Do I need to have both the major anomaly scan and the 4D ultrasound?

Oct 31, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Lu

Introduction

Anomaly scan is a prenatal ultrasound examination used to assess the risk of fetal structural and chromosomal abnormalities. Four-dimensional color Doppler ultrasound is performed to observe whether there are abnormalities in the fetal facial features, nervous system, digestive system, and other areas. Whether both the anomaly scan and four-dimensional ultrasound are necessary depends on the individual circumstances of the pregnant woman. Prior to the examinations, medical guidance should be followed to ensure accurate and reliable results.

Generally speaking, "four-dimensional" (4D) refers to 4D color ultrasound. The "anomaly scan," also known as the detailed structural survey, is a prenatal ultrasound examination used to assess the risk of fetal structural abnormalities and chromosomal disorders. 4D ultrasound is primarily performed to observe whether there are any abnormalities in the fetal facial features, nervous system, and digestive system. Whether both the anomaly scan and 4D ultrasound are necessary depends on the individual circumstances of the pregnant woman. If the mother is of advanced maternal age, both tests are usually recommended; if she is not older, the doctor may suggest only performing the anomaly scan. Any discomfort should prompt timely medical consultation. Detailed analysis is as follows:

If the pregnant woman is of advanced maternal age, has a family history of genetic diseases, a history of adverse pregnancies, or if the anomaly scan indicates a higher risk, both examinations are generally recommended to better evaluate the fetal condition.

If the pregnant woman is not of advanced maternal age and does not have high-risk factors such as genetic disease history or adverse pregnancy history, and if early NT (nuchal translucency) screening results are normal, both tests may not be necessary. In such cases, doctors may recommend only the anomaly scan, which evaluates fetal development through blood tests and conventional B-mode ultrasound.

Although the anomaly scan and 4D ultrasound differ in focus, both can provide valuable information about the actual condition of the fetus. Before undergoing either examination, pregnant women should follow their doctor's guidance to ensure accurate and reliable results.

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What dimension of ultrasound is the "major anomaly scan"?

In general, the detailed anomaly scan can be performed using two-dimensional, three-dimensional, or four-dimensional ultrasound. The full name of this scan is "mid-trimester fetal ultrasound screening for major anomalies," which refers to an ultrasound examination conducted during the middle stage of pregnancy. The optimal time for mid-trimester anomaly screening is between 18 and 24 weeks of gestation, as this period is best suited for evaluating fetal anatomy and detecting structural abnormalities.

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Is the major anomaly scan classified as level two or level three?

Major anomaly screening generally falls under Level 3 prenatal screening. It primarily refers to a four-dimensional color ultrasound examination performed between 22 and 28 weeks of pregnancy to determine whether fetal abnormalities are present. This examination allows for a clear assessment of whether the fetus's limbs, body, and internal organs show any abnormalities. During the 4D ultrasound, the movements of the fetus within the uterine cavity can be directly observed on an electronic screen.

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Can a detailed anomaly scan detect toxoplasmosis infection?

In general, major anomaly screening cannot detect toxoplasmosis infection. Major anomaly screening refers to a series of examinations and screening methods used to comprehensively evaluate the physical condition and structural development of the fetus, in order to identify potential congenital abnormalities and malformations. These examinations include ultrasound scans, blood tests, and other imaging studies, aiming to detect and assess fetal developmental abnormalities as early as possible.

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Does the major anomaly scan include an examination of the reproductive system?

Anomaly scan is a routine prenatal screening examination primarily used to assess fetal development and rule out potential congenital abnormalities. The anomaly scan is usually performed between the 18th and 20th weeks of pregnancy, using ultrasound imaging to observe the fetus's organs and structures. During the anomaly scan, the doctor thoroughly examines various fetal organs and systems, including the reproductive system.

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Which is better: 4D ultrasound or major anomaly scan?

4D ultrasound and anomaly scan (detailed structural scan) each have their strengths in fetal examination: 4D ultrasound is better for assessing the fetal heart, while the anomaly scan is superior for detecting overall fetal developmental abnormalities. 4D ultrasound is primarily used to check for congenital heart defects, aiding in the diagnosis of conditions such as fetal rheumatic heart disease and tetralogy of Fallot. It provides a clearer, three-dimensional visualization of the fetal heart's thickness, shape, and size.

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Can I choose between a major anomaly scan and a four-dimensional ultrasound?

Under normal circumstances, pregnant women can choose between a detailed anomaly scan (Big Anomaly Scan) and a four-dimensional ultrasound (4D ultrasound). Both the Big Anomaly Scan and 4D ultrasound are important prenatal examinations used to assess fetal health. They have overlapping aspects in terms of examination content and purpose, and both offer high accuracy. Therefore, pregnant women can choose one of these examinations during their pregnancy. It is also important for pregnant women to maintain a positive and optimistic mindset in daily life and undergo regular prenatal checkups.

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Does a major anomaly scan check the fetus's fingers and toes?

If the fetus is in an optimal position during the examination, with arms and legs naturally extended and not obstructing the view, and if there is sufficient amniotic fluid providing good acoustic transmission for ultrasound, the doctor can clearly observe via ultrasound whether the number of fetal fingers and toes is normal and whether there are any obvious abnormalities (such as polydactyly or oligodactyly), and record relevant findings to ensure major structural anomalies are ruled out.

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Is there a difference between a major anomaly scan and a 4D ultrasound?

There is a difference between the detailed anomaly scan and 4D ultrasound. The detailed anomaly scan, also known as a systematic fetal ultrasound examination, is an important assessment performed during the second trimester of pregnancy. 4D ultrasound adds the dimension of time to 3D ultrasound, enabling dynamic, three-dimensional images. Maintaining healthy lifestyle habits, eating a light diet, and keeping a positive mindset contribute to maternal well-being.

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