Does a maternal fetal medicine perform anomaly scan?

An anomaly scan, also called a mid-trimester or 20-week scan, is an ultrasound examination of fetal development and the pregnancy environment. The sonographer or doctor may assess visible structures, growth, the placenta, amniotic fluid, and blood flow when clinically relevant. A maternal-fetal medicine specialist has expertise in interpreting detailed pregnancy imaging and may be involved when an earlier scan needs clarification, a medical condition affects pregnancy, or the team wants a more focused assessment. An ultrasound finding may need follow-up rather than providing a final diagnosis.

Take your referral and previous scan information, and tell the team about medical conditions, medicines, and earlier findings. Ask whether the appointment includes specialist consultation and how results will be communicated. The examination is usually carried out with gel and an ultrasound probe over the abdomen; the clinician may need time to obtain several views. Read more about [Anomaly Scan](/treatments/pregnancy-and-birth-care/anomaly-scan/).

An anomaly scan itself is not an emergency assessment. Contact your maternity service urgently for vaginal bleeding, severe abdominal pain, fluid loss, fainting, or a marked reduction in fetal movement once movements are established. If the scan identifies a concern, ask when the next review is needed and who will coordinate it.

Ask what areas will be examined, whether the images were complete, what any uncertain finding means, and whether another scan or test is recommended. Confirm when and how you will receive the report.