Detailed (Anomaly) Ultrasound

It is globally accepted as standard to be performed between the 18th and 23rd weeks, when the baby's organ development is largely complete and the amount of amniotic fluid is optimal for imaging.

The baby's brain structure, face (cleft lip, etc.), 4 chambers of the heart and major blood vessels, stomach, kidneys, bladder, spine, and the entire anatomical structure down to the fingers and toes are examined in millimeter detail. Additionally, the location of the placenta and the amount of amniotic fluid are measured.

It is much longer and more detailed than routine obstetrics and gynecology exams. Since each organ system is scanned individually, the procedure takes about 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the baby's position.

The main purpose of the detailed ultrasound is to evaluate the baby's medical (organ) health. Seeing the face clearly (and taking a color photo) depends entirely on the baby's posture at that moment, the amount of amniotic fluid, and the mother's subcutaneous fat tissue.

Although commonly thought to be the same, they are medically different. 90% of the detailed ultrasound examination is performed by the physician on a high-resolution 2-dimensional (black-and-white) screen because the internal structure of the organs is seen most clearly this way. The 3D/4D feature is merely an aesthetic addition used to show the baby's outer surface (face, etc.) to the family.