You’ve known you were pregnant for a little while now. Perhaps your boobs were sore and you felt queasy, and then you realized you’d missed a period. Or maybe you had an embryo transfer and can pinpoint the exact day.
Either way, you’re pretty settled into knowing that a baby is on the way. You’ve had time to see your OB or midwife and maybe told a select few (or everybody on the ‘gram).
But who is this little person?
Well, your 20-week ultrasound is here to help.
You might hear this called an anatomy scan, and for many expectant parents, it is the first time seeing their baby.
Are anatomy scans always done at 20-weeks?
It is very common for your provider to schedule this appointment at the start of your second trimester. While the first ultrasound that many receive confirms a pregnancy, this testing gives more information.
These appointments have continued (and been scheduled in person), even with many providers practicing telehealth during the COVID19 pandemic.
But monitoring your baby and additional ultrasounds can happen throughout pregnancy. Like most prenatal testing, if you’re considered high risk or anything is unusual with you or your baby, you can expect your provider to suggest more ultrasounds.
How do you prepare for an ultrasound?
There is no way to be unprepared for this- if you show up with your belly and your baby, you’re all set. A few things you can do:
- If you have specific questions, write them down ahead of time (which we recommend with all appointments with a midwife or OBGYN).
- If your partner/loved cannot be there in person, consider having them on a video call.
- Drinking water before the ultrasound (so that you have a full bladder) can improve the pictures.
What should you expect during a 20 week anatomy scan?
This ultrasound may be done at your doctor or midwife’s office, or elsewhere. Often, it is not your usual provider that does this testing but a tech or sonographer. Typically, here’s how the testing goes:
- You will be on an exam table and lift up your shirt to expose your belly.
- The sonographer will apply gel (it may be cold) and move the transducer (a wand) over your abdomen.
- As the sonographer finds different angles, you will see your baby on the screen. They’ll get multiple pictures over time. The sonogram image that you’ll get (the black, white and gray image we’re used to) is a basically a snapshot of the screen during all of the movement.
What will you find out during this ultrasound?
This is a much more detailed view than you’ve had before. The test is looking at the baby’s development. By the way- it’s okay if you cannot recognize what’s on the sonogram. That’s why we have professionals.
- You’ll be able to see their shape, their face, arms, legs and your baby will be measured to check on their growth. An estimate of their weight may occur as well.
- The technician will look at your baby’s various organs to see if they’re developing as expected.
- This ultrasound can also give information about where your placenta is, and how it’s developing and your amniotic fluid levels.
Many parents are excited to see their baby’s heartbeat, and movements. It can feel like one of the first opportunities for both parents to interact with the baby, especially before feeling movements. Sometimes you see your baby with their hand curled by their face, or sucking their thumb.
This is an opportunity to learn the sex of your baby, if you’re into that sort of thing. If you don’t want to know, just tell your provider and the technician.
Should I be concerned about the results from the anatomy scan?
The 20 week ultrasound is considered a routine prenatal screening. Just being screened isn’t a sign that anything concerned is happening with you or your baby.
If you’re considered high risk, of “advanced maternal age” (NOT our words), or there are indications that your baby has not been developing as expected, then you may be a bit more nervous. Ask questions! This screening can provide some relief because there’s less unknown.
If anything needs to be followed up on, your provider may schedule you for a follow-up ultrasound. Some families learn about potential chromosomal abnormalities during this ultrasound, and if this is the case then a follow up with be scheduled fo rmore testing.
What if I don’t want an ultrasound?
Some parents wonder if this ultrasound (or any) are necessary. And the short answer is no- your baby will continue to develop with or without the testing.
Most providers recommend just a few throughout pregnancy, to balance the desire for information on your baby’s wellbeing, and concerns about radiation (we don’t have much scientific information on its impact). This one gives lots of details that many parents like to know.
For many, this appointment is a time to celebrate, after getting to know their baby a little better. If we think of pregnancy as 40 weeks, then it’s also your halfway milestone. You’re on your way!
Put that sonogram image in your little one’s baby book, and if you haven’t yet, it’s a great time to call the doula!
