Purpose- About your Anatomy Scan
Between 18-21 weeks the anatomy of your baby is scanned in detail so that any information about the many body systems and growth process are documented. You can share in the experience of seeing your baby grow and mark the milestones in their development as your pregnancy progresses.
How long will the anatomy scan ultrasound take?
Approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour
Preparation
Obstetrical ultrasounds are usually done with a full bladder
Procedure
You will be asked to lie on a table where a technologist will apply a gel to your belly area where your ultrasound tech will move a transducer to various points across your belly in order to best demonstrate anatomy. Using state of the art ultrasound equipment your baby’s measurements are documented as well as all anatomy associated with the fetus such as the urinary tract, digestive tract, heart and major blood vessels, brain and others. During this ultrasound the sex of the baby can usually, but not always, be seen.
After the examination:
The radiologist will study your images and dictate a report that will be sent to your physician within 3-4 business days.
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Below is a table of the times in your pregnancy that you can expect ultrasounds. Remember that these ultrasounds are for normal pregnancies.
| Ultrasound Type | Gestational age |
| Early Pregnancy and Dating | 5 to 12 Weeks |
| Fetal Anatomy | 19 to 25 Weeks |
| Growth Ultrasound, if appropriate | 30 to 34 Weeks |
About Early Pregnancy and Dating Ultrasound
The first early ultrasound scan provides you with important information regarding the number of babies and the expected date of delivery. The presence of a pregnancy and detection of the fetal heart can be seen from 5-6 weeks gestation by vaginal scan. Accurate measurements and images are taken of the gestational sac, the crown to rump length.