Pregnancy Scans: Fetal Anomaly Scans 20+ weeks

Being an expectant mother would lead you to several medical check ups to enable you to secure the health of the child and yours. While in the course of pregnancy, you are done with the gender scan to let you know the gender of your baby, at the mid-pregnancy stage, you will be offered to take the fetal anomaly scans. But what is fetal anomaly scan and how you are examined?

The fetal anomaly scans is being done to determine if there are structural malformations to the development of the baby inside the womb.

The organs of the baby are examined in this scan such as the head, the spine, heart and the hands and the feet. Also,placenta, umbilical cord and amniotic fluid are examined.

Here are some of the anomalies that can be seen during the fetal anomaly scans:

• Anencephaly (absence of the top of the head) - 99 per cent
• Exomphalos/gastroscisis (defects of the abdominal wall) - 90 per cent
• Major limb abnormalities (missing or very short limbs) - 90 per cent
• Spina bifida (open spinal cord) - 90 per cent
• Major kidney problems (missing or abnormal kidneys) - 85 per cent
• Diaphragmatic hernia (hole in the muscle separating chest and abdomen) - 60 per cent
• Hydrocephalus (excess fluid within the brain) - 60 per cent
• Down's syndrome (some babies with Down's may have heart or bowel problems that may be seen on the scan) - 40 per cent
• Major heart problems (defects of chambers, valves or vessels) - 25 per cent
• Autism - never seen
• Cerebral palsy - never seen.

If a heart problem is recognized, you will be referred to a specialist to conduct an examination called fetal echo.

Having to understand the value of fetal anomaly scans, the knowledge will equip you to care for the well-being of the baby and yours.