At around 20 weeks into your pregnancy, you will be offered an ultrasound to check for any physical abnormalities in your unborn child. The 20-week scan is also known as the structural anomaly ultrasound examination (SEO).
The ultrasound examines the spine, the skull, and the development of the baby’s organs, among other things. It also checks if your baby is growing well and if there is sufficient amniotic fluid. The purpose of a 20-week ultrasound is not to confirm your baby’s sex, although it can be observed with the right imaging and position. If any abnormality is visible at the 20-week ultrasound, the implications for the child are not always clear. In most cases, you will be offered follow-up testing. The follow-up examination consists of a comprehensive ultrasound scan, also known as advanced ultrasound examination (GUO), at a specialized hospital. Sometimes you will be offered an amniocentesis, chorionic villus test or blood test. Each follow-up step is entirely your own choice.
The 20-week ultrasound is covered by the basic health insurance. During the intake with your midwife, we will provide you with more information on the 20-week ultrasound. Click on the link if you already want more information about the 20-week ultrasound now.
