The anomaly scan, performed between eighteen and twenty-two weeks of pregnancy, is the most detailed ultrasound examination most expectant mothers will have. Unlike the brief early scans that simply confirm a heartbeat, this examination systematically checks every major organ system in the developing baby, and it usually lasts thirty to forty-five minutes because there is genuinely a great deal to check.
In this article, we explain exactly what the anomaly scan checks, why it takes as long as it does, why placenta position is assessed at the same time, and why the baby’s position during the scan can sometimes mean a repeat appointment is needed.
What Does the Anomaly Scan Actually Check?
The anomaly scan, also called the mid-trimester or detailed scan, systematically images the baby’s brain and skull, spine, heart chambers and major vessels, stomach and kidneys, abdominal wall, limbs and digits, and facial profile. Each of these structures is measured against expected values for the gestational age, and the sonographer looks specifically for structural features that fall outside the normal range.
This comprehensive review is why the scan takes considerably longer than earlier pregnancy ultrasounds. Clinical guidelines outline a standardised checklist of views that must be obtained for the scan to be considered complete, which is precisely why sonographers follow a systematic sequence rather than a quick overview. Ultrasound at Images Diagnostic Center in Kuwait follows this same thorough, structured approach for every anomaly scan performed.
Why the Scan Also Checks Placenta Position
Alongside the detailed anatomical survey, the anomaly scan also documents exactly where the placenta has implanted within the uterus and its relationship to the cervix. This matters because a placenta that lies low, close to or covering the cervical opening, a condition called placenta praevia, needs to be identified and monitored, as it has implications for the mode of delivery later in pregnancy.
Most low-lying placentas identified at this stage move upward as the uterus grows in the following weeks, so a finding at this scan usually prompts a follow-up scan later rather than immediate concern. The scan additionally measures amniotic fluid volume, another important indicator of pregnancy wellbeing assessed at the same appointment. This is why the anomaly scan is sometimes described as covering the whole pregnancy environment, not just the baby itself.
Why the Baby’s Position Can Mean a Repeat Appointment
Getting clear views of every structure on the checklist depends heavily on how the baby happens to be positioned at the time of the scan. A baby curled tightly with a hand or foot in front of the face, lying with the spine directly against the front of the uterus, or positioned deep in the pelvis can make one or more specific views difficult or impossible to obtain clearly, no matter how skilled the sonographer is.
When this happens, the sonographer will typically ask the mother to walk around briefly, change position, or in some cases return for a short repeat appointment a week or two later once the baby has moved into a more favourable position. This is a routine and common part of the process rather than a sign that anything is wrong, and it simply reflects the genuine limitations of imaging around a baby who is, quite naturally, moving and changing position throughout the pregnancy. The imaging team at Images in Kuwait accommodates these repeat visits as a standard part of completing the full anatomical checklist.
What Happens If Something Unexpected Is Found
The overwhelming majority of anomaly scans confirm entirely normal anatomy. When a finding does require further evaluation, this most often leads to a follow-up scan with a specialist in fetal medicine for more detailed assessment of the specific structure in question, rather than an immediate cause for alarm. Major health authorities emphasise that many findings identified at this stage are minor variants that resolve or prove insignificant on further assessment. Clear communication with your obstetrician about any finding, and what the recommended next step actually means, is the most useful response to an unexpected result at this scan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a full bladder for the anomaly scan?
Unlike very early pregnancy scans, the anomaly scan at eighteen to twenty-two weeks generally does not require a full bladder, since the uterus is large enough by this stage to be well visualised without it. Specific instructions may vary, so it is worth confirming with the imaging centre when booking.
Can the anomaly scan tell me the baby’s sex?
Often yes, since the genitals are typically visible enough by this stage for a reasonably confident assessment, though this depends on the baby’s position during the scan. If determining sex is a priority, let the sonographer know at the start of the appointment.
Is it normal to need a repeat scan?
Yes, this is a routine part of the process for many pregnancies and does not indicate a problem. It simply means the baby’s position at the time made one or more specific views difficult to capture clearly, and a short follow-up completes the checklist. Contact Images to arrange this follow-up if needed.
A Thorough Look at Your Baby’s Development
The anomaly scan is thorough by design, checking every major structure alongside placenta position and fluid levels in a single comprehensive appointment. Understanding why it takes as long as it does, and why a repeat visit is sometimes needed, helps set the right expectations for this important milestone in your pregnancy.
Images Diagnostic Center provides the anomaly scan across two Kuwait branches:
To book your anomaly scan, contact Images directly.
