When is the best time to do ultrasound anomaly detection

The best time for ultrasound screening for fetal abnormalities is usually between 22-26 weeks of pregnancy, when the fetus is relatively mature and the amniotic fluid volume is moderate, making it easier for doctors to comprehensively evaluate the internal and external structures of the fetus and detect possible abnormalities or anomalies.

Why choose 22-26 weeks of pregnancy?

This period is a critical stage for the development of fetal anatomical structures, where major organs and tissues have basically taken shape. Doctors can clearly see whether there are abnormalities in the fetal head, spine, limbs, and internal organs through ultrasound equipment. Especially complex structures such as the heart, brain, and digestive tract can be examined more comprehensively, which helps to detect deformities such as spina bifida, congenital heart disease, and cleft lip and palate in the early stage. At the same time, the 22-26 week fetus has a moderate body size and sufficient amniotic fluid volume, which is conducive to a clearer observation of fetal structure. If problems are detected by ultrasound, there is still a certain intervention and selection time.

The impact of early or late prenatal screening

If the ultrasound screening is done too early, such as before 18 weeks, the fetal organs may not have fully developed, making it difficult to detect subtle structural abnormalities and potentially missing the opportunity for testing. If the examination time is too late, the fetus will increase in size after 30 weeks, the amniotic fluid will relatively decrease, the fetal posture may be fixed, and some anatomical structures may not be fully observed due to limited position, which may affect the accuracy of the examination. Discovering deformities too late may reduce pregnant women's options and increase psychological pressure.

3. How to prepare for ultrasound prenatal screening

Before the examination, pregnant women do not need to hold their urine for ultrasound; Wearing loose and comfortable clothing on the day of inspection can facilitate the inspection process. Pregnant women should make an appointment for a suitable ultrasound screening program based on their own and the specific situation of the fetus at the time recommended by the doctor. It is best to choose a regular hospital or professional institution for examination. It should be noted that if any abnormalities are found in the ultrasound, it is necessary to communicate with the obstetrician in a timely manner, and if necessary, further amniocentesis or other verification methods can be performed to confirm the results.

Prenatal ultrasound screening is an important step in ensuring fetal health. Expectant mothers need to plan their prenatal examination time reasonably and complete the operation under the guidance of doctors in order to detect and respond to potential problems as early as possible, ensuring the safety of mother and baby.