Morphology/Anatomy scan

The morphology scan is a detailed scan at 18-20 weeks of pregnancy.

During the scan we examine each part of the fetal body, determine the position of the placenta, assess the amount of amniotic fluid, and measure fetal growth. Special attention is paid to the brain, face, spine, heart, stomach, bowel, kidneys and limbs.

If any abnormalities are detected the significance of the findings will be discussed and the couple will be given the opportunity to have further counselling with our specialist doctors.

It is useful to have a moderately full bladder, which can allow a better picture of the baby as your bladder pushes the uterus up above the pelvic bone. An hour before your appointment, please empty your bladder and drink 2 standard glasses of water. Please do not go to the toilet again until after your scan. We do not need you to have an uncomfortably full bladder. Please talk to our reception staff if you are uncomfortable while waiting for your scan.

You are welcome to have members of your family join you for the scan. It is important to remember that this is a diagnostic procedure and the sonographer will need to concentrate on the images of your baby.

If you wish to know the gender of the baby please advise the sonographer. Occasionally, the sonographer will not be able to tell, usually because of the position of the baby. You should be aware that assessment of the gender is not 100% accurate. If you do not want to know the gender of the baby, please advise the sonographer before having the ultrasound scan.