Anomaly scan or anomaly ultrasound (anomaly scan) is usually performed at 18 to 22 weeks of pregnancy.... Its main purpose is to examine the structure of the fetus and detect congenital anomalies.... This scan is similar to the screening of the second trimester of pregnancy and can also detect many genetic, heart, heart or cardiac diseases.. Fetal sex.... This article is from Health Magazine GCORP LLC discusses what ultrasound is for and what abnormalities it detects.

What is an abnormal ultrasound?

Abnormal ultrasound in week 18 is performed using high frequency sound waves, not radiation.....that is, unlike imaging such as radiography or CT scan, there is no ionizing radiation in this method and it is completely harmless to the fetus and mother... Ionizing radiation is a beam that has a lot of energy and can give electric charge to the atoms and molecules of the body.

In this examination, the sonographer usually uses two-dimensional ultrasound to view the fetal organs, but in some cases, he may also use three-dimensional or four-dimensional images for greater clarity.

In the article "What is ultrasound?" We have explained completely and precisely how this method uses sound waves to create live images of the internal organs of the body and why it is considered one of the safest imaging methods during pregnancy.

What is an abnormal ultrasound for?

Gynecologist recommends an abnormality scan to check the growth of the organs and the health of the fetus in detail... In the 18th to 22nd weeks of pregnancy, the fetal organs are almost complete and the whole body can be examined accurately... The necessary measures for growth restriction or spontaneous mating must be taken... Therefore, the serious purpose of ultrasound is to conceive the fetus... Complications.

Doctors recommend an anomaly scan to all expectant mothers, even if they have a normal pregnancy....because many abnormalities are asymptomatic and can only be detected by ultrasound....but in some cases, the doctor insists on doing it, for example, if:

• The mother is more than 35 years old.
• There is a history of fetal abnormality or genetic disease in the family.
• There has been a miscarriage or fetal problem in a previous pregnancy.
• The results of the first trimester screening tests were abnormal.

If you are concerned about performing or interpreting an abnormal scan, speaking with an online gynecologist can reassure you and make the decision-making process easier...especially if the ultrasound results require a more detailed examination or referral to a geneticist.

What does an abnormal ultrasound determine?

In the anomaly scan, the doctor examines all vital organs of the fetus in terms of shape, size and function... In summary, the following are usually present as a result of an abnormal ultrasound:

Abnormalities of the brain and central nervous system

Abnormalities of the brain and central nervous system are among the most common cases that can be detected in an abnormal scan:

1- Cardiovascular abnormalities

In an abnormal ultrasound, the doctor can detect the following in the fetal cardiovascular system:

2- Chromosomal abnormalities with external symptoms

Some genetic abnormalities, such as Down syndrome, are not directly visible on ultrasound, but have indirect symptoms:

3- Facial abnormalities

Some facial abnormalities can also be detected on an abnormal ultrasound, including:

4- Spine and skeleton

In this section, the main focus is on the growth and shape of the bones, vertebrae and the way the spine is closed.. because any deviation or defect in these areas can be a sign of congenital diseases or neurological disorders such as spina bifida.. The table below shows the most important skeletal and spine abnormalities that can be seen in an abnormal scan.

5- Chest and abdomen

With the help of ultrasound, the doctor carefully evaluates vital organs such as the heart, lungs, stomach, kidneys, and diaphragm. The goal is to ensure that the fetus develops normally and that the internal organs are formed in a proper and healthy place. In the table below, you can see the most important anomalies and abnormalities of the fetus...

The movement organs of the fetus include hands, feet, shoulders, and fingers, and examining them in an abnormal ultrasound is particularly important... By measuring the length of the bones and evaluating the movement, the doctor is sure of the normal development and muscle and skeletal function of the fetus.

7- Abnormalities of placenta and umbilical cord

The health of the placenta and umbilical cord is vital for blood flow and proper nutrition of the fetus.... By evaluating these organs in an abnormal ultrasound, the doctor can identify any possible abnormalities before serious problems occur and take preventive measures.

It is possible that not all abnormalities can be seen in ultrasound.. For example, sometimes, due to the position of the fetus or limited visibility, the gynecologist recommends that the ultrasound be repeated.

An abnormality scan tells you that there is probably something wrong, but it doesn't guarantee that there definitely is a problem.... That is, if the doctor sees something suspicious, he will recommend additional tests, such as amniocentesis or NIPT, to confirm it.

How is an abnormal ultrasound done?

The sonographer will ask you to lie on your back on the bed, just like with an abdominal and pelvic ultrasound...he will probably tell you to turn a little to the right or left to get a clearer picture of the fetus and better blood flow to the uterus.

Then he applies the gel on the surface of the abdomen so that the contact between the skin and the device is established better and the sound waves pass more easily... In the next step, he moves the probe (the same handheld ultrasound device) on the abdomen to see the condition of the abdomen and the fetus as a black and white image on the monitor.

During the scan, the doctor looks at the organs of the fetus, the spine, heart, abdomen, placenta, umbilical cord, and the amount of amniotic fluid and takes important measurements. For example, head circumference, abdominal circumference, femur length, and the growth of the fetus must match the gestational age.

Ultrasound usually takes 20 to 45 minutes, but if the condition of the fetus is complicated or if a detailed examination of the heart is needed, it may take a little longer....

Necessary precautions before abnormal ultrasound

Preparing for an abnormality ultrasound is not complicated, you just need to do it at the right time:

Does the bladder have to be full for an abnormal ultrasound?

Unlike some early pregnancy ultrasounds where a full bladder allows a better view of the uterus and fetus, in this scan (18 to 22 weeks), the uterus and fetus are large enough and the images are clearly visible. However, you may be advised to have a half-full bladder.

Do you have to fast for an abnormal ultrasound?

There is no need to fast for this test, just wear appropriate clothes that will make the ultrasound process easier for you... Do not forget your medical documents.

When is the best time for an abnormality ultrasound?

The best time for abnormal ultrasound is exactly between 18 and 22 weeks of pregnancy This time range was chosen for several reasons:

• Adequate growth of organs: During these weeks, the organs and structures of the fetus have grown enough to be examined in detail... Before the 18th week, some organs are still not complete and some abnormalities may not be detected.
• Enough space in the uterus: The uterus is not yet full at this time and the fetus has enough space so that its position is suitable for examination.
• Possibility of detecting abnormalities before birth: Performing ultrasound during this period allows planning treatment or supplementary measures before birth.

If you do the ultrasound earlier than the 18th week, some organs may not be seen completely and accurate diagnosis may be difficult.

After the 22nd week of pregnancy, it is still possible to check, but sometimes the fetus has grown and its position to see some organs is limited.

Abnormal ultrasounds are sometimes cause for concern

Ask everything to the doctor before the ultrasound!

Gynecologist gynecologist online immediately

If you need comprehensive information for other ultrasounds, the article "How to prepare for an ultrasound?" It is suggested to you.

What should we eat before an abnormal ultrasound?

You don't have any restrictions on what to eat for an abnormal ultrasound.... But there is a recommendation that it is better for the mother to use sweet foods such as dates.... This recommendation can be for the following reasons:

• Stimulation of fetal movement: The sugar in dates raises the mother's blood sugar temporarily.. This increase in sugar makes the fetus more mobile, and as a result, sonography can see the organs and face of the fetus more easily and accurately.
• Improving the position of the fetus in the uterus: If the fetus is in a bad position or is asleep, the movement caused by the short-term energy causes the fetus to find a more suitable position for scanning.
• Mother's comfort: Consuming dates or a light sweet food makes the mother have energy and not feel dizzy or weak, especially if it's in the morning... usually one to two dates or a little natural sugar is enough.

Normal numbers in abnormal ultrasound

The table below shows the range of normal numbers in an abnormal ultrasound....you should know that these numbers are approximate....because every fetus is a little different and slight differences are considered normal....the final interpretation is with the doctor....if a number is out of range, the doctor will check if there is an underlying problem or if this difference is normal.

Typical ranges for fetal biometry vary and many factors go into determining "normal".. Each parameter has an average measurement at different gestational ages.... Additionally, every pregnancy is different and your provider will consider other factors when evaluating your results.

Organ sizes and indices such as BPD or HC can vary from fetus to fetus....Many factors play a role in determining what is considered "normal"....Each index has an approximate average at different gestational ages...Furthermore, each pregnancy is unique and the physician will consider individual factors and the specific circumstances of the mother and fetus when reviewing the results.

quoted from my.clevelandclinic

ultrasound of abnormalities in several lines

Abnormal ultrasound helps to diagnose genetic diseases, structural problems and even Down's syndrome... The best time is between 18 and 22 weeks of pregnancy... There is no need for special preparation such as fasting to perform this test, although some doctors recommend that the bladder be half full.... The duration of the test is about 20 to 4.

If you have questions about an abnormal ultrasound or want to know how to prepare for one, you can get an online consultation from a gynecologist at GCORP LLC... Also, at GCORP LLC, it is possible to get an online appointment to see a gynecologist.>

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Source: pockethealth | NHS | Fetus medicine