Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat an 18-Week Test Can FindSigns of a Normal UltrasoundPregnancy ComplicationsNext Steps
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What an 18-Week Test Can Find
Signs of a Normal Ultrasound
Pregnancy Complications
Next Steps
An ultrasound, also called a sonogram, is a test that uses sound waves to create a picture of a developing fetus during pregnancy.An 18-week ultrasound is performed to look at fetal anatomy.
It’s generally considered the earliest time a healthcare provider can get a detailed view of organs, such as the heart, brain, stomach, kidneys, spine, and genitals.The sex of the fetus can also be determined at 18 weeks.
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Learning the Sex of the Fetus
Information From an 18-Week Ultrasound
Ultrasound technicians (sonographers) will view and measure various parts of thefetusto make sure it’s growing and developing normally. They may take a look at the following:
Stillbirth vs. Miscarriage on UltrasoundAstillbirthhappens when a fetus dies in the uterus after 20 weeks of pregnancy. If the fetus passes away before or at the 18-week ultrasound, it’s known as amiscarriage.
Stillbirth vs. Miscarriage on Ultrasound
Astillbirthhappens when a fetus dies in the uterus after 20 weeks of pregnancy. If the fetus passes away before or at the 18-week ultrasound, it’s known as amiscarriage.
Signs of Normal 18-Week Ultrasound
An 18-week ultrasound usually yields normal results. In a typical ultrasound at this time, normal fetal limb and organ development can be seen.
The technician will probably not tell you your results right away, however. They will share the images with your healthcare provider, who will then meet with you to discuss the results. However, you can find out the sex during the sonogram.
Waiting Until 20 Weeks for an UltrasoundAn anatomy scan can be done between18 and 22 weeksof pregnancy. Some healthcare providers choose to wait until at least 20 weeks to perform the ultrasound.
Waiting Until 20 Weeks for an Ultrasound
An anatomy scan can be done between18 and 22 weeksof pregnancy. Some healthcare providers choose to wait until at least 20 weeks to perform the ultrasound.
Signs of Pregnancy Complications at an 18-Week Ultrasound
Some possible abnormalities that can be identified on an 18-week ultrasound include:
A Word From VerywellAlthough ultrasound can identify many things, some abnormalities can’t be detected through that form of imaging. Screening tests during pregnancy usually mean that further evaluation or testing is needed.—CORDELIA NWANKWO, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
A Word From Verywell
Although ultrasound can identify many things, some abnormalities can’t be detected through that form of imaging. Screening tests during pregnancy usually mean that further evaluation or testing is needed.—CORDELIA NWANKWO, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Although ultrasound can identify many things, some abnormalities can’t be detected through that form of imaging. Screening tests during pregnancy usually mean that further evaluation or testing is needed.
—CORDELIA NWANKWO, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Next Steps After an 18-Week Ultrasound
The 18-week ultrasound won’t give you a formal diagnosis for any health condition. Instead, it lets you know that you may need more testing.
If your healthcare provider spots a possible abnormality or is concerned about any findings, they might recommend that you have another ultrasound with an expert who specializes in high-risk pregnancies. Or, they may suggest that you have anamniocentesis, a procedure in which a thin needle is inserted into the uterus to remove amniotic fluid, which is tested in a lab.
Summary
Most of the time, scans come back with normal results. However, your ultrasound may reveal possible complications. If this happens, you might need to undergo more testing, or your healthcare provider may closely monitor your condition until delivery.
9 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
MedlinePlus.Ultrasound pregnancy.
Bethune, M., Alibrahim, E., Davies, B., & Yong, E.A pictorial guide for the second-trimester ultrasound.Australasian Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine,16(3), 98-113. doi:10.1002/j.2205-0140.2013.tb00106.x
Novant Health.18-20 week ultrasound: What your doctor is checking for.
UPMC Health.What happens during a 20-week anatomy scan.
Penn Medicine.All about the 20-week anatomy scan.
March of Dimes.Stillbirth.
NHS.20-week screening scan.
UT Southwestern Medical Center.Amniocentesis and cvs: FAQs about the prenatal diagnostic duo.
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