The deformity scan: What is it and what can you expect?

The anomaly scan, also known as the second trimester scan, is an important part of pregnancy where many parents-to-be are both excited and nervous.

It’s a routine scan, typically performed between weeks 18 and 22, and plays a key role in ensuring that your baby is developing normally. But what does this scan actually entail and what can you expect as a parent-to-be?

In this blog post, we’ll dive into what the malformation scan is and why it’s so important.

The purpose of the deformity scan
The main purpose of the birth defects scan is to examine your baby’s development and check for any physical abnormalities. The scan allows doctors and midwives to see if everything is as it should be and if your baby’s organs are developing normally.

The scan covers the following areas, among others:

• Heart development: Are there any signs of heart defects? Are the heart chambers and blood vessels properly developed?
• Brain development: Is the brain the expected shape and size at this stage?
• Spine: Is the spine intact and are there any signs of spina bifida?
• Lungs, kidneys and gastrointestinal tract: These organs are also checked to make sure they are developing properly.
• Limbs and bones: The baby’s limbs are measured and the arms, legs, hands and feet are checked for proper development.
• Placenta and amniotic fluid: The position of the placenta is checked and the amount of amniotic fluid is assessed to ensure the baby has the best conditions.

The scan may reveal any structural abnormalities that require further examination or follow-up. It is important to remember that the vast majority of pregnancies proceed normally and many parents-to-be leave the scan feeling relieved and happy.

What can you expect during the scan?
When you come for a scan, you will lie down while a sonographer passes an ultrasound head over your abdomen to take pictures of your babies.

The sound waves provide a detailed picture of the foetuses and their surroundings. The scan typically lasts around an hour, depending on how easy it is to get the necessary images. Sometimes it may be necessary to scan internally through the vagina.

During the scan, the sonographer will check the various points mentioned above, but they will also often be able to give you a real-time look at your babies, which for many parents is a magical moment.

You may see your babies moving, and if they are in a suitable position, you may also find out their gender.

Why is the scan important?
The deformity scan is important because it provides a thorough check of your babies’ health and development.

Most parents are told that everything looks fine, but in some cases the scan may reveal conditions that require further investigation or treatment. This could be congenital heart defects, spina bifida or other structural problems.

If something abnormal is detected, you will usually be referred for further scans or specialised tests. It can be a frightening experience to be told that something is not as it should be, but early detection often provides the best opportunity to plan the right treatment both before and after birth.

Can you always see everything?
Although the malformation scan is very accurate, it is not always possible to detect all types of malformations or problems during the scan.

Some conditions may only develop later in pregnancy or be detected after birth. In addition, the babies’ positions during the scan can make it difficult to get a clear picture of certain organs or structures, which may require a follow-up scan.

How do you prepare?
No special preparation is required for the deformity scan. However, it may be a good idea to drink some water beforehand, as a full bladder can make it easier to get a good image of the baby.

Many places allow you to bring a partner or family member to the scan, which can be a nice experience to share.

Also, remember to prepare yourself for the fact that in rare cases there may be a need for further tests. If something doesn’t look normal, the sonographer will explain what the next steps are and give you guidance on how to proceed. For the same reason, children are not allowed to be present during the scan.

The gender of your baby
For many parents-to-be of twins, one of the great highlights of the scan is the opportunity to find out if they are expecting boys, girls or one of each.

If the babies are in a good position and it’s possible to see the genitals clearly, you can get the answer during the scan. However, remember that the scan is primarily about checking the health of the babies, and the position of the babies may make it difficult to see the gender.

In conclusion
The deformity scan is an important and emotional part of pregnancy. It’s where you get a more detailed look at your baby’s development and where healthcare professionals can make sure everything is going as it should.

For most parents, the scan will be confirmation that their baby is developing normally and it’s a great opportunity to get another glimpse of the little life growing in your belly.

Remember all pregnancies are different and examinations may vary from hospital to hospital. If in doubt, always consult your own doctor.

Have you been to a deformity scan yourself? Share your experiences in the comments section!