Details.
A routine ultrasound examination offered at 21 weeks of pregnancy. Also referred to as the morphology scan, it assesses fetal anatomy including the baby's brain, face, spine, heart, abdomen, limbs and gender, as well as the position of the placenta, amniotic fluid volume, pelvic anatomy and cervix. The examination is expected to detect major fetal malformations if present, but ultrasound cannot detect all abnormalities. The scan may be limited by fetal position or increased distance between the fetus and the ultrasound probe. A repeat scan may be indicated if adequate images cannot be obtained. Inform the sonographer at the beginning of the ultrasound if the baby's gender is to remain unrevealed.