20- week ultrasound

The 20-week ultrasound, also known as the structural ultrasound scan (SEO), is an ultrasound scan conducted between the 18th and 22nd week of pregnancy. The 20-week ultrasound is a form of prenatal screening. The main objective is to find out whether your baby has any physical defects. The ultrasound looks at the back, the skull and the development of the child's organs. The ultrasound will also determine whether the baby is growing properly and whether there is sufficient amniotic fluid. The 20-week ultrasound is not intended to determine the gender of the child, but it can be done when the right image and position are used.

Examples of abnormalities that may be revealed by the ultrasound include: spina bifida, skull, hydrocephalus, heart defects, a hole or fracture in the diaphragm, a hole or fracture in the abdominal wall, absence or defects of the kidneys, abnormal development of the bones, and abnormalities of the arms or legs.

THE EXAMINATION

The ultrasound takes about 45 minutes. All results will be discussed with you immediately. Most of the ultrasounds have a favorable result and makes the ultrasound a nice experience where you can have a good look at your baby. However, a favourable result is no guarantee for a healthy child. If organs look normal, this does not automatically mean that they also function well. Not all disorders can be detected by ultrasound, some disorders are not visible at 20 weeks and disorders can be missed by the ultrasound technician. Ultrasound is a safe examination method. No adverse effects have been found in practice or in scientific research. The ultrasound does not entail any risks for the mother or child.

FOLLOW-UP EXAMINATION

It may happen that the ultrasound technician is unable to evaluate something properly. The position of your baby, the position of the placenta or the thickness of your abdominal wall for example can cause bad imaging. In that case a re-evaluation is needed. In 1 or 2 weeks you will come again for an ultrasound. If a condition is suspected, you will be considered for further examination. Each subsequent step is your own choice. If so desired, you will be referred to the hospital for an extensive ultrasound scan, also called advanced ultrasound examination (GUO). It is possible that an amniocentesis or blood test will be offered. In the case of amniocentesis, there is a small risk of miscarriage. If the follow-up test reveals that your child has a disorder, you will meet with one or more doctors. Here, the further course of action will be discussed with you. You may be faced with the choice of having your pregnancy terminated. In the Netherlands this is possible up to a pregnancy term of 24 weeks.

COSTS

The 20-week ultrasound is covered by your basic insurance. The Birth Centre will submit the claim to your insurance company. You do not have to pay anything yourself.

MAKE YOUR CHOICE

The results of the 20-week ultrasound may present you with difficult choices. You should therefore think carefully about whether you want to have a 20-week ultrasound before the test. The RIVM website includes a questionnaire to help you make this choice. The PUUR midwives will also be happy to answer any questions you may have.

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

Download the brochure Information on the 20-week ultrasound or visit the RIVM website.

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