What Happens At The Mid-Pregnancy Ultrasound

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You’re halfway through your pregnancy, and this means it is time for the mid-pregnancy ultrasound or anatomy scan! If you’re excited about the mid-pregnancy ultrasound, we’re here to tell you that yes, you better be! Because, at the end of this scan, you will know if your pregnancy is going great, the gender of your child (only if you wish to know), and most importantly, a bunch of printed pictures of the little one in your womb!

Although exciting, it can also be riddled with fear — but then again, pregnancy in its entirety is a mix of excitement and worry. However, it helps if you’re prepared for what’s to come. So let’s get started! Here’s everything you need to know about the mid-pregnancy ultrasound:

In This Article

What To Expect?

What To Expect?
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It goes by many names, such as the anatomy scan and 20-week ultrasound, to name a few. Your doctor will schedule this somewhere between eighteen to twenty-two weeks of your pregnancy period. During the ultrasound, you get visuals of your uterus and your little one inside. With the help of high-frequency waves, your baby’s movement, growth, and development can be assessed (1).

Through this ultrasound, the technician will measure your baby’s brain, face, heart, chest, diaphragm, stomach, kidneys, bladder, genitals, arms, legs, hands, and feet. In addition to this, they will also check your baby’s spine to ensure that the vertebrae are developed and properly aligned. You will be able to hear the beating of your baby’s heart. This is one of the most precious moments of your pregnancy — cherish it. On average, a baby’s heart rate in the womb ranges from 120 to 180 beats per minute (2).

The technician will also check to see if the umbilical cord and placenta are functioning well and if you are at risk of placenta previa. Placenta previa is a condition where your placenta is at the opening of your cervix, leading to severe bleeding during your pregnancy and delivery. The amniotic fluid will be checked next. There should be an adequate amount of amniotic fluid, which plays a vital role in protecting and cushioning your baby. The fluid also acts as a medium for the exchange of nutrients from mother to baby (3), (4).

Furthermore, the ultrasound can tell the gender of your child, but you can opt-out of this one if you wish. You will also get to know if your child has any potential abnormalities (5).

Things To Keep In Mind

Things To Keep In Mind
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There are a few things you should keep in mind before you get going for your ultrasound:

1. Make Space In Your Calendar For It

Make Space In Your Calendar For It
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By now, you should know that this ultrasound assesses a lot of things. This means it’s going to take time. Unlike most other scans, this one can take around an hour, so schedule your day accordingly.

2. Take Someone Along

Take Someone Along
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Through this ultrasound, you will be able to tell how well (or not) your baby is performing. The entire process can be overwhelming. It’s best to take someone close with you to be your support system. Having said that, don’t bring your entire family and social circle along — the clinic may not allow it.

3. Your Technician Can’t Answer Everything

Your Technician Can't Answer Everything
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You may want answers for every question, but the ultrasound technician can only give you what comes within their purview. For example, the technician can detect potential abnormalities but cannot give you a diagnosis.

4. Your Baby’s First Picture

Your Baby's First Picture
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You’ll get to take a few pictures of your baby along with you. However, remember that this is a scan; the images will not be vivid and clear. The quality of the images also depends on what kind of ultrasound you’re taking. There are 2D, 3D, and 4D ultrasounds, and the last one will be the clearest.

5. Just Like Other Scans

Just Like Other Scans
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…but more exciting! The technician will apply a warm gel on your belly and use the ultrasound wand to scan. It won’t be painful, so don’t worry!

The mid-pregnancy ultrasound is an important part of your pregnancy journey. Make sure you plan it well in advance, so it doesn’t clash with other appointments. And if you’re nervous, know that you’re not alone — every mom-to-be gets jittery during this time, and it’s okay! What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments below!

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