The anatomy scan is a top-to-toe check of your baby’s body. It is usually done around 20 weeks’ gestation.
It is a thorough look at your baby’s body structures. It can pick up certain structural anomalies, but it does not pick up all functional anomalies. It will also tell us the location of the placenta and check the fluid levels around baby.
It usually takes 30-60 minutes, and is carried out by a qualified sonographer. The images are then checked by a radiologist, and a report sent to your midwife.
If the sonographer can’t get all the images they need, they may ask you to come back for a repeat ultrasound in a few days.
There is a cost for this scan unless you are eligible for funding. Your midwife can let you know about this.
Some parents may ask to find out whether they’re having a boy or girl at this ultrasound, but it may not always be possible to see this! If you don’t want to find out, please let the sonographer know and they will do their best to make sure you don’t see.