20 week ultrasound: a medical ultrasound

Everything you need to know about the 20 week ultrasound

If you are pregnant, one of the important moments is the 20 week ultrasound scan. This is a special medical examination that provides insight into the physical development of your child. In this blog post we explain what the 20-week ultrasound entails and what you can expect.

What is the 20 week ultrasound?

The 20 week ultrasound, also known as the anatomical ultrasound, is an extensive scan that is performed around the 20th week of your pregnancy. The purpose is to check for physical abnormalities in your baby.

Physical abnormalities that are checked

During the ultrasound, various aspects of your baby's physical development are examined. This includes checking:

• Open back or skull
• Hydrocephalus
• Heart defects
• Abnormalities of the kidneys or bones
• Hole in the diaphragm or abdominal wall

Choice for the 20 week ultrasound

It is important to know that undergoing the 20-week ultrasound is a personal choice. During your first visit, your midwife will inform you about this and you can decide whether you want to have this ultrasound done.

Considerations for the 20 week ultrasound

Think about how much you want to know about your child during pregnancy. If abnormalities are found, what does this mean for you and your partner? These questions are essential in making your decision.

When and how the 20 week ultrasound takes place

The optimal period for the 20-week ultrasound is between 18 and 21 weeks of pregnancy, with a preference for week 19. During the ultrasound, the sonographer moves an ultrasound head over your abdomen. The process takes about 30 minutes and is painless for you and your baby.

The results of the ultrasound

After the ultrasound you will immediately receive the results. In most cases (95 out of 100), no abnormalities are visible and no follow-up examination is necessary.

Follow-up investigation in case of abnormalities

In approximately 5% of cases, the sonographer may notice something that may indicate an abnormality. This does not immediately mean that there is something wrong with your baby, but further testing may be necessary to determine this further.

Costs of the 20 week ultrasound

The 20-week ultrasound and the extensive consultation with your midwife are free of charge. If follow-up testing is necessary, these costs may sometimes fall under your deductible.

Privacy and your data

If you opt for the 20-week ultrasound, certain personal data will be recorded in your care file and in a national system. This is important for the coordination of your care and any follow-up actions.

Conclusion

The 20-week ultrasound is an important part of your pregnancy care and provides valuable information about assessing your baby's health. It is a personal choice that must be carefully considered. For more information about the 20 week ultrasound, visit the website www.pns.nl where you can find detailed information and support.

With kind regards,

The midwives of PuurBegin