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Examination into structural (physical) abnormalities

You will be offered two medical ultrasounds during your pregnancy. The first one is the dating scan, done around the 10th week of pregnancy followed by second one, the 20 week ultrasound scan, which is conducted around the 19th week of your pregnancy. The second scan is also referred to as the structural ultrasound examination (SUE). During this examination we look for any structural (physical) abnormalities in your unborn child. Finding abnormalities is fortunately rare, but we face a 3-4% chance of finding structural abnormalities that need further addressing. Finding abnormalities at an early stage allows for quick and efficient follow-up investigations.

When will the 20 week ultrasound be done?

As the name suggests; this ultrasound is done before the 20th week of pregnancy. We recommend to book this scan in from the middle of your 18th pregnancy week and no later than the 20st week. It’s important for this examination to be done at the right time as any possible follow-up investigations can often be time-consuming. Time will also be needed to make any decisions as a result of this ultrasound.

What do we look for during the 20 week ultrasound?

We look for any structural (physical) abnormalities in your unborn child during this ultrasound. These can include:

  • spina bifida
  • anencephaly
  • heart defects
  • your child's growth
  • the amount of amniotic fluid
  • the positioning of the placenta

You will usually receive the results either during or just after the examination. Finding abnormalities is fortunately a rare occurrence, but we ask you kindly to keep the possibility in mind. Please also be aware, that not all abnormalities can be spotted during this scan. We recommend not bringing any children along to the 20 week ultrasound. If any abnormalities are found, the sonographer will consult with the midwife/gynaecologist about any follow-up examinations. Depending on the findings, you may receive a referral from the midwife/gynaecologist to the hospital for a follow-up examination. Please do take a look at our tips for your appointment at our ultrasound centre.

You can find more information about the 20 week ultrasound at: https://onderzoekvanmijnongeborenkind.nl/.

20 week ultrasound: determining the gender

It goes without saying, we’ll be having a detailed look at your little one during the ultrasound. The sonographer will therefore also be looking at the sex organs, within the context of their development. You may therefore enquire about your child’s gender. Would you rather not know? Then do make sure you tell the sonographer beforehand.

Costs and reimbursement for the 20 week ultrasound

There are no costs associated with the 20 week ultrasound. This medical ultrasound will be covered by the health insurer from the basic package. The 20 week ultrasound is in 2D and will take approximately 40 minutes. You will be given 2 black/white photographs at the end of your session. Would you like to see your baby in 3D/4D? Then take a moment to read all about our non-medical private ultrasounds scans.

Would you like to have your 20 week ultrasound in The Hague? Book an appointment now

Our staff at Het Haagse Hof look forward to welcoming you to one of our two centrally located centres in The Hague. We provide you with the opportunity to meet your baby in a calm and relaxed atmosphere. Do you have a referral for the 20 week ultrasound? Book an appointment now.

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