When you reach weeks 19-21 of your pregnancy, you will be offered a second-trimester scan, also commonly known as the anomaly scan. The exact timing of the appointment depends on your region and place of birth. This scan is a detailed examination of your baby, where healthcare professionals check the baby’s development and organs. However, it is entirely optional, and it is important to remember that it is your body and your choice.
During the anomaly scan, the estimated due date will also be confirmed (though, of course, this does not guarantee that you will give birth on that exact day!). For many, the confirmed due date is useful for planning maternity leave and scheduling midwife visits. The scan will also assess the position of the placenta, as a placenta covering the cervix may affect the birth. However, in most cases, the placenta moves away from the cervix as the pregnancy progresses, so there is no need to worry at this stage.
Another key aspect of the second-trimester scan, and the reason it was originally called the "anomaly scan" (a term many still use), is that it helps detect possible abnormalities in the baby. This includes identifying severe conditions such as spina bifida or missing organs. Some abnormalities are easy to detect, while others, such as certain heart conditions, can be more difficult to spot.
Just like with amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling (CVS), it is important to remember that the second-trimester scan does not guarantee a completely healthy baby. However, it provides a good indication of whether everything appears normal. If, unexpectedly, a serious abnormality is detected, knowing in advance can be beneficial, as some babies require medical treatment immediately after birth. In rare cases, the scan may reveal severe conditions, and with the support and guidance of medical professionals, parents may need to consider whether to continue the pregnancy or opt for termination. This is something to be aware of and to reflect on when deciding whether to accept or decline the offer of the second-trimester scan.
As much as possible, try not to let anxiety overshadow the experience of the scan. Fortunately, for most people, it is an exciting and emotional milestone in pregnancy - it marks the halfway point to meeting your little baby. For many parents, this scan is also special because it is often possible to find out the baby’s sex. If you would like to know the sex, you can kindly ask the sonographer to check for you. On the other hand, if you prefer not to know, it might be a good idea to mention that as well.
