Anomaly Scan

What is the Anomaly Scan?

By 20-22 weeks of pregnancy you are roughly halfway through your journey. This is an ideal time to
re-examine the anatomical development of your baby using the Anomaly Scan. More specifically, we
recommend the scan to be performed at 22 weeks, when the major structures of the baby’s brain are
completely developed.

The Anomaly Scan involves a thorough examination of the fetal anatomy including a top-to-toe
examination of the baby and its environment in the womb. We have the most comprehensive list of
organs and structures that we examine, paying special attention to the fetal brain and heart.

Simultaneously, we will screen for a rare complication of pregnancy called, vasa previa, which is when
some of the fetal blood vessels run close to the internal opening of the cervix, leaving them more
vulnerable to rupture when the membranes break (before labour).

Reasons to do the Anomaly Scan at KIH:

- We perform meticulous top-to-toe examinations of the fetus and check more structures than any other
institution
- We perform a special heart scan (fetal echocardiography) for every baby we scan
- Our Anomaly Scan is scheduled at a slightly later gestational age (preferable 21-22 weeks) because
some important structures of the brain are not completely developed at 19 weeks
- We check the corpus callosum, an important midline structure of the brain, which is challenging to
examine
- We currently have the most advanced ultrasound scanners
- We use high resolution probes
- We screen for vasa previa, which is a rare, but potentially dangerous condition that can lead to fetal
bleeding and distress in labour
- We perform 3D/4D scans free of charge (quality of image depends on general resolution of the scan)

How is the Anomaly Scan performed?

Most of the time, an Anomaly Scan is performed transabdominally; however, in rare cases, when the baby
is in an awkward position and does not wish to move, we may need to perform a transvaginal scan (TVS,
internal scan) to check the lowest part of the baby. Similarly, if the placenta is low or praevia (covering the
birth canal), we may also need to do a TVS.

You do NOT need to have a full urinary bladder for the scan. We want you to feel comfortable!