A fetal anomaly scan, which is a first-trimester anomaly scan, enables women to determine the stage of an unborn child's development and the location of the placenta inside the uterus. The ideal time to get a fetal abnormality scan is in the middle of pregnancy, which lasts between 18 and 23 weeks. This prenatal scan is crucial since it aids in examining the likelihood of a fetus having problems.
The fetal abnormality scan includes the morphology, volume assessment, lung maturity, and overall health of the developing fetus. During the gestational period, it is also known as a level II ultrasound, a 20-week ultrasound, or an anatomy scan.
The first-trimester scan is advised for pregnancies between 11 and 13 weeks. While the prenatal scan is advised for routine analysis and for the welfare of the fetus. The fetal abnormality scan center places special emphasis on the fetal heart rate, nuchal translucency, and crown-rump length.
While the level II ultrasound fetal abnormality test is only advised when the expecting couple is curious about the gender of their child. Both a fetal echo and an anomaly scan employ the same ultrasound wave to clearly show the unborn child's heart activity. These scans are carried out in the second trimester. Similarly, ultrasound equipment analyzes and produces a clear image of the fetus's heart while echo sound waves are utilized to inspect the fetus's heart.
Why is Fetal Anomaly Scan Conducted?
Fetal anomaly scans are used to look for physical anomalies. The sonographer must measure the baby's other body components, such as the head circumference (HC), thigh bone length (FL), and abdominal circumference, during the fetal abnormality scan (AC). During the level II ultrasound fetal abnormality screening, the following details are looked on:
If a fetal abnormality test reveals any conditions, the sonographer may seek a second opinion. The fetal anomaly screening division will be consulted on this instance. The doctors will then take the necessary treatment steps. For more practical recommendations, the doctor could advise having the scan for fetal anomalies repeated if:
It is tough to see anything properly due to the baby's position.
The higher maternal BMI complicates the fetus' abnormality scan.
If the fetal full profile scan cannot be completed for the reasons mentioned above, the doctor will simply propose repeating the session.
Fetal Anomalies Detected by Fetal Anamoly Scan
| Problem | Description | Chances of figuring out |
| Edwards' Syndrome (Trisomy 18) | When a newborn has three copies of chromosome 18 rather than two, a rare hereditary chromosomal disease called trisomy 18 is present. | 95% |
| Lethal Skeletal Dysplasia | The breathing system, arms, legs, or heads are all affected. There are fewer odds of survival since the lungs and chest are not fully formed in this condition. | 65% |
| Patau's Syndrome (Trisomy 13) | When a newborn has three copies of chromosome 13 rather than two, a chromosomal abnormality is present. | 95% |
| Exomphalos |
When the base of the umbilical cord is not properly sealed by the abdomen during early development. There is a possibility that organs will grow outside the abdomen. |
80% |
| Bilateral Renal Agenesis |
Bilateral Renal Agenesis |
84% |
| Cardiac abnormalities | The heart range is examined during a fetal cardiac abnormality scan, and if there are any anomalies, rapid medical intervention is required. | 50% |
| Cleft lip | When the baby's lips don't correctly unite, this occurs. | 75% |
| Open Spina Bifida | improper spinal cord development. | 90% |
| Diaphragmatic Hernia | It happens when the infant's diaphragm does not fully form. As it keeps the lungs and bowl apart, its absence would inhibit smooth breathing. | 60% |
| Gastroschisis | In this instance, the newborn often has a hole in the umbilical cord on one side. There is a potential that the bowel will fall out of this opening. | 98% |
| Anencephaly | This encourages aberrant skull and brain bone formation. Babies with this problem don't make it. | 98% |
How Is Fetal Anomaly Test Conducted?
In order for the sonographer to get an accurate image of the developing infant, the fetal anomaly analysis is performed in a room with low lighting. Before beginning, the sonographer will instruct the patients to lie down and tuck tissue in their stomachs to prevent gel from spreading. The gel guarantees that the skin and probe establish excellent contact.
The personnel will then examine the naked tummy with a portable probe. The baby will be depicted in black and white on the ultrasound screen.
The fetal abnormality scan is completely risk-free. But in order to get a clear look, the sonographer might need to exert a little pressure, which could be painful. The fetal abnormality scan lasts around 20 to 30 minutes in total.
The patients are instructed to drink enough water to fill their bladders in order to have a good scan.
Is there any Risk Associated With Fetal Anomaly Test?
Numerous scientific studies have confirmed that there is no risk to expectant moms, human fetuses, or embryos from fetal abnormality scans. When carried out sensibly for a far more obvious medical reason by a qualified practitioner, it is safe. Successful fetal abnormality scanning involves a thorough physical evaluation of the developing fetus.
