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🧪 Anomaly Scan in Pregnancy: Why It’s Crucial for Your Baby’s Health

Dr. Pujil Gulati, IVF Specialist with over 13 years of experience in Assisted Reproductive Techniques BabyBloom IVF Gurgaon

June 5, 2025

👶 What Is an Anomaly Scan?

An anomaly scan is a special ultrasound done when you’re pregnant.
It checks if your baby is growing normally inside your womb.

👉 It is usually done in the 5th month of pregnancy (around 18 to 22 weeks).

That’s why it’s also called the 20-week scan or mid-pregnancy scan.

Why Is This Scan So Important?

This scan helps doctors to:

See the baby’s head, face, spine, heart, hands, legs, and other parts
Check if any body part is missing or not growing properly
Know if there are any birth defects or health problems

It helps keep your baby safe by spotting any issue early.

🩻 What Does the Doctor Look for?

During the anomaly scan, doctors check:

Body Part	What They Check For
🧠 Brain	Normal shape, size, and development
❤️ Heart	Number of chambers, proper heartbeat
🦴 Spine	If the spine is straight and closed
💨 Lungs	Growing correctly
🩸 Kidneys	Both kidneys present and working
👁️ Face	Cleft lip or other face issues
💀 Skull	Proper shape and no open areas
🦶 Limbs	Fingers, toes, hands, and legs formed

🕑 When to Do the Anomaly Scan?

👉 Best time is between Week 18 to Week 22 of pregnancy.
This is the time when your baby is big enough to see clearly in the scan.

👩‍⚕️ Who Should Get the Scan?

All pregnant women are advised to get the anomaly scan.
But it’s extra important if:

You are over 35 years old
You had problems in earlier pregnancy
Family history of baby defects
Diabetic or other health issues

🧪 Is It Safe?

Yes, it is completely safe for you and your baby.
It is not painful, and there is no radiation.

🧬 What If Something Is Found?

Sometimes the scan shows a problem in baby’s body.
But don’t panic.

👉 Many times, the doctor will:

Ask for another test
Do a special scan
Suggest genetic testing
Plan a better delivery method
Prepare early treatment after birth

Early action means better care for your baby.

💬 What Happens During the Scan?

You lie down
Gel is put on your tummy
A small tool (probe) moves over your stomach
Images of baby are seen on the screen
It takes 20 to 30 minutes

You can also see your baby moving on the screen!

💕 Can I Know My Baby’s Gender?

In some countries, yes.
But in India, checking baby’s gender before birth is illegal due to laws against female foeticide.

👨‍⚕️ What If My Scan Is Normal?

That’s great!
It means your baby is growing fine and has no major health issues.

Still, keep going for your regular pregnancy checkups.

🏥 Where Can I Get an Anomaly Scan?

Wear loose clothes
Have a full bladder (unless doctor says no)
Take your partner or loved one with you
Don’t be scared, it’s simple and safe

🧘 Tips Before Your Anomaly Scan

You can get it done at:

Hospitals with maternity care
Ultrasound clinics
IVF and fertility centers
Government health centers

Always choose a certified sonographer or fetal medicine expert.

📋 Summary Table

Question	Answer
What is Anomaly Scan?	A scan to check baby’s body development
When is it done?	Between 18 to 22 weeks of pregnancy
Is it safe?	Yes, completely safe
Can baby problems be found?	Yes, many body issues can be seen early
What happens if problem found?	Doctor gives right care or more tests

❓ FAQs – You Must Know

Q. Does anomaly scan confirm 100% that baby is fine?

👉 No scan is 100% perfect, but this one finds most big problems.

Q. Will it hurt?

👉 Not at all. It’s like a regular ultrasound.

Q. Can I see my baby moving?

👉 Yes, you’ll see your baby’s face, arms, and even kicks!

Q. What should I eat before scan?

👉 Eat light. Drink water so your bladder is half full (as advised by doctor).

✅ Conclusion

Anomaly scan is like a health report card for your baby in the womb.
It shows if your little one is developing well and helps doctors act early if there’s any problem. 🩷 Don’t skip it. It’s not just a scan — it’s a step toward a healthy baby.👶 OR If you need any information related to IVF, contact our Babybloom IVF Centre or call us at 9266046700 to clear your doubt.