal abnormalities that may be detected include:
Abnormally short or curved bones
Missing limbs (amelia)
Lethal skeletal dysplasia, where bones are severely underdeveloped
Such findings may suggest genetic syndromes or isolated developmental defects.
3. Heart Problems (Congenital Heart Defects)
The heart is carefully examined in the anomaly scan through a 4-chamber view, outflow tracts, and other cardiac views to detect:
Ventricular septal defects (VSDs)
Atrial septal defects (ASDs)
Tetralogy of Fallot
Hypoplastic left/right heart syndrome
Transposition of the great arteries
Early detection allows for fetal echocardiography and postnatal planning.
4. Kidney Development Abnormalities (e.g., Bilateral Renal Agenesis)
The scan checks for both kidneys and bladder filling. Possible findings include:
Unilateral/Bilateral renal agenesis (missing kidney(s))
Multicystic dysplastic kidneys
Some conditions can be life-threatening or require neonatal intervention.
5. Brain Conditions (e.g., Anencephaly)
The anomaly scan helps identify central nervous system disorders such as:
Anencephaly (absence of parts of the brain and skull)
Hydrocephalus (fluid accumulation in the brain)
Holoprosencephaly (failure of the brain to divide into two hemispheres)
Dandy-Walker malformation
These abnormalities may severely impact survival and quality of life.
6. Lip Abnormalities (e.g., Cleft Lip and Palate)
Facial features are assessed to detect conditions like:
Cleft lip
Cleft palate (may be harder to see on 2D ultrasound)
These conditions are correctable through surgery, but early detection helps plan appropriate feeding and interventions post-delivery.
7. Abdominal Wall Problems
The scan looks at the baby’s abdominal wall for signs of defects such as:
Gastroschisis (intestines protrude outside the body without a membrane)
Omphalocele (organs protrude into the umbilical cord with a covering membrane)
Body stalk anomaly
These may be associated with genetic syndromes or may occur as isolated anomalies.
8. Spinal Cord Conditions (e.g., Spina Bifida)
Anomalies in the fetal spine that may be detected include:
Spina bifida (neural tube defect causing incomplete spine development)
Meningocele or Myelomeningocele (protrusion of the spinal cord)
Early diagnosis can lead to fetal surgery or better neonatal care post-birth.
Other Conditions Often Checked in an Anomaly Scan
9. Placental Location and Condition
Placental lakes or calcifications
Placental abruption (rarely visible but sometimes suggested)
10. Amniotic Fluid Levels
Polyhydramnios (too much fluid)
Oligohydramnios (too little fluid)
11. Cervical Length
Short cervix may indicate risk for preterm labor
12. Umbilical Cord Abnormalities
Single umbilical artery
Velamentous cord insertion
What Happens If an Abnormality Is Found?
If something unusual is detected during an anomaly scan:
Referral to a Fetal Medicine Specialist
For further imaging or expert consultation.Genetic Counseling
If there is suspicion of chromosomal or inherited disorders.Follow-Up Scans or Tests
Including MRI, amniocentesis, or fetal echocardiography.Planning for Delivery and Treatment
Some conditions may need immediate surgery or NICU support after birth.
Does a Normal Anomaly Scan Guarantee a Healthy Baby?
Not entirely. An anomaly scan detects structural anomalies, not functional disorders or genetic syndromes that don’t manifest anatomically. Also, some abnormalities may only be visible later in pregnancy or after birth.
However, a normal scan is highly reassuring and indicates that no major detectable abnormalities are present.
Preparing for Your Anomaly Scan: What to Expect
The scan usually takes 20 to 40 minutes.
You may need to arrive with a full bladder.
A gel is applied to your abdomen, and the technician moves the probe over your belly.
Sometimes the baby may not be in the right position, so you might be asked to walk around or come back later.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. Is the anomaly scan painful or risky?
No, it’s completely safe and non-invasive. It uses sound waves, not radiation.
Q. Can I find out my baby’s gender during the anomaly scan?
In India, sex determination is illegal and punishable by law under the PCPNDT Act.
Why Choose Sparsh Diagnostic Centre for Your Anomaly Scan?
At Sparsh Diagnostic Centre, your pregnancy care is in trusted hands. With advanced ultrasound technology and a team of trained radiologists and fetal medicine experts, we offer:
High-resolution imaging
Expert anomaly detection
Warm and personalized care
Clean, modern facility
Convenient timings: Mon to Sat: 7 AM – 9 PM, Sunday: 7 AM – 3 PM
📞 Call us at 9830117733 or 8335049501 to book your scan today.
An anomaly scan is more than just a routine test—it’s a vital window into your baby’s health and development. It provides crucial insights that help parents prepare, doctors plan, and ensure that both mother and baby receive the best possible care.
Whether everything is fine or further steps are needed, this scan empowers you with information, reassurance, and timely action.
If you’re pregnant and between 18–22 weeks, don’t miss this essential scan. Schedule your anomaly scan with Sparsh Diagnostic Centre today and embrace motherhood with peace of mind.
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Disclaimer:
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
