10
Dec
Why the Anomaly Scan is Your Baby's Most Important Photo Shoot
Fetal Anatomy Scan, Checking Baby's Organs
Ultrasound, Structural Defects Scan.
Every
mother-to-be in Zimbabwe looks forward to seeing their baby on the screen.
While the early scans are exciting for confirming the heartbeat, the Anomaly
Scan (often called the 20 Week Scan) is the single most important
ultrasound you will have.
It is your
baby's first comprehensive health check-up, and it goes far beyond just telling
you the gender!
When is the Best Time for This Scan?
The anomaly
scan is ideally performed between 18 and 22 weeks of pregnancy.
Why this
specific window? By this stage, your baby is big enough for us to see their
organs and structures clearly, but you still have enough time for planning and
decision-making if any concerns arise.
What is the Anomaly Scan, Really?
Think of
this as a detailed, head-to-toe examination where our sonographers spend 30 to
45 minutes carefully checking every part of your baby’s anatomy. We are looking
for structural development and making sure all the pieces are fitting together
correctly.
What Our
Sonographer Checks:
|
Area Checked |
What We Look For |
Why It Matters |
|
Brain & Head |
Development of the brain structures, skull shape, and fluid spaces. |
To rule out conditions like Hydrocephalus (fluid on the brain). |
|
Spine |
That all the tiny bones (vertebrae) are aligned and the skin covers
the spinal cord. |
To check for Spina Bifida. |
|
Heart |
Checking the four chambers and the blood flow in and out of the
heart. |
Heart defects are common, and early detection allows specialists to
plan for delivery. |
|
Stomach & Kidneys |
That the baby has swallowed amniotic fluid (filling the stomach) and
that both kidneys are working. |
Checks for digestive or urinary tract blockages. |
|
Limbs |
Counting fingers and toes, and measuring the length of the legs and
arms. |
To ensure healthy growth and check for limb abnormalities. |
|
Face |
Looking closely at the profile and lips. |
To check for Cleft Lip and Palate.5 |
Why is it So Important
to Book Your Anomaly Scan in Harare?
For
many Zimbabwean parents, knowing is the first step toward preparation. The scan
gives you and your medical team the power to plan ahead:
1. Early Planning: If a structural issue is found,
your doctor (or obstetrician) can refer you to specialists immediately.
2. Delivery Planning: For some conditions, it might be
safer to deliver the baby at a specific hospital or require a specialist
present at the birth.
3. Reassurance: In most cases, the scan provides
immense relief, confirming your baby is growing beautifully, which is the best
news any parent can get!
Anomaly
vs. Gender Scan: What's the Difference?
Many
parents ask if they can find out the gender during this scan. Yes, we check
for gender!
However,
while the Gender Reveal is a fun bonus, the Anomaly Check is the
main event. It’s a health test first, and a gender reveal second.
Book
Your Essential Check-Up at Klarity
Don't
delay this critical check-up. The 20 Week Scan
is vital for safeguarding your baby's health.
At
Klarity Medical Group (136 Harare Street), we use high-resolution
equipment to ensure you get the clearest and most accurate medical review
possible.
·
Medical
Aid: We accept
most major funds, including PSMAS and Cimas, to make this
essential scan accessible.
