What is checked during the 30-week minor anomaly scan for pregnant women?

Oct 13, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Lv Aiming

Introduction

Typically, a routine minor anomaly scan at 30 weeks of pregnancy mainly evaluates fetal growth, presence of congenital abnormalities, and fetal附属 structures. This scan generally helps determine whether the fetus is developing normally and healthily. Pregnant women are usually advised to supplement their daily diet with nutrients such as vitamins, folic acid, and protein, and to engage in appropriate exercise, which promotes healthy fetal development and can effectively reduce the risk of fetal malformations.

Typically, a minor anomaly scan at 30 weeks of pregnancy mainly checks fetal growth, presence of fetal abnormalities, and fetal appendages. This scan generally helps determine whether the fetus is developing normally and healthily.

1. Fetal growth: At 30 weeks of gestation, the minor anomaly scan evaluates the fetal head circumference, biparietal diameter, and skeletal development to assess whether fetal development is normal. Pregnant women can promote healthy fetal development by consuming more fruits and vegetables in their daily diet to ensure adequate nutrition.

2. Presence of fetal abnormalities: The primary purpose of the minor anomaly scan is to detect any fetal malformations. Ultrasound imaging is used to examine whether the structures of various parts of the fetal body are normal and healthy. If abnormalities are detected, interventions such as intrauterine treatment or postnatal therapy may be carried out under medical guidance. It is generally recommended that pregnant women avoid smoking and alcohol and maintain a balanced diet to effectively prevent fetal malformations.

3. Fetal appendages: This part of the examination focuses on whether there are any abnormalities in the placenta, amniotic fluid, and umbilical cord, such as inflammation or unusual odors, which could significantly affect fetal development. Pregnant women are generally advised to attend regular prenatal checkups, maintain good genital hygiene, and get sufficient rest.

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Is it better to have the minor anomaly scan at 28 weeks or at 32 weeks?

In general, the minor anomaly scan is performed between 28 and 32 weeks of gestation. The minor anomaly scan is a routine ultrasound examination and serves as a second-trimester follow-up to the detailed anomaly scan, used to screen for fetal abnormalities. The detailed anomaly scan should be conducted at 22–24 weeks of pregnancy, while the minor anomaly scan is typically scheduled between 28 and 32 weeks.

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What does it mean when the long-axis view of the fetal aortic arch in a minor anomaly scan is not clearly visible?

In general, "minor anomaly screening" refers to a fetal anomaly scan. Poor visualization of the fetal aortic arch in the long-axis view during an anomaly scan may be caused by suboptimal fetal position, excessive amniotic fluid, early gestational age, fetal growth restriction, equipment issues, or other factors. It is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation at a hospital to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment. Maintain good daily habits and ensure a balanced diet.