This scan will confirm that the vast majority of pregnancies are developing normally. However, about 1% of all fetuses will have a serious congenital anomaly and ultrasound examination at this stage will detect about 70% of these. In addition, screening tests for the later development of high blood pressure (preeclampsia), poor fetal growth and premature birth can also be performed.
Detailed inspection of every organ and the fetal anatomy is performed, including the fetal brain, spine, heart, lungs, kidneys, stomach, bowel , bladder, limbs, fingers and toes.
Preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction
These conditions are caused by poor function of the placenta. Estimating the chance that severe forms of these conditions developing before 37 weeks can be made by performing non-invasive Doppler ultrasound examination of blood flow in the maternal uterine arteries.
Premature birth
About 50% of cases of spontaneous delivery before 34 weeks are associated with shortening of the cervix. Ultrasound assessment of the cervix can be performed at this assessment.
Cardiac anomalies
Although heart anomalies are rare, we advocate screening for this anomaly. If your pregnancy is at increased chance of heart anomalies or sub-optimal heart views are obtained on ultrasound, we would recommend detailed heart scanning by a fetal cardiologist.