A high-risk pregnancy refers to a situation where either the mother or the baby has an increased chance of complications. Be it maternal health issues, multiple pregnancies, or a history of pregnancy complications, women with high-risk pregnancies often require additional monitoring to ensure both their health and the health of their babies. Know the role of the anomaly scan in high-risk pregnancies and why it’s so important for ensuring a healthy outcome.
What is an Anomaly Scan?
An anomaly scan, also known as the mid-pregnancy scan or the 20-week scan, is an ultrasound that takes place between 18 and 22 weeks of pregnancy. This scan aims to assess the development of the baby and identify any potential abnormalities in the baby’s organs, spine, and other important structures. The scan also measures the baby’s growth, the placenta’s position, and the amount of amniotic fluid.
Identifying Potential Complications Early
Some of the key conditions the anomaly scan can identify include:
- Structural Abnormalities: The scan can identify issues like congenital heart defects, cleft lip or palate, spina bifida, or kidney problems. Early detection of these abnormalities allows for better planning and interventions, sometimes even before birth.
- Growth Restrictions: For high-risk pregnancies, the anomaly scan helps determine if the baby is growing at the proper rate. Conditions like intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) can be identified, which may lead to preterm labour or low birth weight. Early detection of IUGR allows doctors to monitor the baby closely, sometimes recommending early delivery if necessary.
- Placental Issues: The position and health of the placenta are critical to the baby’s development. The scan helps identify problems like placenta previa (when the placenta covers the cervix) or placental insufficiency, both of which can lead to complications during labour and delivery.
- Multiple Pregnancy Monitoring: For women carrying twins or multiples, the anomaly scan is especially important. It can help identify conditions like twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), where blood flow between twins becomes imbalanced. Identifying this condition early can allow for closer monitoring and, in some cases, surgery to ensure the health of both babies.
You can schedule an appointment at our fetal medicine clinic in Kolkata to get your anomaly scan.
Monitoring the Mother’s Health
In high-risk pregnancies, monitoring the mother’s health is equally significant. The anomaly scan provides a chance to check the size and shape of the uterus, the cervix, and the amount of amniotic fluid. Conditions like low amniotic fluid (oligohydramnios) or a high-risk cervix (which may indicate premature labour) can be managed.
Additionally, the scan can check blood flow in major vessels and organs like the uterus and placenta. This helps to detect signs of complications that could affect both the mother and baby, like preeclampsia. To know more, you can reach out to our doctors at our fetal anomaly scan clinic in Kolkata.
Conclusion
Regular monitoring and early detection can improve outcomes for both mother and baby, making the anomaly scan an essential part of managing high-risk pregnancies. So, if you are having such a pregnancy, you can consult our fetal medicine specialists at our high risk pregnancy management clinic in Kolkata.