Anatomy Scan

Due to the development of the baby’s brain, and the size and complexity of the baby’s heart, 20 weeks onwards is the optimum gestation to perform the routine Anatomy scan. 

Some people choose to have their Anatomy ultrasound scan from 20 weeks, however the anatomy may be more difficult to visualise and it may be necessary to book another scan at a later date to complete the anatomy checks. There will be a charge for the extra scan. If you do chose to have your Anatomy scan as early as 20 weeks, please do not be concerned if the Specialist Sonographer is unable to visualise some of babies anatomy. They will be limited by the early gestation. Baby’s grow and develop weekly, and within a few weeks they will be able to complete the checks. 

If you have a higher BMI, it may be best to wait until 22-23 weeks.

Pregnant women are offered two routine ultrasound scans during pregnancy, this is called the Fetal Anomaly Screening Programme. 

The Nuchal Translucency scan is offered between 12-14 weeks of pregnancy to screen for the most common chromosomal conditions including Down’s syndrome, Edwards’ Syndrome and Patau’s syndrome.

The other routine pregnancy scan offered by the NHS is around 20 weeks of pregnancy called the Anatomy scan. The purpose of this ultrasound scan is to assess your baby’s physical development and to look for 11 rare conditions, including head/brain and heart conditions.

The 20 week Anatomy scan is a very important ultrasound scan during pregnancy. Parents to be often come to have a scan with us as a result of the following:

• The NHS Sonographer was unable to complete the Anatomy scan due to the position of baby
• The NHS were not able to schedule the Anatomy scan appointment at a convenient time for the Parents to be
• You did not receive a clear understanding of the Anatomy scan and would like a more detailed explanation
• The NHS Sonographer reported findings during the Anatomy scan and you wish for a second opinion
• You would prefer a more comprehensive, detailed ultrasound scan to be performed in a calming and relaxing environment
• You would like some extra reassurance in your pregnancy

• Anatomy Scans are performed between 20-24 weeks of pregnancy and are performed ‘transabdominally’ which means over the tummy.
• This is the optimal stage of pregnancy to perform a detailed and comprehensive assessment of your baby’s physical development and growth.

The heart, brain, face, spine, bowel, stomach, kidneys, limbs, hands and feet for any major physical conditions.

• The appearance and position of the placenta
• An assessment of the amniotic fluid (the fluid your baby lives in during pregnancy)
• If you wish to know the sex of your baby, the sonographer will be able to tell you
• If you have a medical history which indicates that an assessment of the cervix should be performed, the Cervical transvaginal ultrasound scan can be performed in addition to the Anatomy Scan.

Our sonographers are highly skilled and accredited in the performance of the Anatomy Scan. They will be able to talk to you if you have additional questions or concerns. The Consultant is available if needed to discuss any unexpected findings.

If you are looking for a second opinion, please ensure that you provide us with your relevant ultrasound report ahead of your appointment to ensure that we can provide you with the best service.

Ultrasound reports should be sent to

[email protected]

The Anatomy Scan is recommended for all babies, ensuring that if any conditions are present Parents to be and baby are well prepared, supported and monitored.

• In the majority of pregnancies an Anatomy Scan can be performed by one of our experienced sonographers. All of our sonographers are fully qualified and accredited, so you are in safe, expert hands.
• If you are experiencing complications with your pregnancy or need a second opinion, an Anatomy Scan with our Consultant is recommended.

We offer morning, afternoon and evening availability during the week, as well as weekend appointments. A surcharge will be applied for evening and weekend appointments. We have a wide range of availability therefore same day appointments can be easily arranged. Our Sonographers are here to reassure even at short notice.

The Birth Company is the first clinic in UK to offer this service allowing you to share your pregnancy ultrasound with friends and family wherever they are in the world. This optional recording can be shared via Email, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. We will offer this to you routinely at the end of the Anatomy Scan. The transmission is instantaneous. Please note that the video of baby moving will not have any sound. It is a national policy not to permit patient or partner's phone recording in a room. Simply tell your sonographer that you would like an electronic transmission of your scan. It will appear on your phone immediately.

• A moderately full bladder will improve the visibility of the scan performed over the tummy

Yes. An additional £30 charge is applied for mothers expecting twins or triplets. We need to allocate more time for your appointment as there are twice (or three) times as many ultrasound checks to be performed as there are more babies.

The NHS will not routinely offer any further pregnancy scans however a Wellbeing and Growth scan can be done any time after 22 weeks for reassurance and to assess baby’s growth pattern.

 A Cervical Length Assessment can be added to your Anatomy Scan - Click here for more details