Raju Hospitals
Raju Hospitals
T.Nagar, Chennai.
T.Nagar, Chennai.
Jun 20, 2023
Jun 20, 2023
Fetal Anomaly Scan- Journey into your baby's world.
Fetal Anomaly Scan- Journey into your baby's world.
Are you an expecting parent in your early pregnancy stage? If yes, don't forget to read about this vital pregnancy scan for a safe delivery
Are you an expecting parent in your early pregnancy stage? If yes, don't forget to read about this vital pregnancy scan for a safe delivery
Congratulations on your conception. While you're eagerly waiting for the arrival of your little one, it's also essential to ensure its well-being and monitor the development of your fetus along the way. One crucial aspect to follow during pregnancy is taking your scans at the right time. While our previous blog focused on the types of fetal scans and why they are essential during each phase of your pregnancy, this blog explores fetal anomaly scans and why they are the most important compared to the others.
What is a fetal anomaly scan?
A fetal anomaly scan is a targeted ultrasound performed between the 18-22nd week of pregnancy. Here, the baby's anatomy, internal and external organs will be evaluated in detail. This early detection allows your healthcare professionals to identify any potential concerns or abnormalities early to offer relevant guidance, support, and interventions that enhance the positive outcome of both mother and the baby.
Preparing for the scan
This is relatively straightforward. Your physician will provide specific instructions though you are advised to have a full bladder before the scan. Also, wear loose-fitting clothing that helps facilitate the examination better.
What to expect?
A fetal anomaly scan is a non-invasive and painless procedure that typically takes 30-45 minutes to complete. You will be asked to lie down on an examination table, and a trained professional specializing in medical imaging will apply a gel to your abdomen. With the help of a handheld device called a transducer, sound waves will be emitted into your womb to capture images of your baby.
You will have the opportunity to see your baby on the monitor. At the same time, your healthcare provider may explain the different structures that they examine. You can be open to asking any questions and expressing your concerns, if any.
Common anomalies detected:
The following are some of the common anomalies detected during a fetal scan. Still, they needn't be just limited to this.
Neural tube defects such as spina bifida
Heart defects
Cleft lip and palate
Abdominal wall defects
Kidney abnormalities
Skeletal deformities
Chromosomal abnormalities like Down syndrome
However, early detection of these conditions allows your fetal medicine consultants to develop appropriate care plans and provide necessary, timely support for the couples.
Emotional aspects of the scan:
Undergoing a fetal scan can evoke various emotions like anxiety, worry, and fear before and after the scan. But remember that your feelings are valid, and expressing and seeking prompt support is crucial. At the same time, receiving unexpected news during an anomaly scan can also become an overwhelming experience for expecting parents.
You should know that scans are only tools for identifying potential issues and are not definitive diagnoses. If an anomaly is detected, your healthcare provider will guide you on the following steps, like taking up further tests and consultations with the specialist. Stay informed, ask questions, and seek necessary support from your loved ones during these times. Most importantly, surround yourself with positivity and consider engaging in relaxation and mindfulness techniques to alleviate stress and anxiety.
To conclude, fetal scans are a safe, non-invasive procedure that uses ultrasound technology and doesn't involve any radiation. This has been extensively studied to have no harmful effects when used appropriately. Hence, this is one of the valuable tools in your prenatal care.
If you are an expecting parent wondering where to perform your fetal scan services or in need of all relevant support on the same, visit
https://rajuhospitals.in/ for personalised care and attention from our specialised Fetal Medicine Consultant, Dr. Radhika Ramesh.
Congratulations on your conception. While you're eagerly waiting for the arrival of your little one, it's also essential to ensure its well-being and monitor the development of your fetus along the way. One crucial aspect to follow during pregnancy is taking your scans at the right time. While our previous blog focused on the types of fetal scans and why they are essential during each phase of your pregnancy, this blog explores fetal anomaly scans and why they are the most important compared to the others.
What is a fetal anomaly scan?
A fetal anomaly scan is a targeted ultrasound performed between the 18-22nd week of pregnancy. Here, the baby's anatomy, internal and external organs will be evaluated in detail. This early detection allows your healthcare professionals to identify any potential concerns or abnormalities early to offer relevant guidance, support, and interventions that enhance the positive outcome of both mother and the baby.
Preparing for the scan
This is relatively straightforward. Your physician will provide specific instructions though you are advised to have a full bladder before the scan. Also, wear loose-fitting clothing that helps facilitate the examination better.
What to expect?
A fetal anomaly scan is a non-invasive and painless procedure that typically takes 30-45 minutes to complete. You will be asked to lie down on an examination table, and a trained professional specializing in medical imaging will apply a gel to your abdomen. With the help of a handheld device called a transducer, sound waves will be emitted into your womb to capture images of your baby.
You will have the opportunity to see your baby on the monitor. At the same time, your healthcare provider may explain the different structures that they examine. You can be open to asking any questions and expressing your concerns, if any.
Common anomalies detected:
The following are some of the common anomalies detected during a fetal scan. Still, they needn't be just limited to this.
Neural tube defects such as spina bifida
Heart defects
Cleft lip and palate
Abdominal wall defects
Kidney abnormalities
Skeletal deformities
Chromosomal abnormalities like Down syndrome
However, early detection of these conditions allows your fetal medicine consultants to develop appropriate care plans and provide necessary, timely support for the couples.
Emotional aspects of the scan:
Undergoing a fetal scan can evoke various emotions like anxiety, worry, and fear before and after the scan. But remember that your feelings are valid, and expressing and seeking prompt support is crucial. At the same time, receiving unexpected news during an anomaly scan can also become an overwhelming experience for expecting parents.
You should know that scans are only tools for identifying potential issues and are not definitive diagnoses. If an anomaly is detected, your healthcare provider will guide you on the following steps, like taking up further tests and consultations with the specialist. Stay informed, ask questions, and seek necessary support from your loved ones during these times. Most importantly, surround yourself with positivity and consider engaging in relaxation and mindfulness techniques to alleviate stress and anxiety.
To conclude, fetal scans are a safe, non-invasive procedure that uses ultrasound technology and doesn't involve any radiation. This has been extensively studied to have no harmful effects when used appropriately. Hence, this is one of the valuable tools in your prenatal care.
If you are an expecting parent wondering where to perform your fetal scan services or in need of all relevant support on the same, visit
https://rajuhospitals.in/ for personalised care and attention from our specialised Fetal Medicine Consultant, Dr. Radhika Ramesh.
