Mid-second trimester ultrasound

A second-trimester ultrasound scan, also called the fetal anatomy scan or anomaly scan, is a detailed assessment of your baby's anatomy and development. At Tartaczna 2 Medical Centre in Gdańsk, prenatal ultrasound examinations are performed using GE Voluson E10 and Voluson Signature S18 systems.

These systems provide detailed ultrasound imaging and support 3D/4D views. The main purpose of the examination is a medical assessment of your baby; additional images depend on the baby's position and the scanning conditions.

Our prenatal care brings together obstetricians, midwives, endocrinology and diabetes consultations, and an on-site laboratory. The care plan is tailored to the health of the mother and baby.

Why is the second-trimester anatomy scan important?

The scan allows the doctor to examine your baby's organs and look for structural abnormalities. The findings help plan further antenatal care and determine whether a specialist assessment or additional tests are needed.

Ultrasound can identify some abnormalities of the heart, brain, spine, face and other organs, but it cannot detect every condition. A normal scan does not rule out all genetic or developmental conditions. Ultrasound and NIFTY screening provide different information and do not replace one another.

When should I book a second-trimester scan?

The examination is generally planned between 18 and 23 weeks of pregnancy, often around 20–22 weeks. Your obstetrician recommends the appropriate timing, taking account of previous results and individual circumstances. At this stage, many fetal structures can be assessed in detail.

What is assessed during the anatomy scan?

The examination includes measurements of your baby, a systematic assessment of the anatomy, and an evaluation of the placenta and amniotic fluid.

Fetal measurements and development

• Biometry: measurements such as head circumference (HC), biparietal diameter (BPD), abdominal circumference (AC) and femur length (FL) help assess your baby's size in relation to the stage of pregnancy. The due date established by a reliable early scan is not routinely changed on the basis of these later measurements.
• Head, brain and face: the doctor assesses the visible structures and looks for features that may require further investigation.
• Chest and heart: the assessment includes the position and structure of the heart and standard cardiac screening views. This is not the same as a dedicated fetal echocardiogram, which may be recommended for particular findings or risk factors.
• Abdominal organs and urinary tract: the stomach, abdominal wall, kidneys and bladder are assessed.
• Spine, limbs and skeleton: the doctor checks their appearance, position and development.

Placenta, amniotic fluid and additional assessments

• Placenta: its location and appearance are assessed, including whether it lies close to or covers the cervix.
• Amniotic fluid: the amount of fluid around your baby is evaluated.
• Cervix: cervical length may be assessed, with a transvaginal examination when appropriate.
• Doppler ultrasound: blood-flow measurements may be added when clinically indicated.

Is the scan performed through the abdomen or vaginally?

The anatomy scan is usually performed through the abdomen. The doctor applies gel and moves the ultrasound probe over your tummy. A transvaginal scan may also be recommended, for example to assess the cervix or clarify the position of the placenta. The doctor explains any additional examination beforehand.

The baby's position and other scanning conditions can make some views difficult to obtain. A pause or a further appointment may be needed to complete the assessment.

Results and further care

The doctor explains the findings and any recommended next steps. If a possible abnormality is identified, you may be referred for a more detailed ultrasound examination, fetal echocardiography, genetic counselling or an appropriate diagnostic test.

Second-trimester ultrasound in Gdańsk – appointments

Book your fetal anatomy scan at Tartaczna 2 Medical Centre. Dr Marek Korożan provides prenatal ultrasound assessments and pregnancy consultations. Bring your maternity records and the results of previous scans and prenatal tests.

Choose an appointment using the calendar below or contact our reception team: call +48 58 719 10 25 or email kontakt@tartaczna2.pl. Please specify that you would like to book a second-trimester anatomy scan.