When you’re expecting, the anatomy scan is one of the biggest milestones yet. Finally, you get to see your little peanut on screen! You might wake up feeling energized, thinking, “I can’t wait for this appointment.” But then, the moment you step into the doctor’s office, excitement turns into nerves. That little voice in the back of your head starts whispering, “What if something isn’t right?” And just like that, the next few minutes feel overwhelming.
We know the feeling. It’s just a scan—but also, it’s so much more. It’s a big moment, and it’s completely normal to feel a mix of emotions. If we could go back and tell ourselves exactly what to expect, we would’ve been able to breathe a little easier. And that’s why we’re here—to walk you through it so you can head into your appointment feeling prepared, reassured, and, most importantly, excited.
First up, let’s cover the basics with Dr. Greg Marchand. He’s dual board-certified in OBGYN and MIGS and will explain what the anatomy scan is all about—plus why it’s such an important step in your pregnancy journey.
Anatomy scan for baby: What to expect
The anatomy scan—also known as the 20-week scan or genetic ultrasound—is a big milestone in your pregnancy. It’s one of the most detailed looks at your baby’s development, usually performed between 18 and 22 weeks, when everything is just the right size to be seen clearly.
According to Dr. Greg Marchand, this scan checks for birth defects and something called “soft signs.” These are small, unusual findings in the way ultrasound waves reflect off tissues. On their own, soft signs aren’t birth defects, but they can give doctors clues about potential genetic conditions or other developmental concerns.
While it’s normal to feel a mix of excitement and nerves, remember: this scan is all about gathering information and ensuring your little one is growing as expected. Most of the time, everything looks great—but if anything needs a closer look, your care team will guide you through the next steps with support and reassurance.
Why does this scan matter?
This scan happens at a stage in pregnancy when your baby’s organs are easiest to see in detail. Along with NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Genetic Testing), it’s one of the most essential tests for checking your baby’s development. Curious about the conditions doctors screen for during this scan? You can learn more here.
How to prepare for your baby’s anatomy scan?
There’s no fasting required. Just stay hydrated and bring along any medical documents you might need. You could also:
- Wear comfortable clothing
- Bring a supportive friend or partner along
- Bring a book along (Hello, long waiting hours)
What to expect during an anatomy scan?
A sonographer will look at your baby with an ultrasound probe for 10-30 minutes and measure many of your baby’s parts. It may or may not include a vaginal ultrasound as well.
Here’s what you may not expect
Your baby might not be in the mood to cooperate. Yup, it’s a possibility. You think they’d be eager to show off. But nope, sometimes they’re just not having it. When my baby put on a ‘no show’ I did everything they tell you to do: ate sweets and walked around. It took about an hour to get things moving. Finally, when I went back in, everything clicked. I even got a nice little wave. So, don’t worry if your baby is not excited to make an appearance on screen, you’ll get that perfect moment eventually.
Anatomy Scan: Questions to Ask Your Doctor
- When is the anatomy scan done?
- What should I expect at my 20-week anatomy scan?
- How is my baby’s growth?
- Can you tell the gender at this scan?
- What is the position of the placenta? Are there any concerns regarding Placenta Previa?
- Are there any signs of conditions like cleft lip, Spina Bifida, or heart defects?
- Can you provide images or recordings of the ultrasound for us to keep?
- When can I expect the results, and how are you planning to share them with me?
Let’s talk facts
Is the 20-week ultrasound safe for the baby?
Yes, a diagnostic ultrasound is completely safe in pregnancy, and there is no known harm from sound waves in general. These are very different from the ultrasound waves used in Lithotripsy, which are used to break up kidney stones.
Dr Greg Marchand, dual board-certified in OBGYN and MIGS (practice focus)
What if the anatomy scan shows a concern?
If your ultrasound picks up anything concerning, your doctor will likely order more scans and tests to get a better look at the baby’s development or refer you to a specialist.
Sometimes, it’s as simple as the baby being in a tricky position, and they want another look. There’s nothing to worry about. Take a breath, Mama, more scans just mean more chances to see your little one.
And that’s it, Mama!
The anatomy scan is you getting one step closer to meeting your baby. It’s a chance for you to celebrate how far you’ve come, while making sure everything is looking great. Trust that everything is unfolding the way it should ♥️
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