Morphology Scan

For most parents the 19 week scan becomes an important stage of reassurance that their pregnancy is progressing normally. It can also be a really motivating reward for the less pleasant aspects of pregnancy.

Parents find seeing the active foetus helpful, as it is normal not to be feeling movements in mid-pregnancy, despite how often you are asked about it! Unlike the first trimester, you may not have symptoms to “remind” you that the pregnancy is going well.

The 19 week ultrasound can check for problems which may be able to determine what is safest for your pregnancy.

Some conditions can be managed during pregnancy better if they are detected. Some problems in the foetus are relatively subtle in appearance but can indicate an emergency at birth. This means that the delivery of the baby will need to be well coordinated. Other problems do not trouble the foetus in utero, but are not compatible with survival after birth.  

A well timed examination is expected to detect major fetal structural malformations. However, even with the best ultrasound equipment, experienced examiners and good views, it’s important to understand not all abnormalities are detectable. 

The easiest examples are where the condition causes no structural changes in the foetus, such as autism. Or, when the abnormality only develops in later pregnancy.

No matter how many tests parents choose to have, they still face some chance of problems in their offspring.

We approach the examination as a systematic check to make sure development is normal. We then consider what it will mean if the findings don’t align with expectations. 

The order of checks may vary due to fetal position and other factors, but consists of a series of working systems in the foetus. For instance, a normal amniotic fluid volume, reassures us that the foetus has a working urinary tract (even before we look at the kidneys and bladder). 

A normal-looking brain greatly reduces the chance of open spina bifida (even before we check the spine). If you have any particular concerns that we have not elicited, please mention them.

The 19½  week timing is chosen for many reasons. The foetus is large enough to examine properly in almost all cases, and the pregnancy is still early enough for parents to consider all options if severe problems are found. Most major structural abnormalities arise by this time, and there are clues if later follow-up may be required.   

Even so, depending on your build, previous scans and practical issues, we may allow you or opt to vary the time of the scan.  If you think this might be necessary for you (such as a journey you have planned) it’s best to mention this at the 12 to 13 week ultrasound.

Apart from making sure the timing of the scan is correct, we can access more flattering angles for pictures (both in a medical sense and for how cute the foetus will look) if you arrive with some water in your bladder.

Also remember to allow enough time in case the fetal position varies from ideal positioning.

You will be told if a problem is detected, even before your referring doctor knows. Sometimes, it is possible to say exactly what the problem is; at other times further tests are required. 

A follow-up may be advised to clarify. You will be given information on whether the condition is likely to be severe or minor. A second opinion ultrasound is always available, since it is often difficult to accept important news from someone you do not know well.  

The 19 week utrasound is a detailed ultrasound scan usually carried out when you’re between 18 and 21 weeks pregnant. Parents can expect to see good views of the limbs as well as the internal organs. The 19 week ultrasound can check for problems which may be able to determine what is safest for your pregnancy.

Also called the “gender reveal” scan, a detailed ultrasound scan performed between weeks 18 and 20 has very high chance to accurately determine your baby’s sex. However, the baby’s position could prevent your doctor to have a clear image of the genitals.

At 19 weeks your foetus should be around 15.3cm long and weighs around 240g.The baby’s adult teeth are starting to grow, and they’re lining up behind the first set. The lungs are beginning to form and the skin is covered in a white coating that protect the baby’s at birth.

By 19 weeks, you may have gained around 8 to 10 pounds. However, you may expect to gain more if you are underweight, and gain less if you are overweight. Remember that you don’t need any extra calories until the third trimester, which starts in week 28. Try to eat healthily.