What is a detailed fetal anatomical scan?
This detailed ultrasound examination is also called 'second trimester ultrasound
scan' due to the weeks of pregnancy in which it is most frequently performed, and 'second level ultrasound' as it is more comprehensive than basic pregnancy ultrasound
br /> is named. The 'second trimester' refers to the gestational weeks from 13 weeks 0 days to 27 weeks 6 days.
Detailed ultrasound is often performed between 18-23 weeks.
Most pregnant women will have a healthy baby, but sometimes the babies' development or organ
There may be a problem with their system. With this detailed anatomical ultrasound examination, it is checked whether the baby's growth and development are normal. Second level ultrasound aims to detect basic physical anomalies and
developmental disorders, but everything that could go wrong may not be detected.
Detailed fetal anatomical scanning How is it applied?
This ultrasound examination is a medical practice. It is performed in a darkest room as possible, using a quality ultrasound device and by an expert in this field. The pregnant woman lies on a flat examination table, and ultrasound gel is applied so that the anterior abdominal wall is open up to the groin. The gel facilitates the contact between the ultrasound probe and your skin, improving the quality of the image taken. By moving the ultrasound probe over the anterior abdominal wall, all structures of the baby that need to be seen from various plans, angles and sections are examined.
The procedure is painless, but sometimes it is necessary to get closer to the baby and increase the image quality, which
The baby's anatomical structures are evaluated with what we call 'two-dimensional' images, because they make it possible to examine the internal
organs by taking cross-sections. 'Three dimensions' gives a volumetric snapshot of the baby looking
from outside. 'Four dimensions' is an incorrect terminology used for ultrasound, which gives a volumetric external view of the baby in real time and in motion, even though it is actually only physically three dimensions. Three or four dimensions are used to confirm suspected two-dimensional images of structural anomalies, most commonly those of the limbs. Sometimes your doctor needs to concentrate
while remaining silent; but examination He/she will definitely answer your questions after surgery.
It is not recommended to come with a full bladder for your ultrasound this week. The examination takes approximately 30 minutes.
However, the procedure may take longer depending on the baby's position, the amount of water and the mother's weight.
Sometimes there is even a break, and sometimes the patient may be called to another day.
Someone came to me during the examination. Can someone accompany you?
It is preferable to have someone with you. If there is a problem, you may not want to be alone. However, it is not recommended to come with a child.
Does the ultrasound have any harm to me or my baby?
Ultrasound is an imaging method that uses sound waves. No known negative effects
have been reported.
What is examined during the procedure?
All your baby's organs are examined and measurements are taken. The brain, heart, abdominal organs, spine, limbs and face are imaged in detail and investigated to see if there are any problems. Its development is evaluated. Most of the time
everything is normal, but sometimes there may be a problem or doubt. Some issues can be singled out more clearly
than others. Others, such as heart anomalies, are more difficult to detect. Some disorders require surgery, such as cleft lip. Some problems require specialist follow-up after birth, such as kidney problems. More serious problems may be detected in a small number of pregnancies, such as abnormal internal organ development. In some of these, treatment is not possible and the baby may be lost before or after birth. As part of this examination, the baby's placenta is evaluated in terms of location, shape,
blood vessels, and the amount of amniotic fluid it lives in.
What can be seen in second-level ultrasound?
What is needed for a detailed fetal anatomical examination? There is a standard list of what to look for. Some
conditions occur in the later weeks of pregnancy, such as intestinal obstruction, some brain anomalies, and some
structural heart anomalies. Since most babies do not have any problems, you can continue pregnancy follow-up with peace of mind with a normal detailed ultrasound result.
Are there any problems with the second level ultrasound procedure?
Down syndrome cannot be diagnosed with ultrasound. This requires genetic examination. Some conditions
cannot be seen with ultrasound. The reason may be that the process in question appears as the pregnancy progresses or the birth of the baby, or ultrasound may not be sufficient to make a diagnosis. Ultrasound identifies structural
problems (whether it is in normal form or not), but does not provide information about function. The purpose of the data obtained through detailed
fetal anatomical examination is to inform couples, not to cause anxiety.
Due to the limitations of this ultrasound examination, you must have a newborn examination.
Due to the position of the baby in the womb or the structure of the mother's anterior abdominal wall, it is not sufficient. If the image cannot be taken, the procedure will be interrupted, and you may even be called back to another day.
Do I have to have a second level ultrasound?
This anomaly scan is recommended for everyone, but you do not have to have it done. Some people want to know
if there is a problem. Some people don't want to know anything. Even if you do not have a detailed ultrasound, your pregnancy follow-up will continue normally.
When can we get the examination report?
You can find out if there is a problem during the ultrasound. The results will be discussed with you
after the examination. A written report will also be given to your follow-up doctor.
What to do if there is a problem with the second level ultrasound?
If there is a problem or if suspicion is raised, a second opinion may be requested. Further examination may be required. In this case
you will be more informed and able to make a decision. Just as ultrasound cannot detect all problems, there is always a risk that the baby will be born with a problem that cannot be detected on ultrasound.
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