First-timer anxious about 20-week ultrasound - what to expect/ask?

[Anonymous]

I used to pray for this stage so I could relax more afterwards, but now I'm anxious about learning if everything is OK. Does the tech just walk through each major point (heart, size, etc.) and let us know if everything is OK? Anything else to know or that we should be sure to ask?

We already know the baby's sex, so at least that part won't be a surprise. Thank you!

[Anonymous]

Don't be nervous! The 20-week ultrasound was possibly the coolest experience during my pregnancy, though feeling her move for the first time was close behind.

How things go will really depend on your technician. They will generally tell you what you're looking at as they focus on different things, but he/she may just go about the business of identifying all the parts and taking the relevant measurements. They'll check that all 4 limbs and extremities are present and within normal range, they'll look at the spine, they'll check the brain and heart and other relevant organs and facial features. Ask questions if you're wondering what's going on - you should be able to see the screen at all times. If there are any issues, they'll probably call in someone a supervisor or doctor for a consult, but if they do that, it doesn't mean there's anything wrong - sometimes things are open to interpretation. (this happened to my sister - she freaked, but it was just a newer technician on the job who had a question about something ambiguous.)

And definitely ask for pictures to take home. They'll give you a strip of them, which I cut apart and put in a little mini album. I've looked at that album 100 times since, and showed everyone who expressed any interest whatsoever.

oh, and don't be worried if your baby looks like an alien or a skeleton or if the ears look deformed. babies don't have much body fat, if any, at that stage so that can make the kid look kinda freaky. and the ears are often still forming, so they may not be fully defined yet. If your doctor has one of the high-resolution 3D scanner things, you'll be able to see a lot more detail. Not all places have them.

Good luck!