A fetal anatomy scan is a routine imaging exam that helps in evaluating the baby from head to toe to check development, confirm normal anatomy, and determine the placenta’s position. Usually performed around 18-20 weeks of pregnancy, also known as an anomaly scan. And it assesses critical structures like the brain, Kidneys, Spine, Heart, and Limbs, to rule out structural abnormalities.
Fetal anatomy scans are important to track the growth and development of the baby. And to do so, you need to choose the right doctor and institution as well. If you’re looking for a fetal anatomy scan in Siliguri, there are now many fetal medicine specialists and institutions that specialize in it. To shed more light on the topic of fetal anatomy scan, this blog provides an insight into a complete guide to fetal anatomy in Siliguri, its purpose, procedure, and importance.
Let’s start with learning a little bit more about,
What does a Fetal Anatomy Scan evaluate?
Monitoring the growth and development of the baby’s different body parts as they grow inside the mother’s womb is called a fetal anatomy scan. Doctors usually conduct this scan at 18-20 weeks to look at these parts to make sure the baby is growing normally and healthy.
Examining Organs Inside the Body
- Brain & Spine: Doctors check that the skull is round and the spine is straight, this help in assessing development to detect potential neural tube defects.
- Stomach: Seeing a full stomach proves the baby is practicing swallowing fluid, and so this is an integral part of a fetal anatomy scan.
- Heart: They look for four clear pumping chambers beating at a healthy, steady rhythm, which ensures that the baby’s heart is healthy and growing at the right pace.
- Kidneys & Bladder: These show the baby’s body is successfully processing fluids and peeing.
Examining Organs Outside the Body
- Face: The ultrasound checks the nose, lips, and eyes to make sure everything formed correctly. This ensures that the facial structural development of the baby is correct.
- Arms & Legs: The technician counts all ten fingers, ten toes, and measures the long bones. This helps make sure there are no abnormalities in the baby.
- Gender: The private parts are checked to see if it is a boy or a girl. This is what helps in determining the gender of the baby.
Examining the Support System of the Body
- Placenta: The special internal cushion that feeds the baby food and oxygen from the mom. This is also an essential part in checking the growth and development of the baby.
- Umbilical Cord: The straw-like tube connecting the baby's belly to the placenta is an essential part of a fetal anatomical scan.
- Amniotic Fluid: The amount is measured to ensure the baby has adequate space and that the kidneys are producing fluid, which is important because this is the warm water bubble that protects the baby and lets them swim around.
Further explaining is
What is the Purpose of a Fetal Anatomy Scan?
To access the health, growth, and physical development of the baby, is the primary purpose of a fetal anatomy scan.
It identifies normal development and screens for potential structural abnormalities.
Here is a breakdown of why this scan is performed:
For Essential Medical Screening
- Detecting Structural Anomalies:
Fetal scans are essential for detecting any structural abnormalities of the baby. These can be screens for physical conditions like cleft lip, spinal defects, or heart issues.
- Tracking Organ Function:
This helps in confirming that the major internal organs are present, correctly placed, and developing. Ultimately contributing ot the growth and development of the baby.
- Tracking Genetic Markers:
These help in looking for any physical indicators that might suggest a need for genetic testing.
For Growth and Environment Tracking
- Verification of Age:
Fetal anatomy scans help in confirming the baby’s exact gestational age and the prediction of due date, which is the date the baby is supposed to be born.
- Growth Rates of the Baby:
These scans help in measuring the bones and head size to ensure the baby grows at a healthy rate.
- Position of the Placenta:
Fetal anatomy scan locates the placenta to ensure it does not block the birth canal, ultimately contributinhg ot the growth and development of the baby.
- Checking Fluid Levels:
It measures amniotic fluid to confirm the baby has enough protective cushioning.
For Delivery and Care Planning
- Early Intervention of any Condition or Disease:
These scans allow doctors to plan medical treatments that can start immediately at birth, which ensures that there are no complications later in the baby’s life.
- Preparing for Delivery:
Fetal anatomy scans help determine if a specialized hospital or a C-section is required for safety. This makes sure that there are no complications when the time to give birth comes.
Next comes,
What is the Procedure of a Fetal Anatomy Scan?
Typically lasting between 45 minutes and an hour, a fetal anatomy scan is a safe, painless, and non-invasive imaging procedure.
It uses high-frequency sound waves to create live images of the baby.
Before the Procedure
- Your Clothing:
Before the procedure, while preparing for it, the first step will be sorting your clothes. Wear a loose, two-piece outfit so your abdomen is easily accessible.
- Your Bladder:
According to some doctors, you may be asked to arrive with a full bladder, which helps lift the uterus and pushes the intestines out of the way for clearer images.
During the Procedure
Step 1-Your Positioning:
Before the procedure starts, you will have to lie down on an examination table, which is usually tilted slightly to your side for comfort.
Step 2-Applying Gel:
The second step of a fetal anatomical scan is that the sonographer now applies a warm, water-based gel to your lower stomach, which eliminates air pockets and helps transmit sound waves.
Step 3- Scanning:
The third step of a fetal anatomic scan is the ultrasound part, where the sonographer presses a handheld device called a transducer against your skin, moving it around to view the baby from different angles.
Step 4-Taking Measurements:
The next step is all about taking measurements of the baby’s organs after scanning. Now the room may be dark or quiet while the technician concentrates on freezing images, taking precise measurements, and recording data.
Step 5-Clean Up:
Once completed, with recording measurements of the baby and its necessary organs, the gel is wiped off your abdomen, and you can use the restroom immediately.
After the Procedure
- Your Activity:
There are no measures that you have to take after this procedure is completed. So, you can resume normal activities and eating habits right away.
- The Results:
The sonographer does not typically diagnose or share detailed results on the spot. The images are sent to a radiologist or your OB-GYN, who will review them and discuss the findings with you at a follow-up appointment.
Explaining further is
What is the Importance of a Fetal Anomaly or Anatomy Scan?
Because it shifts management from general tracking to a highly detailed medical evaluation, the fetal anatomy scan is a critical milestone in prenatal care.
Identifying health status early provides essential choices and security for the pregnancy.
Early Detection of Medical Conditions
- Helps in Identifying Correctable Issues:
Fetal anatomy scans help in spotting conditions like certain heart defects, urinary blockages, or diaphragmatic hernias
Identifying these diseases can be later treated with specialized care immediately after birth, or even through fetal surgery before birth.
- Genetic Diagnostic Testing:
These ultrasounds help in finding any genetic errors that may result in later life for the child.
It finds physical markers like a shortened femur or fluid changes, which may suggest a need for further genetic screening for conditions like Down syndrome.
- Preventing Birth Complications:
It helps in identifying any complications that may arrive in times of giving birth, and also prepares for birth.
It detects structural issues early, so your medical team can plan a safe delivery method, such as a scheduled C-section if needed.
For Planning and Delivery Preparation
- Helps Secure the Right Hospital:
This ensures you deliver at a hospital with a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and specialized pediatric surgeons if the baby requires immediate medical care.
- Determining Safe Placement:
These scans allow doctors to monitor it and prevent dangerous bleeding, pinpointing a low-lying placenta or placenta previa early.
- Coordinating Care Teams:
This helps you give your OB-GYN time to assemble a team of specialists, like pediatric cardiologists or urologists, well before your due date, in case of a high-risk pregnancy.gg
Ensuring Reassurance and Emotional Readiness
- This Provides Peace of Mind:
This not only ensures the growth and development of the baby, but also offers immense relief to parents when the scan confirms that organs and limbs are developing exactly as they should.
- It Allows Time to Prepare:
These ultrasounds give families time to learn, gather resources, and emotionally prepare if a chronic health condition or developmental delay is discovered.
Conclusion
A Fetal Anatomy Scan is a routine imaging exam that helps in evaluating the baby from head to toe to check development, confirm normal anatomy, and determine the placenta’s position. This is usually 18-20 weeks of pregnancy, and is also called an anomaly scan. It helps in accessing organs of the baby, like the heart, limbs, kidneys, brain, and spine, to determine any early signs of structural abnormalities. Fetal anatomy scans are important to track the growth and development of the baby. And to do so, you need to choose the right doctor and institution as well. Many fetal medicine specialists and institutions specialize in fetal anatomy scans in Siliguri. Choosing the right and good doctor is the primary part in tracking down the growth and development of the baby. One such doctor is Dr. Sweta Bothra. She is a fetal medicine specialist and radiologist with advanced training in prenatal diagnosis and pregnancy imaging. She holds an MBBS, MD in Radiodiagnosis, and a Fellowship in Fetal Medicine, and brings experience from leading institutions. These institutions include Tata Memorial Hospital, SION Hospital, and Neotia Multispeciality Hospital.
