A Closer Look: Your Guide to the Anatomy Ultrasound

Somewhere between 18 and 22 weeks,  you'll likely be getting your much anticipated anatomy ultrasound. This is a big milestone for a lot of pregnant people as you'll get to take a really in-depth look at your baby.
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Here's what to expect:

The ultrasound itself will take about an hour; maybe longer if your baby is in a position that makes it difficult for the ultrasound tech to get the right pictures. You'll be asked to drink a lot of water before the appointment so that your bladder is full. That makes it easier for the ultrasound tech to see your baby well. They'll let you empty it about halfway through.

The tech will be taking a ton of measurements of different parts of your baby's body as well as looking in depth at their brain, heart, lungs, kidneys and bladder to make sure everything is developing as it should. They'll be looking for any birth differences such as spina bifida, cleft palate or down syndrome which may all be able to be seen by an in depth ultrasound. They'll also be able to tell the baby's sex, so if that's something you don't want to know, be sure to let the ultrasound tech know that before they start.

They'll also take a look at the location of your placenta to make sure it's not close to, or covering the cervix, (a condition called placenta previa), and they'll take a look at the amniotic fluid levels to make sure they are where they need to be.

It's totally normal to feel anxious about this visit, but if you can, try and enjoy it too. This is your chance to get a good look at your baby so use it to really connect with them and each other.

Your ultrasound tech may point out different body parts etc, but won't be able to tell you anything about their findings.You'll get all those results from your doctor. And make sure to ask for a print out of the ultrasound to take home!