What to Expect During Your 20 Week Scan
At around 20 weeks into your pregnancy, you will have your mid-pregnancy or 20 week scan. This is an important scan that checks your baby's development and can also reveal the gender of your baby if you want to know. Here's what you can expect during your 20 week scan.
Preparation
Before your scan, your healthcare provider will give you instructions on how to prepare. You may be asked to drink water to fill your bladder, which helps create a clearer picture of your baby on the ultrasound scan. You may also be asked to wear clothing that allows easy access to your belly.
What Happens During the Scan
The scan itself usually takes around 30 minutes. You will lie on a bed or couch and a technician will apply a gel to your belly. This gel helps the ultrasound probe slide over your skin and create clear images of your baby. The technician will then move the probe over your belly, taking pictures of your baby from different angles.
What the Scan Checks For
The 20 week scan is a detailed scan that checks your baby's development. Here are some of the things that the scan can check for:
- Size and position of your baby
- Number of babies (if you're having twins or more)
- Growth of your baby's organs, including the brain, heart, lungs, and kidneys
- Amount of amniotic fluid around your baby
- Placenta position
- Any abnormalities or defects
Gender Reveal
If you want to know the gender of your baby, the 20 week scan is usually the best time to find out. However, it's important to remember that not all healthcare providers will reveal the gender if you don't want to know. Make sure you discuss your wishes with your provider beforehand.
What Happens After the Scan
After the scan, your healthcare provider will discuss the results with you. If any abnormalities or concerns are discovered, you may be referred to a specialist for further testing or treatment. If everything looks normal, you can continue with your pregnancy as usual.
Conclusion
The 20 week scan is an important part of your pregnancy journey. It checks your baby's development, can reveal the gender of your baby, and gives you peace of mind that everything is progressing as it should. Make sure you follow your healthcare provider's instructions for preparation and discuss any concerns or questions you have before and after the scan.
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