From: https://www.diseasewiki.com
The best time for the four-dimensional big anomaly scan
The best time for the four-dimensional big anomaly scan is generally around 24-28 weeks of pregnancy, when it is possible to do the color Doppler ultrasound before birth. Most pregnant women undergo examination at the hospital between 24 and 26 weeks of pregnancy, and it is best not to exceed 28 weeks of pregnancy, as the brain of the fetus is in a period of rapid growth at around 24 weeks. At this stage, the structure of the fetus has already formed, the size of the fetus and the amniotic fluid of the mother are moderate. The space in the uterine cavity is very large, the fetal bone echo is small, and the image is also relatively clear.
It is recommended to conduct the big anomaly scan between 22-24 weeks of pregnancy. At this time, the embryo has grown significantly and can usually be seen clearly, and there is still some time before the later stage of pregnancy (28 weeks). If there are any abnormalities, they can be properly handled without delaying the matter. A follow-up anomaly scan should also be conducted around 26 weeks of pregnancy to find any missing or inadequate information. The big anomaly scan is the most important B-ultrasound examination in the second trimester and should be handled with care and attention. If there are any abnormalities, if the condition is serious, mid-trimester induced labor may be necessary to terminate the pregnancy and abort the fetus. If the anomaly scan is overlooked, it is very regrettable if the baby is born with defects, which may sometimes be difficult to resolve.
The best time for the big anomaly scan is between 20 to 24 weeks of pregnancy, and it is a systematic ultrasound examination. Since the examination at this time can clearly see each organ, it is necessary to book the time in advance. This comprehensive systematic examination takes a long time, and the cost is generally around 500 yuan. Pay attention to rest the day before the examination, do not stay up late, maintain a cheerful mood, eat light food, and eat less spicy and cold food. During pregnancy, it is also necessary to supplement calcium and zinc, as calcium deficiency can cause fetal bone growth.
The big anomaly scan can stereoscopically display the facial features, growth and development of the fetal internal organs, and the activation status of the fetus in the mother’s womb. For malformed fetuses, such as cleft lip and palate, cleft palate, abnormal bone growth, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular malformations, etc., it can be diagnosed earlier. If the gestational age is very small, the fetal organs have not developed fully, and if the gestational age is very large, the fetus has excessive fat accumulation, both of which can affect the results of the four-dimensional color Doppler ultrasound. There are many new projects for the big anomaly scan, but it does not mean that the child is undoubtedly healthy just because of the big anomaly scan. It is generally recommended to conduct another ultrasound examination between 28-30 weeks of pregnancy.