Patient awareness
What Does an Anomaly Scan Check? (18–22 Week Guide)
The anomaly scan is one of the most important checks in pregnancy — here's exactly what your radiologist is looking at, and why it's usually reassuring news.
Reviewed by Dr. Saleem Mansha, PMDC-verified Consultant Radiologist · Updated 5 Sep 2026Why 18–22 weeks?
By this stage, the baby's organs and structures are developed enough to be clearly assessed, and there's still enough amniotic fluid around the baby for a good view. This is why the anomaly scan (sometimes called the "structural" or "mid-pregnancy" scan) is scheduled in this window rather than earlier or later.
What's actually examined
- Brain & spine — shape and structure of the skull, brain ventricles, and spinal alignment.
- Heart — the four chambers and major blood vessels.
- Abdomen — stomach, kidneys and bladder.
- Limbs — arms, legs, hands and feet.
- Face — lips and profile.
- Placenta & amniotic fluid — position and amount.
- Growth measurements — head, abdomen and femur length, compared against expected ranges for the gestational age.
What happens after the scan?
In the large majority of cases, everything measured falls within the expected range, and the scan is simply reassuring. If any single measurement or structure needs a closer look, your radiologist will talk you through exactly what was seen, in plain language, and advise on whether a follow-up scan or specialist opinion is a sensible next step — you won't just be handed a report full of jargon and left to interpret it alone.
The anomaly scan is available at both our Okara and Renala Khurd clinics, combined with 4D/5D imaging if you'd like it. A dedicated female radiologist, Dr. Javeria Rauf, is available at Renala Khurd. See Anomaly Scan & 4D/5D Ultrasound for pricing and booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
The anomaly scan is typically performed between 18 and 22 weeks of pregnancy, when the baby's organs and structures are developed enough to be clearly assessed, while there's still enough amniotic fluid for a good view.
Most anomaly scans are reassuringly normal. If something needs a closer look, your radiologist will explain what was seen, may recommend a follow-up scan or specialist referral, and will discuss next steps with you directly rather than leaving you with just a report.
No. The anomaly scan's purpose is to check the baby's structural health and development — the brain, heart, spine, limbs and organs. It is not performed to determine gender, and our clinic's focus during this scan is entirely on your baby's wellbeing.