Why is the USG Anomaly Scan Important?
1. Detection of Structural Abnormalities: The primary purpose of the anomaly scan is to check for any physical abnormalities in the fetus. This includes conditions such as heart defects, cleft lip, spina bifida, limb malformations, and hydrocephalus (excess fluid in the brain). Identifying these abnormalities early can help doctors and parents prepare for potential medical interventions or therapies after birth.
2. Assessment of Fetal Growth and Development: The scan provides a detailed assessment of the baby’s growth, measuring key parameters such as the head circumference, abdominal circumference, femur length, and overall fetal size. This helps identify if the baby is growing appropriately for its gestational age, ensuring healthy development.
3. Placental Positioning and Amniotic Fluid Levels: The anomaly scan also evaluates the position of the placenta (which should ideally be high in the uterus) and checks the amount of amniotic fluid surrounding the baby. Abnormalities in the placental location or fluid levels could indicate potential complications such as placenta previa or oligohydramnios (low amniotic fluid), which may require closer monitoring.
4. Screening for Down Syndrome and Other Chromosomal Abnormalities: While the anomaly scan is not a definitive test for chromosomal abnormalities like Down syndrome, it can help identify physical markers that suggest the presence of these conditions. If any concerns are raised, your healthcare provider may recommend additional testing, such as amniocentesis or CVS (chorionic villus sampling), for a more definitive diagnosis.
5. Early Detection of Potential Complications: The scan can detect potential complications that could affect the pregnancy, such as growth restriction or issues with fetal movement, allowing for timely intervention and management.
Who Should Consider a USG Anomaly Scan?
The USG Anomaly Scan is typically recommended for all pregnant women during the second trimester (18-22 weeks), as it offers valuable information about fetal development. It is particularly important for:
1. Women in Their Second Trimester: This scan is ideally performed between 18 to 22 weeks of pregnancy to provide a comprehensive view of fetal development during the middle stage of pregnancy.
2. Women with a High Risk of Birth Defects: Women who have a family history of genetic conditions or birth defects, or those who are older (35 years or older), may be advised to undergo this scan to detect any abnormalities early.
3. Women with Abnormal Screening Results: If the first trimester screening tests (like blood tests or Nuchal Translucency Scan) show abnormalities, the anomaly scan may be recommended to confirm or rule out potential issues.
4. Women with Previous Complications: If there are concerns from a previous pregnancy or issues such as preterm birth or miscarriage, an anomaly scan may be used to ensure the current pregnancy is progressing normally.
