During which weeks is the anatomy ultrasound typically performed?

The anatomy ultrasound, often referred to as the mid-pregnancy or detailed anatomy scan, is typically performed between 18 to 22 weeks of gestation. This timing is crucial because it allows for the most accurate assessment of fetal anatomy and can help identify any structural abnormalities. By this stage, the fetus has developed sufficiently so that organs and systems can be visualized clearly through ultrasound imaging.

This period also aligns with the optimal gestational age for assessing the development of key anatomical features, including the brain, spine, heart, and other vital organs. Moreover, it is during this window that the ultrasound can provide information about the positioning of the placenta and the amount of amniotic fluid, both of which are important for monitoring the health of the pregnancy. Performing the anatomy ultrasound outside of this recommended timeframe might lead to challenges in visualizing the anatomy accurately or could miss developmental issues that can be addressed if detected earlier.