As you reach the middle of your second trimester (about 20 weeks), you will be asked to get an anomaly scan done as a part of your antenatal care. A foetal anomaly scan offers a closer look at your uterus and your baby.
It is an ultrasound scan that checks each part of your baby’s organs and body parts, measures its growth, and finds out the position of the placenta. It can also reveal the sex of the baby and detect any defects.
While a foetal anomaly scan is mostly optional, it is still extremely important to get it done for several reasons. Continue reading to learn more about the importance of foetal anomaly scans.
8 Reasons Why Foetal Anomaly Scans Are Important?
Although you may not feel the need to get an anomaly scan done, there are many reasons why you should not avoid it. A foetal anomaly scan allows you to examine multiple conditions in your baby so they can be treated proactively.
These include conditions like cleft lip, congenital heart disease (CHD), Edwards syndrome, etc. If the scan identifies any condition, your gynae obstetrics specialist will administer the right approach to treat it as soon as the baby is born.
Below are some more reasons why foetal anomaly scans are important:
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Assesses Foetal Growth
A foetal anomaly scan assesses the growth of your foetus to help your obstetrics and gynaecology specialist determine whether the baby’s growth is normal. If there are any problems with the size of the foetus, such as macrosomia (excessive growth) or restricted growth, it may require special attention and intervention.
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Examines Organs and Other Systems
An anomaly scan also allows your gynaecologist to examine your baby’s organs and systems. It examines your baby’s heart, brain, kidneys, bladder, spine, limbs, and umbilical cord to determine if they are developing normally. If there are any abnormalities in these systems, immediate attention and care are required.
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Detects Any Underlying Defects
One of the most important uses of a foetal anomaly scan is that it uncovers any underlying defects in the foetus. It identifies structural abnormalities and medical conditions like congenital heart disease (CHD), congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), spina bifida, Edwards syndrome, cleft lip, Patau’s syndrome, and other abnormalities.
By identifying these conditions early on, you can work with your gynaecologist to get proper treatment and prepare for any special interventions required right after birth.
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Assesses Placental Position
The placenta in your womb helps deliver oxygen and essential nutrients to your body. An anomaly scan also helps your gynaecologist assess the function and position of the placenta.
By observing the position and functionality of your placenta, your gynaecologist and obstetrician can detect the presence of any abnormalities early on. They can detect conditions like placental insufficiency and manage them timely to ensure there are no complications in your pregnancy.
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Confirms the Gestational Age
Another reason why a foetal anomaly scan is important is because it confirms the gestational age of your baby. This confirms how far along you are in your pregnancy, which can help accurately prejudice the due date of your baby. It also helps you measure the foetal development in relation to the current age.
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Detects Chromosomal Abnormalities
In addition to confirming the gestational age of your baby, an anomaly scan also helps detect any chromosomal abnormalities that may be present, like Down syndrome. There are some indicators on the ultrasound that, when combined with blood tests, can help identify any underlying risks of chromosomal abnormalities.
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Evaluates the Cervical and Uterine Structures
A foetal anomaly scan also allows you to evaluate the growth and structure of the uterus and cervix. This scan can detect any abnormalities related to these structures, such as cervical insufficiency or uterine anomalies.
As a result, you can take proactive measures in case you need special intervention or management to minimise the risk of complications or preterm birth.
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Helps with Perinatal Management
If an anomaly scan identifies any foetal anomalies, you can prepare yourself to get proper perinatal management. This involves working with your gynaecologists and obstetricians to plan safe delivery.
You may also need to find a tertiary care clinic that can handle complicated pregnancies and is equipped to provide appropriate neonatal interventions or even surgery.
Conclusion
Foetal anomaly scans are extremely important, and you should not miss them just because they are optional. They are a key part of your prenatal care as they provide you with valuable insights to monitor your baby’s growth, detect any abnormalities, and prepare for a healthy and safe birth.
While you prioritise an anomaly scan, it is also important to get other scans like a mammogram done to stay proactive and ensure a safe and healthy journey towards motherhood.
Good luck!
