A 20-week ultrasound, sometimes called an anatomy scan / anomaly scan / Targeted imaging for fetal anomaly (TIFFA Scan), is a prenatal ultrasound performed between 18 and 22 weeks of pregnancy. It checks on the physical development of the fetus and can detect certain congenital disorders as well as major anatomical abnormalities. Your healthcare provider will use a 2D, 3D, 4D or even 5D ultrasound to take images of the fetus inside your uterus. The radiologist will take measurements and make sure the fetus is growing appropriately for its age.

What is the 20-week anatomy scan looking for?

A 20-week ultrasound takes measurements of your fetal organs and body parts to make sure the fetus is growing appropriately. The scan also looks for signs of specific congenital disabilities or structural issues with certain organs.

Some specific parts your provider will examine are the fetal:

1. Heart.
2. Brain, neck and spine.
3. Kidneys and bladder.
4. Arms and legs.
5. Hands, fingers, feet and toes.
6. Lips, chin, nose, eyes and face.
7. Chest and lungs.
8. Stomach and intestines.

The radiologist will also:

1. Listen to the fetal heart rate for abnormal rhythms.
2. Check the umbilical cord for blood flow and where it attaches to the placenta.
3. Look at the placenta to make sure it’s not covering your cervix (placenta previa).
4. Check your uterus, ovaries and cervix.
5. Measure the amount of amniotic fluid.

Several images are taken during this ultrasound. You will see the radiologist draw lines on the screen. This line acts as a ruler, documenting the sizes of organs and limbs. They compare these measurements against your due date. In some cases, you might hear you are measuring ahead, on track or behind your due date. If fetal measurements are within 10 to 14 days of the predicted due date, then the fetus is considered to be developing adequately. Your due date will not change unless the fetus measures outside of that time frame.

What does an ultrasound look like at 20 weeks?

It may be hard for you to identify what you’re looking at on an ultrasound. You will most likely spot the fetus's head, nose, arms and legs. Unlike your first trimester ultrasound when the fetus looked like a tiny cluster of cells, the fetus looks more like a real baby at 20 weeks. Ask your radiologist if you are unsure what you are looking at. Keep in mind, your technician can’t interpret the results of the scan for you. However, if you ask what body part you’re looking at, they can usually answer.

Test Details

How do I prepare for my 20-week ultrasound?

There isn’t much to do to prepare for your appointment. This will be one of your longer appointments — around 45 minutes for just the ultrasound. If you are seeing your healthcare provider afterward, your appointment could last up to 75 minutes. Plan ahead by making any necessary arrangements for work or childcare. Some healthcare providers recommend eating or having a full bladder to make it easier to see the images and make the fetus more likely to move.

What can I expect at my 20-week ultrasound?

First, you will lie down on the exam table. Next, an ultrasonic gel is placed on your belly. Then, anradiologist will move an ultrasound wand over different spots in your abdomen. They will take images and measurements of specific organs and parts by freezing the screen. You may also see them draw lines to measure the length of the fetus's limbs or the circumference of its head. This helps them evaluate the fetus's size for its gestational age. You will get to watch the fetus on a screen, one of the most exciting parts of pregnancy.

If the fetus is positioned in a way that makes it hard to take measurements, the radiologist might ask you to move around a little or take a drink of something sweet or eat to make the fetus move.

Generally, your radiologist will be quiet as they work. Don’t be alarmed if the conversation is minimal or if they aren't sharing results as they go. Your obstetrician will go over the results with you either immediately after the ultrasound or at a follow-up appointment in the next few days.

After all the images are taken and your radiologist is happy with all the angles and measurements, you will be able to wipe the gel off your belly. Make sure there is room on your refrigerator: Most ultrasound technicians will send you home with a few pictures as a keepsake.

Will a 20-week ultrasound tell me the sex of the fetus?

No, in INDIA Prenatal sex determination and discloser is prohibited and punishable offence under PC PNDT Act. Seeking or asking for the sex of the child is also a punishable offence under PC PNDT Act.

Is a 20-week anatomy scan harmful?

No, having a 20-week ultrasound is safe. Studies have shown that ultrasound is not dangerous to you or the fetus. A 20-week prenatal ultrasound is considered medically necessary to detect potentially life-altering anomalies.

Results and Follow-Up

When will I know the results of my 20-week ultrasound?

Anatomy scans are usually a positive experience. In most cases, your radiologist will not find any major anomalies. Every healthcare facility has different processes, but you will likely meet with your obstetrician right after or next day after your 20-week scan. The radiologist shares the images and any findings with them. Then, your obstetrician will do their own analysis before meeting with you and sharing results.

If they find something that doesn’t look right, they may recommend additional prenatal testing or treatment for a condition found during the scan. In some cases, they recommend a wait-and-see approach. This means during delivery, they will watch for signs of the suspected condition and determine treatment at that time.

What conditions can a 20-week ultrasound detect?

A 20-week ultrasound doesn’t find all congenital conditions. However, the scan can help detect several serious conditions:

1. Anencephaly.
2. Indicators for Down syndrome or trisomy 18 and trisomy 13.
3. Cleft lip.
4. Spina bifida.
5. Congenital heart abnormalities.
6. Renal agenesis (missing one or both kidneys).
7. Gastroschisis (issue with the intestines).
8. Omphalocele (type of abdominal wall issue).
9. Skeletal dysplasia (problems with the bones).
10. Diaphragmatic hernia (a hole in the diaphragm).

It’s important to note that the scan results are not a formal diagnosis of any condition. Instead, it’s usually an indicator that further tests are needed. If your healthcare provider is concerned with any scans, they will speak to you about your next steps.

Are there any conditions a 20-week ultrasound can’t identify?

While the 20-week scan can detect certain conditions, it can’t identify everything. The scan is meant to provide indicators, or markers, of serious health problems. There are some conditions you will not know about until your baby is born. For example, many heart abnormalities are not found until birth and you might not know if your baby has scoliosis.

Will I need further tests or ultrasounds?

If your obstetrician is concerned about anything in your 20-week scan, they may recommend further tests. Some of these tests could include amniocentesis, chorionic villus sampling or additional ultrasounds with a perinatologist (physicians who specialize in high-risk pregnancies).

Speak with your obstetrician early in your pregnancy to make sure you understand the types of noninvasive prenatal testing available to you. Several tests that indicate an increased risk for congenital anomalies can be done before 20 weeks of pregnancy.

A note from Achyutam Ultrasound

It’s normal to be both excited and nervous about your 20-week ultrasound appointment. You will get to see the fetus and find out how it's developing. Talk to your healthcare provider about any concerns you have so they can offer reassurance and ease your worries. In most cases, the 20-week anatomy scan is a positive experience for soon-to-be parents.