Anatomy Survey Scans Dublin
Anatomy Survey Scans
21-22 weeks
Anatomy Survey Pregnancy Scan Costs
The anatomy survey scan includes photographs and a computerised report. Your sonographer will answer any questions you may have.
21 – 22 weeks – €200
What Is Involved?
The purpose of an anatomy survey scan is:
- to determine the position of the baby
- to determine the location of the placenta
- to check the amniotic fluid around the baby
- to monitor the growth of the baby to ensure that it is growing normally
42″ Ultrasound Scan Screen
The ultrasound is available for you to view on a 42” screen which is located on the wall at the end of the ultrasound couch. This allows you to view the images produced by the transducer. At this stage in pregnancy it may not be easy for you to make out what you are seeing on screen but the sonographer will explain what you are looking at.
Why
Book An Anatomy Survey Scan
The anatomy survey scan is important as it checks the baby’s kidneys, brains, face, heart, bones, spinal cord and abdomen.
The sonographer is also able to see signs of eleven rare conditions listed on the box below.
The 21-22-week scan is also important to see how the placenta and amniotic fluid are.
Anatomy Survey Scans FAQs
What is an anatomy scan?
The anatomy scan is normally carried out between weeks 21 and 22 and it is considered a level 2 ultrasound. Essentially, this is a more detailed ultrasound. The sonographer should be able to tell you the sex of your baby if you wish. She/he will take a number of measurements during the scan in order to check that your baby is growing normally
How long does it take for an anatomy scan?
An anatomy scan normally takes between 30 to 45 minutes to perform, and this depends on how your baby is lying and how much she cooperates.
What is a Level 2 ultrasound?
A Level 2 ultrasound is a scan that goes into a more detailed analysis of the fetus. The fetal anatomy and its development are evaluated during the scan which typically takes between 30 to 45 minutes to perform.
What can I expect at my Anatomy Survey scan?
At your anatomy survey pregnancy scan, you can expect that the sonographer will check the following:
- to determine the position of the baby
- to determine the location of the placenta
- to check the amniotic fluid around the baby
- to monitor the growth of the baby to ensure that it is growing normally
How should I prepare for my anatomy survey scan?
This scan is also referred to as the routine scan or anatomy scan. This scan essentially examines the baby’s anatomy in a detailed manner and is carried out between 21 and 22 gestational weeks. The sonographers ask patients not to empty their bladders before their scan as it allows for better ultrasound images When you attend the Merrion Ultrasound Clinic for an anatomy survey scan, it is quite possible that you may have been at the clinic for an early pregnancy scan, but if you have not been with us before then you will fill out a registration form when you arrive.
You will await your sonographer in the waiting room. Your sonographer will bring you to the ultrasound room and confirm your details before performing the ultrasound scan. Lots of the time your sonographer will be examining anatomical details of your baby which are not obvious to you. The sonographer will check all your baby’s organs and take measurements and images. She will check your baby’s face, baby’s spine, baby’s abdominal wall, baby’s heart, kidneys and stomach. Your baby’s arms legs, hands and feet will also be checked. Measurements of the baby’s head circumference, abdominal circumference and femur will be taken.
As well as checking how your baby is growing the sonographer will check the placenta, the umbilical cord and the amniotic fluid. The team at Merrion Ultrasound wish to ensure that your visit is as relaxing as possible and we welcome any questions, so please do not hesitate to ask your sonographer any questions you may have.
Can I ask to find out what gender my baby is at the Anatomy Scan?
At around 19 weeks it can be possible to tell the sex of the baby at this scan, but it is not always. The baby may not be in a favourable position to determine the gender. However, if you would like to know the gender of your baby please inform your sonographer at the beginning of your ultrasound. Determining the sex of the baby is not always an easy job as we are depending on the baby to be in a position that allows us to visualise the genital area and the baby does not always oblige.
What will happen if a problem is suspected during the anatomy survey scan?
If at the time of scan a problem is suspected, you will be told at that stage that there may be a problem. A full discussion of the problem may require you to come back for further scanning and a discussion with one of our fetal medicine specialists. This can usually be organised within 24 hours if the problem is deemed urgent. Most problems that need repeat scanning are not serious and approximately 15% of scans will need to be repeated for one reason or another. At the end of your scan you will be given images of your baby and a detailed report on the findings of your scan. A copy of this report will be sent to your obstetrician and/or GP as required.
To book an Anatomy Survey Pregnancy Scan please call (01) 663 5060 or use the Make a Booking online form. This scan is from 21 weeks to 22 weeks. Merrion Ultrasound is conveniently located in Dublin 2 and offers ultrasound for all stages of pregnancy including early pregnancy scans, nuchal scans, anatomy and growth scans. Merrion Ultrasound is open to all women not just those attending the National Maternity Hospital.
Condition | What the problem is | Chance of being seen on the scan |
Spina Bifida | Open Spinal Cord | 90% |
Anecephaly | Absence of the top of the head | 99% |
Hydrocephalus | Excess fluid within the brain * | 60% |
Major Heart Problems | 20% | |
Diaphragmatic Hernia | A defect in the muscle which seperates the chest and the abdomen | 60% |
Exomphalos/Gastoschisis | Defects of the abdominal wall | 90% |
Major Kidney Problems | Missing or abnormal kidneys | 85% |
Major Limb Abnormalities | Missing bones or very short limbs | 15% |
Cerebral Palsy | Spasticity | Not Seen |
Autism | Not Seen | |
Down's Syndrome | May be associated with heart and bowel problems | About 40% |
The table lists different types of birth defects and how likely scanning is to identify each problem during pregnancy.
The above information is based on audit figures of own practice at the National Maternity Hospital.
*many cases present for the first time late in pregnancy or even after birth.
Are you considering later scans during your pregnancy?
A study carried out by St. George’s University in London highlighted the merits of going for a later scan around weeks 36/37 in pregnancy.
“For the first time we’ve shown that just one extra scan could save mothers-to-be from trauma, an emergency C-section, and their babies from having severe health complications which could otherwise have been prevented.” stated Professor Asma Khalil, Professor of Obstetrics and Maternal Fetal Medicine at St George’s, University of London, who led the study
See Video With Prof. Shane Higgins
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DISCLAIMER
All articles on the blog and website are intended as information only. Please do not consider any of the information provided here as a substitute for medical advice. At all times seek medical advice directly with your own doctor and medical team.
ANNOUNCEMENT
This website was formerly Merrion Fetal Health. The clinic has undergone a rebrand and is now known as Merrion Ultrasound.