#instituteoffetalmedicine Archives

Why the Second Trimester Anomaly Scan Should Never Be Missed in Pregnancy

What is the Second Trimester Anomaly Scan?

Also referred to as the level 2 ultrasound, the anomaly scan goes beyond the basic pregnancy check-up by offering an in-depth look at the fetal anatomy. This includes examination of:

The brain and spinal cord

The heart and its chambers

The facial structure, including the lips and jaw

The limbs and digits

Major organs like the kidneys, stomach, and bladder

Fetal growth measurements to ensure the baby is developing properly

The placenta’s position and the amount of amniotic fluid

Why is the Anomaly Scan So Important?

Here are some of the key reasons why you should never skip the second trimester anomaly scan:

Detect Congenital Anomalies Early:
Many birth defects such as congenital heart defects, neural tube defects (e.g., spina bifida), and cleft lip and palate, and limb deformities can be diagnosed during this scan. Early detection allows better preparation and possible treatment options.

Helps Plan Pregnancy and Delivery:
If abnormalities are found, doctors can design a detailed care plan for the pregnancy and delivery. For example, some conditions may require delivery at a specialized centre equipped for neonatal surgery or intensive care.

Provides Reassurance for Parents:
Seeing that the baby is growing well and has no detected anomalies offers immense peace of mind and reduces anxiety during pregnancy.

Monitors Placental Health and Amniotic Fluid:
Problems with the placenta or amniotic fluid levels can affect pregnancy outcomes. Detecting these issues early allows timely management to protect both mother and baby.

What Happens If You Skip the Anomaly Scan?

Skipping this important scan can have several implications:

Missed Early Diagnosis of Treatable Conditions:
Without this scan, structural defects might only be found after birth, limiting treatment options and increasing risks.

Increased Risk of Being Unprepared:
Parents and healthcare providers might face unexpected complications during delivery without prior planning.

Limited Prenatal Counselling and Support:
Knowing about fetal conditions early helps families access counselling, make informed decisions, and arrange appropriate care.

When Should You Schedule the Anomaly Scan?

The best time for this scan is between 18 and 22 weeks of gestation when fetal structures are developed enough for detailed assessment. Scheduling within this window ensures accurate and comprehensive evaluation.

The second trimester anomaly scan is a cornerstone of prenatal care. It provides detailed insights into fetal development, helps anticipate potential challenges, and enables optimal pregnancy management. For the health and safety of both mother and baby, this scan should never be missed.

Viability Scan vs. NT Scan: What’s the Difference?

Understanding Early Pregnancy Scans

Early pregnancy involves several important ultrasound scans to monitor fetal health and development. Two common scans during the first trimester are the viability scan and the nuchal translucency (NT) scan. Although both are ultrasound procedures, they serve different purposes and are performed at different stages.

What is a Viability Scan?

A viability scan is usually performed between 6 to 9 weeks of pregnancy. Its primary goals include:

Confirming the presence of an intrauterine pregnancy
Detecting a fetal heartbeat
Estimating the gestational age of the embryo
Checking for multiple pregnancies (twins or more)
Identifying early pregnancy complications such as ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage risk

This scan reassures parents that the pregnancy is developing normally in the early stages.

What is the NT Scan?

The Nuchal Translucency (NT) scan is a screening test performed between 11 and 13 weeks of pregnancy. It measures the thickness of the clear fluid-filled space at the back of the baby’s neck called the nuchal translucency.

An increased NT measurement can indicate a higher risk for certain chromosomal abnormalities, including:

Down syndrome (Trisomy 21)
Edwards syndrome (Trisomy 18)
Patau syndrome (Trisomy 13)

The NT scan is usually combined with blood tests to provide a risk assessment for these conditions.

Key Differences Between Viability Scan and NT Scan

Feature	Viability Scan	NT Scan
Timing	6 – 9 weeks	11 – 13 weeks
Purpose	Confirm pregnancy and heartbeat	Screen for chromosomal abnormalities
What it measures	Presence of embryo and heartbeat	Thickness of nuchal translucency
Additional use	Check for multiples, early risks	Combined with blood tests for risk score

Why Are Both Scans Important?

The viability scan provides early confirmation and peace of mind that the pregnancy is progressing normally.
The NT scan offers valuable information about genetic risks that help parents make informed decisions about further testing and pregnancy management.

Both scans are non-invasive, safe, and vital parts of comprehensive prenatal care.

Understanding the difference between the viability scan and NT scan can help expectant parents navigate early pregnancy with confidence. Always follow your healthcare provider’s advice on when to schedule these important ultrasounds.