Anomaly Scan

The NHS provide free screening, performed by specially trained sonographers, for fetal anomalies in mid-pregnancy (The Anomaly Scan).

Please visit the NHS page for more information.

Most of the time, an Anomaly Scan is performed transabdominally; however, in rare cases, when the baby is in an awkward position and does not wish to move, we may need to perform a transvaginal scan (TVS, internal scan) to check the lowest part of the baby. Similarly, if the placenta is low or praevia (covering the birth canal), we may also need to do a TVS.

You do NOT need to have a full urinary bladder for the scan. We want you to feel comfortable!

Unfortunately, there is no test that can diagnose or exclude all fetal anomalies or diseases.

The Anomaly Scan can detect the majority of fetal anomalies, while some (up to 25% of all anomalies according to new research) are not visible or not developed at 20-23 weeks. As a result, those would go undiagnosed. Fortunately, the majority of those anomalies are mild and treatable after birth, although some of them, such as brain anomalies and tumors can be very serious.

Therefore, because the Anomaly Scan cannot exclude all anomalies with late manifestation and there is no routine scan after 20 weeks on the NHS, we strongly recommend having a follow-up by 3rd Trimester Anomaly Scan at 28 weeks.

Unfortunately some chromosomal or genetic conditions have no ultrasound features and therefore are not detectable by ultrasound at any stage of gestation.

Definitely not! Some of the babies with Down’s syndrome have no any features on ultrasound and will have normal appearance on Anomaly Scan.

Currently the best screening test for Down’s syndrome is NIPT. You can have NIPT add-on for your Anomaly Scan (requires additional payment for the blood test). 

Learn more about our Harmony Test or Invitae NIPT options:

Yes, we strongly recommend having your scheduled scans by your NHS provider. It is important for the continuity of prenatal care, as well as for planning your follow-up and delivery.

Yes, of course. We use Tricefy which is a secure cloud system to upload images from your scan to be viewed before you even leave the scanning room! You will also receive a hard and soft copy of your detailed ultrasound report as well as some high-quality colour printouts for you to take home with you!

Tricefy also allows you to download the images from the scan and share him with your loved ones via message/social media.

We provide still ultrasound images for you to take away with you on the day. We also send these to you electronically, with a couple of video clips. We provide a USB stick with the full 3D/4D experience.