What Is an Anatomy Scan During Pregnancy? Everything You Need to Know
You’ve probably heard of ultrasounds, but what exactly is an anatomy scan during pregnancy, and why do so many people emphasize its importance? It’s more than just a look at your baby. This mid-pregnancy exam can reveal unexpected findings. What happens during the scan may influence how you experience the rest of your pregnancy.
TL;DR
An anatomy scan is a detailed mid-pregnancy ultrasound, typically performed between weeks 18–24, to assess fetal development. It evaluates the baby’s organs, limbs, spine, heart, and overall growth to detect abnormalities like neural tube defects or heart malformations. While it may reveal the baby’s sex, its primary purpose is medical—not a gender reveal. The scan helps guide prenatal care, birth planning, and ensures both maternal and fetal well-being. Preparation is minimal, and results can shape important healthcare decisions moving forward.
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What Is an Anatomy Scan?
Also known as a morphology or detailed anatomy ultrasound, this scan uses imaging to examine the baby’s development.
It’s not just a snapshot of the fetus. It’s a detailed study that helps medical professionals identify potential abnormalities and confirm that the baby is growing as expected.
When is it done?
The anatomy scan is typically performed between weeks 18 and 24 of pregnancy, a period when most of the baby’s structures are developed enough to be examined clearly via ultrasound.
What is evaluated during the scan?
The scan involves a thorough check of various parts of the baby’s body. Here are the areas most commonly assessed:
| Head and face | Skull shape, lips, eyes, and nose |
| Heart | Heart chambers, valves, rhythm |
| Internal organs | Position and function of the stomach, kidneys, and other organs |
| Limbs | Length and symmetry of arms, legs, hands, and feet |
| Spine | Continuity, curvature, and alignment of the vertebrae |
This scan gives a detailed view of your baby’s development and can bring emotional reassurance, since it helps detect any concerns that may need follow-up care.
Why the Anatomy Scan Is So Important
The anatomy scan, done via abdominal ultrasound, plays a major role in evaluating fetal development. Its main goal is to ensure a complete and early look at the baby’s anatomy, confirming everything is developing properly and ruling out structural problems.
Fetal development assessment: The scan shows how the baby is forming in the womb. It checks multiple organs and structures.
Early detection of abnormalities: Some of the issues that may be identified include:
- Neural tube defects
- Heart malformations
- Hydrocephalus
- Other congenital conditions
Spotting these problems early helps families and medical teams make informed decisions and plan the right care.
Planning medical care: When the scan reveals an issue, a specific plan can be developed. This may involve:
- Treatment during pregnancy
- More frequent monitoring
- Planning for a specialized birth
- Involving additional specialists
Early planning can lead to better outcomes for both the baby and the mother.
Birth planning: Findings from the scan may also help determine the safest delivery method.
The anatomy scan supports the baby’s well-being by offering detailed insights into development. Detecting concerns early allows for timely care and improves health outcomes before and after birth.
What Does the Anatomy Scan Check For?
The anatomy scan reviews the baby’s body in detail to ensure all organs, tissues, and systems are forming properly. The exam uses medical terminology to describe the position, structure, and features of each part examined.
Key elements evaluated during the scan include:
- Fetal position: Shows the baby’s location in the womb, which helps assess preparation for birth
- Growth: Measurements like head, abdomen, and femur size help estimate weight and check if development aligns with gestational age
- Amniotic fluid: Assesses the fluid around the baby, essential for protection and development
- Placenta location: Verifies where the placenta is positioned and whether it could affect pregnancy or delivery
- Fetal well-being: Overall health is reviewed to ensure there are no concerns
The anatomy scan offers a comprehensive look at your baby’s condition. Through a careful, systematic approach, it can reveal any issues and guide the next steps for care and monitoring.
Is It the Same as a Gender Reveal?
An anatomy scan isn’t the same as a gender reveal, although it can sometimes identify the baby’s sex. Its main purpose is to evaluate the baby’s structure and detect any anatomical concerns.
| Feature | Anatomy Scan | Gender Reveal |
| Main goal | Evaluate fetal development | Identify baby’s sex |
| Recommended timing | Week 18–22 of pregnancy | Starting around week 16 |
| Level of detail | High – checks organs, limbs, etc. | Focused only on genitals |
| Method used | Detailed ultrasound (morphology scan) | Standard ultrasound or other test |
| Expected outcome | Full anatomical report | Confirmation of baby’s sex |
The sex of the baby can be identified during the scan if the baby’s position allows. The analysis uses clear imaging of the perineal area:
- Male fetuses: Visible penis and scrotum
- Female fetuses: Two lateral bulges seen in axial views of the perineum
Sometimes, the sex cannot be determined due to fetal position or image clarity.
Although learning the baby’s sex is exciting for many families, the scan’s true goal is medical. It focuses on:
- Brain, heart, abdomen, and skeletal structure
- Proper fetal growth
- Early detection of congenital conditions
An anatomy scan should not be mistaken for a simple gender ultrasound. While it may reveal the baby’s sex, its core function is to thoroughly assess fetal development.
How to Prepare for Your Anatomy Scan
Getting ready for an anatomy scan is simple and doesn’t require much effort. Unlike some tests, you don’t need a full bladder or to fast. You can eat and drink as usual beforehand. Just wear comfortable clothing that doesn’t restrict movement and try to stay relaxed.
Avoid using lotion on your abdomen in the days leading up to the scan. While harmless otherwise, it can interfere with the ultrasound’s imaging quality due to the oils affecting wave transmission.
If you have questions or need personalized advice, talk to your doctor. Each pregnancy is different, and clear communication helps make the most of your anatomy scan.
Key Takeaways
- Definition and Timing
- An anatomy scan, also called a morphology or detailed anatomy ultrasound, is a mid-pregnancy exam done between 18–24 weeks.
- It offers a comprehensive evaluation of fetal development.
- Purpose of the Scan
- Checks the baby’s growth, structure, and organ development.
- Identifies potential abnormalities such as neural tube defects, heart malformations, or congenital conditions.
- Assists in early planning for medical care, treatment, or specialized delivery if issues are detected.
- What the Scan Evaluates
- Head and face: Skull shape, facial features.
- Heart: Structure, rhythm, and chambers.
- Internal organs: Kidneys, stomach, etc.
- Limbs and spine: Length, symmetry, and alignment.
- Fetal position, growth, amniotic fluid, and placenta location are also reviewed.
- Difference from Gender Reveal
- Although the scan may reveal the baby’s sex, its main purpose is medical, not entertainment.
- Focuses on anatomy, not just identifying gender.
- Importance for Pregnancy Management
- Helps ensure the baby is developing normally.
- Provides information that may influence care decisions and birth planning.
- Supports better outcomes through early detection and intervention.
- Preparation for the Scan
- No special preparation needed; eat and drink as normal.
- Avoid applying lotion on the abdomen before the scan to ensure image clarity.
- Wear comfortable clothing and stay relaxed.
- Next Steps
- Discuss findings with your healthcare provider to understand results and plan further care if needed.
Sources:
- Tan, E. K., & Tan, E. L. (2013). Alterations in physiology and anatomy during pregnancy. Best practice & research Clinical obstetrics & gynaecology, 27(6), 791-802.
- Sepulveda, W., Wong, A. E., Castro, F., Adiego, B., & Martinez-Ten, P. (2011). Feasibility of 3‐dimensional sonographic examination of the fetal secondary palate during the second‐trimester anatomy scan. Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine, 30(12), 1619-1624.