The Importance of an Anatomy Ultrasound During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is an exciting time, filled with anticipation and wonder as expectant parents prepare for the arrival of their baby. Throughout the pregnancy journey, a variety of diagnostic tests and ultrasounds may be conducted to ensure both the health of the mother and the developing baby. Among the most significant of these is the anatomy ultrasound, typically performed between 18 and 22 weeks of pregnancy.

This detailed scan provides vital information about the baby’s growth, development, and overall well-being. In this post, we’ll explore why the anatomy ultrasound is so crucial, what it reveals, and how it can impact the pregnancy and birth experience.

What is an Anatomy Ultrasound?

An anatomy ultrasound (also called a fetal survey or level 2 ultrasound) is a non-invasive imaging procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to create detailed images of the baby, placenta and surrounding structures in the uterus. This ultrasound is typically performed around the second trimester, after the baby’s organs have developed enough to be clearly visible. Unlike the earlier “dating” ultrasound, which is primarily used to determine the gestational age, the anatomy ultrasound focuses on evaluating the baby’s anatomical structure, ensuring that everything is developing properly.

1. Assessing Fetal Development

One of the main purposes of the anatomy ultrasound in home birth care is to evaluate the baby’s development. The sonographer will examine key organs and systems, including:

• The brain and spine: Checking for signs of neural tube defects, such as spina bifida.
• The heart: Ensuring that the chambers and valves of the heart are developing properly and
  that the heart is functioning well.
• The kidneys, bladder, and gastrointestinal tract: Identifying any issues that may require early
  intervention.
• Limbs and extremities: Verifying the presence and development of arms, legs, hands, and feet.
  Making sure all bones are measuring what they should.

By assessing these crucial areas, doctors can identify potential problems early, which could allow for timely interventions or a referral to specialists.

2. Detecting Birth Defects and Genetic Conditions

The anatomy ultrasound can help identify certain congenital conditions, such as structural abnormalities in the brain, heart, kidneys, or spine. In some cases, the scan may reveal issues that could indicate a genetic disorder or condition, such as Down syndrome, trisomy 18, or other chromosomal abnormalities.

While the anatomy ultrasound is not a diagnostic tool for all genetic conditions, it can raise concerns that may warrant additional testing, such as amniocentesis or non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT), to confirm any suspicions.

3. Measuring Baby’s Growth and Development

Another key feature of the anatomy ultrasound is assessing fetal growth. The scan helps determine whether the baby is growing at a healthy rate and whether the size of the baby is consistent with the expected gestational age. The measurements taken during the ultrasound, such as the size of the head, abdomen, and femur (thigh bone), allow the doctor to track growth patterns and detect conditions like intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) or macrosomia (when the baby is larger than average).

Tracking growth also helps assess the functioning of the placenta. A healthy placenta is vital for providing oxygen and nutrients to the baby, and any signs of issues, such as placental insufficiency, can be detected early.

4. Confirming the Baby’s Gender (If Desired)

For many expectant parents, the anatomy ultrasound is an exciting milestone because it offers the opportunity to find out the baby’s gender, if they wish to know. The technologist can typically tell if the baby is a boy or a girl, though it’s important to note that the accuracy of this is not always guaranteed.

Some parents choose to wait until birth, but for others, learning the gender early can be a fun and emotional experience that helps them prepare for their new arrival.

5. Monitoring Placental Position and Amniotic Fluid Levels

The anatomy ultrasound also provides an opportunity to assess the placenta’s position and function. The placenta should be located high in the uterus, away from the cervix, to allow for a safe delivery. In some cases, the placenta may be positioned low, covering the cervix (a condition known as placenta previa), which can pose risks during labor and may require a cesarean delivery.

Additionally, the ultrasound can measure the amount of amniotic fluid surrounding the baby. Too much or too little fluid can signal potential problems, such as polyhydramnios (excess fluid) or oligohydramnios (low fluid), both of which require monitoring and potentially further investigation.

6. Providing Peace of Mind

While ultrasounds are often a routine part of pregnancy care, they serve an important role in providing reassurance to expectant parents. A healthy anatomy ultrasound can offer peace of mind, knowing that the baby is developing as expected. For parents who may be concerned about potential complications or risks, this detailed scan can offer critical information that eases worries and allows for informed decision-making moving forward.

In some cases, the ultrasound may reveal concerns that need follow-up, but even then, early detection can make a big difference in outcomes, providing an opportunity for proactive management.

Final Thoughts

An anatomy ultrasound is one of the most important and exciting milestones in pregnancy. It provides critical information about the baby’s development, offers the chance to detect potential health concerns early, and allows parents to bond with their unborn child by catching a glimpse of them in the womb. By offering valuable insights into the baby’s health, the anatomy ultrasound enables healthcare providers to ensure that both mother and baby receive the best possible care.

If you are expecting, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor or midwife about the anatomy ultrasound and how it can benefit your pregnancy. With this information, you can navigate your pregnancy with confidence, knowing that you are taking the right steps to ensure the health and well-being of your baby.

About the Author

Chrissy Sierra, RDMS
Owner/ Lead Sonographer at Cherished Image Prenatal Ultrasound