nineteen Week Scan

Too known as Beefcake Browse, Morphology Browse, Mid-Trimester Ultrasound

19 Week Scan in brief

The 19 week scan is the main ultrasound of your pregnancy.  It is the best time for a universal detailed check of the fetus. This is when information technology is already big enough to examine in item, and equally developed enough to be using its structures a lot. This gives extra information on its development. Additionally, it is not nonetheless so bony that it blocks the ultrasound waves (and therefore the flick).

This main scan is also known as the 18 to 20 calendar week Ultrasound, Anatomy Scan, Morphology Scan, and Mid-Trimester Ultrasound.

19 week scan

By aiming to book the ultrasound at xix½ weeks, we expect to consummate a thorough test of the whole fetus. This means an examination of the skull, brain, face up, lips, chest/lungs, centre, stomach, bowel, intestinal wall (umbilical cord insertion), kidneys, bladder, spine, arms, legs, hands, and feet of the fetus.  If desired, nosotros can almost always disclose the fetal gender at this stage.  Checking the book of amniotic fluid and the proportions of the fetus at this phase of pregnancy are part of this full general bank check.

We also can localise the placenta, cheque that the cervix is not shortening with the weight of the pregnancy, and notice many conditions in the mother that may exist relevant to the pregnancy.

19 week scan

Why the 19 Week scan is then important

For most parents the 19 week scan becomes an important stage of reassurance that their pregnancy is progressing unremarkably. It can as well be a actually motivating reward for the less pleasant aspects of pregnancy.

Parents detect seeing the active fetus helpful, equally it is normal not to exist feeling movements in mid-pregnancy, despite how often you are asked about it! Unlike the first trimester, yous may not have symptoms to "remind" you lot that the pregnancy is going well.

The xix week ultrasound can check for problems which may be able to make up one's mind what is safest for your pregnancy.

Some weather can be managed during pregnancy better if they are detected.Some problems in the fetus are relatively subtle in advent just tin can indicate an emergency at nativity. This means that the delivery of the baby will need to be well coordinated.Other issues practice not trouble the fetus in utero, just are not compatible with survival after nascency.

Limitations to the beefcake scan

A well timed examination is expected to find major fetal structural malformations.  Withal, even with the all-time ultrasound equipment, experienced examiners and good views, it'south important to understand not all abnormalities are detectable.  The easiest examples are where the condition causes no structural changes in the fetus, such as autism. Or, when the abnormality but develops in later pregnancy.

No matter how many tests parents choose to have, they notwithstanding confront some gamble of issues in their offspring.

19 week scan

What issues could be detected?

We approach the examination every bit a systematic check to brand sure development is normal. We then consider what it volition mean if the findings don't align with expectations. The order of checks may vary due to fetal position and other factors, just consists of a series of working systems in the fetus. For instance, a normal amniotic fluid volume, reassures us that the fetus has a working urinary tract (even earlier we look at the kidneys and bladder). A normal-looking encephalon greatly reduces the chance of open spina bifida (even earlier we bank check the spine). If you have whatever particular concerns that we have non elicited, please mention them.

Reasons why the 19 Week Scan betwixt eighteen-20 weeks

The 19½  week timing is called for many reasons. The fetus is big enough to examine properly in almost all cases, and the pregnancy is still early plenty for parents to consider all options if severe problems are found. Most major structural abnormalities arise by this time, and there are clues if later follow-up may be required.

Fifty-fifty then, depending on your build, previous scans and practical bug, nosotros may allow you or opt to vary the fourth dimension of the scan.  If yous think this might be necessary for you (such as a journey you lot accept planned) it'south best to mention this at the 12 to xiii week ultrasound.

How can I get the best out of my 19 calendar week browse?

Apart from making sure the timing of the browse is correct, we tin can access more than flattering angles for pictures (both in a medical sense and for how beautiful the fetus will await) if y'all arrive with some water in your bladder.

As well remember to permit enough fourth dimension in instance the fetal position varies from ideal positioning.

19 week scan

What if my 19 Week Scan identifies a problem?

Y'all volition be told if a problem is detected, even before your referring doctor knows. Sometimes, it is possible to say exactly what the problem is; at other times further tests are required. A follow-upward may be brash to clarify. Yous volition be given information on whether the condition is likely to exist severe or minor. A 2d stance ultrasound is always available, since it is often hard to have important news from someone yous practice not know well.

QDOS Ultrasound is located in West Leederville, Perth. Phone call 08 9481 4008 to make a booking.