How Common is Bad News at 20 Week Scan?

The 20-week scan is one of the most important and highly recommended ultrasound examinations that is offered to pregnant women. The scan is performed to check for any abnormalities or potential health issues with the fetus. During this scan, a trained sonographer will perform a detailed ultrasound of the fetus, assessing the development of the fetus, including the brain, spine, heart, lungs, stomach, kidneys, and limbs while also checking the amount of amniotic fluid and the position of the placenta.

What does the 20-week scan involve?

The 20-week scan, also known as the anomaly scan, is usually performed between 18-21 weeks of pregnancy. It is a routine ultrasound examination that is offered to pregnant women to check for any abnormalities or potential health issues with the fetus. The scan is an important opportunity to detect any potential problems early on. The scan usually takes around 30 minutes to complete.

During the scan, the sonographer will ask the pregnant woman to lie down and lift her shirt to expose her belly. They will then put some gel on the belly and use a small handheld device called a transducer, which emits high-frequency sound waves, to create images of the fetus. The images will be displayed on a screen, and the sonographer will use them to assess the development of the fetus.

How common is bad news at the 20-week scan?

Thankfully, most women receive good news at their 20-week scan. According to a study by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), around 3% of scans will identify a major fetal abnormality. This means that the vast majority of women (around 97%) will receive reassuring news and be able to continue their pregnancy with peace of mind.

However, it is important to remember that the 20-week scan is not a guarantee of a healthy pregnancy, and there is always a small risk of something being missed. The scan cannot detect all fetal abnormalities, and some problems may not be detectable at this stage. Therefore, women should be aware that there is still a need to remain vigilant for any signs of potential problems and report any concerns to their healthcare provider.

What happens if a problem is detected?

If a problem is detected at the 20-week scan, the healthcare provider will discuss the options with the mother-to-be. Depending on the nature and severity of the problem, options may include:

• Referral to a specialist fetal medicine unit for further tests and advice

• Close monitoring of the pregnancy with additional scans and appointments

• Early delivery of the baby

• Termination of the pregnancy

It is important to note that every situation is different, and the healthcare provider will work with the mother-to-be and her partner to make the best possible decision for them.

Importance of prenatal care

Prenatal care is extremely important throughout pregnancy, but it becomes even more crucial during and after the 20-week scan. Women who receive reassuring news at their scan should still attend all scheduled appointments and maintain good prenatal care to ensure the health of both the mother and fetus. Additionally, it is essential for women to report any concerns or unusual symptoms to their healthcare provider, even if they have received reassuring news from the 20-week scan.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the 20-week scan is an essential part of prenatal care. It provides an opportunity to detect any potential problems with the fetus early on, allowing for timely medical intervention if necessary. Although the vast majority of women receive reassuring news at their scan, it is important to remember that the scan is not a guarantee of a healthy pregnancy. Women should remain vigilant for any signs of potential problems, attend all scheduled appointments, and maintain good prenatal care. Healthcare providers will work with the mother-to-be and her partner to make the best possible decision for them if a problem is detected.