Imaging & Ultrasound Inc. 

This detailed 2D ultrasound scan, sometimes called the mid-pregnancy, level 2 Ultrasound or 20-week scan, is usually carried out when you're between 18 and 24 weeks pregnant.

It looks in detail at the baby's bones, heart, brain, spinal cord, face, kidneys and abdomen. The scan also will check for the number of foetuses (if you have twins or triplets) and the position of the placenta.

• A 2D ultrasound is a medical procedure which is otherwise known as a scan. This involves using high frequency sound waves which bounce off the baby in the form of echoes. A computer picks up the echo messages and translates them as a 2D image onto a screen.

• A 2D ultrasound sees through the baby to its internal organs and tissues.

• The images from a 2d ultrasound are in black and white. Depending on the baby’s age, how the baby is lying and their position in the uterus, different images will be seen.

• Many parents worry about the safety of pregnancy ultrasounds. However, ultrasounds have been used during pregnancy for over 30 years, and to date there is no evidence that they harm either the mother or her baby. Because ultrasound relies on sound waves and not radiation, like X-rays do, they are much less risky.

The International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology (ISUOG) recommends that this ultrasound is performed as a matter of routine prenatal careso all pregnant women should have an Anomaly scan.

• Fetal number, including number of amniotic sacs and chorionic sacs for multiple gestations.

• Fetal cardiac activity.

• Fetal position relative to the uterus and cervix.

• Location and appearance of the placenta, including site of umbilical cord insertion when possible

• Amnionic fluid volume.

• Gestational age assessment. EDD (Estimated Delivery Date)

• Fetal weight estimation.

• Fetal anatomical survey.

• Sex of the baby (not visually guaranteed and you can request not to be informed)

• Any fetal abnormalities. (Spina Bifida, Cleft pallet, heart abnormality).

• Evaluation of the maternal uterus, tubes, ovaries, and surrounding structures when appropriate.

• No specific preparation is required. A full bladder is NOT required.

• Appointment date and time is required at Imaging and Ultrasound Inc. as the Anomaly scans are performed by our specialized Consultant Radiologists.

• Your partner or family member may be present for the scan.

• The scan takes approximately 30 minutes.

• You will be asked to lie on the Ultrasound table with your abdomen exposed.

• The Radiologist will put some gel on your tummy and move a probe over the skin. The image will come up on the ultrasound screen so that you can see all the structures that are being examined. This is not painful.

• Images and measurements are saved on the ultrasound machine and sent to the Radiologist station for reporting using a digital PAC’s system.

• You may wait 15– 20 minutes for the report.