An anomaly scan specialist performs detailed level-2 ultrasound scans between 18 and 22 weeks of pregnancy. Such a specialist can be a radiologist, fetal medicine expert, or advanced sonographer. If you are pregnant or trying to conceive, then it is highly advisable to obtain information about an anomaly scan specialist. You can ensure the proper health and safety of the baby before birth by undergoing anomaly scans. In this blog, you will learn everything about an anomaly scan specialist, which includes anomaly scan and its purpose, what an anomaly scan specialist examines, and what is the role of such a specialist.
Also Read: Gestational Diabetes in Pregnancy - Symptoms, Risks, & How to Manage it Effectively.
What is an Anomaly Scan and What is its Purpose?
An anomaly scan, also known as a 20-week anatomy scan, is a detailed ultrasound that is performed between the pregnancy weeks 18 and 21. This scan is performed to analyse the fetus’s physical development.
The main purposes of an anomaly scan that you should know are as follows:
- To check for abnormalities: An anomaly scan ensures a detailed scan of the fetus, which in turn ensures that structural, physical, or genetic congenital anomalies can be detected. This holds tremendous significance in terms of detecting anomalies, such as heart defects or cleft lips.
- To monitor the fetal growth and development: An anomaly scan helps in effectively measuring the circumference of the baby’s head and abdomen. In addition, the thigh bone length is also measured through this scan, which helps in determining whether the fetus's growth is appropriate or not.
- To assess maternal health: Along with checking the baby’s health, this scan also prioritises checking the health of the mother. This is evident from the fact that the scan evaluates the mother’s uterus and sometimes the cervix to identify potential risks and complications.
- To assess the placenta and amniotic fluid: An anomaly scan accurately locates the placenta to identify whether the placenta has covered the cervix or not, which is an anomaly if it has covered it. In addition, the amniotic fluid levels are also measured to ensure that the baby is in a safe environment.
Know What An Anomlay Scan Specialist Examines
These are the prominent organs and factors that are examined by an anomaly scan specialist:
- Spine and skeleton: An anomaly scan specialist inspects the spine from top to bottom so that any potential defect can be identified. It is a well-known fact that structural abnormalities can be caused by spinal disorders. The specialist uses coronal, sagittal, and transverse views for evaluating the entire spine. Some of the most common abnormalities being looked for are sacral agenesis, spina bifida, or hemivertebrae.
- Brain and head: Such a specialist examines the skull shape and integrity to check for abnormalities, such as incomplete formation of the skull and brain. In addition, the structure of the brain is checked to ensure proper symmetry. Lastly, the circumference of the head is measured by the specialist to ensure that the brain is growing perfectly as per gestational age.
- Abdomen and organs in the abdominal area: The first thing that the specialist examines is the abdominal wall, which needs to be fully closed to rule out abnormalities. After that, examination of the organs in the abdominal area, such as the kidney, liver, and bladder are done so that it can be ensured that these organs are present and functioning properly.
- Heart structure: An anomaly scan specialist, generally a fetal medicine specialist or a radiologist, examines the fetal heart structure. This is done to identify potential congenital heart defects. A four-chamber view is done to check for proper size and symmetry. In addition, septal defects are also examined, which is based on checking for holes in the heart.
- Placenta and cord: This examination is based on checking the location of the placenta, which is crucial to rule out the presence of placenta previa. If the placenta lies low, then it can be a sign of abnormality, which makes it mandatory for a third-trimester scan. On the other hand, umbilical cord analysis is done during this scan to count the vessels. In addition, cord examination helps in determining if the baby is receiving sufficient oxygen and nutrients.
The Role of An Anomaly Scan Specialist
An anomaly scan specialist plays a vital role in terms of the following:
- Necessary expertise: To conduct an anomaly scan, an individual often must possess a postgraduate qualification in ultrasound. In addition, such a scan is performed by highly trained radiologists or sonographers because of the critical scenarios involved related tothe baby’s as well as the mother’s health.
- Provide a detailed report: This is another crucial role played by an anomaly scan specialist. The overall scan covers analysis and examination of several organs and factors. Thus, it becomes important to provide a detailed report of each organ being examined, along with the factors that have been considered. This is where the knowledge, qualification, and expertise of an anomaly scan specialist or fetal medicine specialist come into play.
- Manage limitations: It can become difficult to examine the baby if the mother has a high BMI. Given the significance of the 20-week anomaly scan, it becomes mandatory to manage such limitations. An anomaly scan specialist uses advanced technology to overcome such limitations, which in turn ensures that proper examination of the baby and mother is carried out.
- Offer a second opinion: If the specialist observes any anomaly, then expert intervention is asked for confirmation. However, if the anomaly scan specialist is a fetal medicine specialist, then the first opinion proves to be accurate. Thus, you can seek relevant care or follow suggestions if anomalies are detected during this stage of pregnancy.
Final Thoughts
A 20-week anomaly scan is something that you should not miss under any circumstances. This is because you can gain accurate knowledge and information on the health and safety of your baby through this scan. In addition, the identification of potential anomalies makes room for the doctor to plan the next tests and clinical interventions. Therefore, it is advisable to choose the best anomaly scan specialist, such as Dr. Sweta Bothra, so that an accurate scan report can be obtained. On the other hand, such specialists can also help you address anomalies through expert guidance and treatment. Ensure an accurate 20-week anomaly scan by visiting the best fetal medicine specialist in Siliguri or a location of your convenience.
