Anomaly Scan: All You Need to Know

Published On - February 22, 2021

During pregnancy, your doctor would ask you to do several tests. This is to ensure the growing baby inside you is fine and healthy – and that the outcome of the pregnancy is successful. An anomaly scan is among those tests that you would have to do. But before you rush to find the anomaly scan centre, or wherever you live, it would help if you know a few things about the test itself.

 

What is Anomaly Scan (And When It’s Done)?

Anomaly scan, as the name suggests, is a type of ultrasound scan that helps detect anomalies or abnormalities in the unborn baby. The test is done between the 18th and 21st week of pregnancy. It is also called the mid-pregnancy test. The scan can produce 2D and 3D images – both in black and white, as well as in color. (Of course, the best anomaly scan centre in Kolkata you’re visiting must have the right technologies and facilities for 3D and color images. So, make sure you’re visiting a modern anomaly scan centre that has state-of-art infrastructure.)

 

Why Anomaly Test is done?

The test helps the doctor or sonographer examine different body parts of the baby in the womb. They check for any possible abnormalities. They will see the baby’s face, spine, heart, kidney, hands, and feet, as well as the shape, size, and circumference of the head, brain, and abdomen. They make sure that everything is well and matches the normal standards.

An anomaly test can help detect various anomalies, like major heart problems, cleft lip, anencephaly, spinal defects, kidney problems, Edwards’ syndrome, gastroschisis, diaphragmatic hernia, and more.

If there’s indeed any fetal abnormality, the course of action would depend on the criticality of that problem. Some basic-level problems settle themselves. However, in serious cases, the doctor and medical team will provide parents necessary information, support, and suggestions.

 

Get the Test Done

If you’re pregnant, get the anomaly test done to make sure your baby is healthy and developing properly. The test takes half an hour. It involves a gel applied on your belly and then a transducer moved over on the belly to get the images of the fetus. Consult your doctor and learn more about anomaly test. Ask them when you should get it done and what you can expect from the result. Per the week your doctor advised for, visit a reputed and modern anomaly scan centre and get the test done positively.