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This short video explains screening for 11 physical conditions in pregnancy.

1. Purpose of screening

This scan takes place between 18 weeks and 20 weeks plus 6 days of pregnancy. It is commonly called the 20-week screening scan.

The scan looks for 11 different conditions in your baby. It cannot find everything that might be wrong.

2. About these conditions

The scan will look in detail at your baby鈥檚 brain, face, heart, bones, spine, abdomen (tummy) and kidneys.

In most cases the scan will show that your baby appears to be developing as expected. However, sometimes a condition is found or suspected. Some things can be seen more clearly than others. For example, some babies have a condition called open spina bifida, which affects the spinal cord.

Spina bifida can usually be seen clearly on a scan. For around 9 out of 10 babies (90%) who have this condition, it will be detected by the scan.

Heart conditions are more difficult to see. The scan will find about half (50%) of those babies who have heart conditions.

Some of the conditions that can be seen on the scan will mean the baby may need treatment or surgery after it is born (for example, cleft lip). In a small number of cases, some very serious conditions are found. For example, the baby鈥檚 brain, kidneys, internal organs or bones may not have developed properly. In some very serious rare cases, where no treatment is possible, the baby will die soon after it is born or during pregnancy.

There is more detailed information about the main conditions that are looked for during this scan on聽.

3. The screening test

Most scans are carried out by specially trained staff called sonographers.

To get clear views of your baby, the scan is performed in a dimly lit room. The sonographer might need to keep the screen directly facing them or at an angle.

1. You will be asked to lie on a couch.
2. You will be asked to raise your top to your chest and lower your skirt or trousers to your hips.
3. Tissue paper is tucked into your clothing to protect it from the ultrasound gel. The gel is put on your abdomen (tummy). The gel may be cold.
4. The sonographer moves a handheld device called a probe over your abdomen (tummy) to carefully examine your baby鈥檚 body. The gel makes sure there is good contact between the probe and your skin.

The appointment usually takes around 30 minutes.

Having the scan does not hurt. However the sonographer might need to apply slight pressure to get clear views of your baby. This might be uncomfortable. A black and white picture of your baby will then be seen on the ultrasound screen.

The sonographer may be quiet during the scan. It is important for them to be able to concentrate so they can perform a good quality scan.

During your scan the sonographer might ask for a second opinion from another member of staff.

Sometimes it is difficult to get a clear view of your baby. This might be because your baby is lying in an awkward position, or you are above average weight. This does not mean there is anything to worry about.

If this happens, you will be offered a second scan by 23 weeks of pregnancy. The sonographer will try to complete the scan at this next appointment, but it is not always possible.

Very occasionally, this second scan cannot be completed. If this happens, you will not be offered another screening scan. Your baby will have a physical examination after birth.

Finding out the sex of your baby is not the purpose of this scan, but most hospitals will tell you if it鈥檚 easy to see. You will not be offered another scan if the sex of your baby is not seen.

You may need to have a full bladder when you come for the scan appointment. This should be made clear when making your appointment. If you are not sure, you can contact the hospital.

You may like someone to come with you to the appointment. Most hospitals do not allow children to attend scans. Please ask your hospital about this before your appointment.

4. Safety of the test

There are no known risks to you or your baby from having an ultrasound scan. It is important to think carefully if you want to have the scan or not. The scan may provide information that means you have to make further, important decisions. For example, you may be offered further tests that have a risk of miscarriage.

5. Screening is your choice

You do not have to have the scan. Some people want to find out if their baby has one of the 11 physical conditions and some do not.

If you choose to have this scan, you may need to make important personal decisions based on the results. Whatever you decide, you will be supported by your healthcare team.

6. Not having the test

If you choose not to have the scan you can still have all other parts of your routine antenatal care.

7. Possible results

In most cases, the scan will show that your baby appears to be developing as expected and does not have any of the 11 physical conditions screened for.

You will always be told if anything unexpected is found during your scan.

Scans cannot find all conditions. There is always a chance that a baby may be born with a condition that could not be seen on scan.

8. Further tests

You might be offered another test to find out for certain if your baby has one of the conditions.

If you are offered further tests, you will be given more information about them so that you can decide whether you want to have them. You will be able to discuss this with your midwife or consultant. If necessary, you will be referred to a specialist, possibly in another hospital.

9. Getting my results

The sonographer will be able to tell you the results of the scan at the time.