Pregnancy scans · 20–22 weeks
Detailed Anatomy Scan
The most thorough scan of the pregnancy: a careful, unhurried look at how the baby has formed from head to toe, along with the placenta, the cord and the fluid around the baby. Allow forty-five minutes.
Performed and reported by accredited clinicians.
- When
- 20–22 weeks
- Duration
- 45 minutes
- Price
- €220, report included
About this scan
What this scan involves
By twenty weeks the baby's organs have formed and are large enough to be examined in detail. The anatomy scan works systematically through the body, checking that each structure is present and looks as expected, and measuring the baby to confirm growth is on track.
What is examined
The skull and brain; the face, including the lips; the spine along its full length; the heart, its four chambers and the main vessels leaving it; the chest and diaphragm; the abdominal wall, stomach, kidneys and bladder; and the arms, legs, hands and feet. The placenta's position, the cord and the amount of fluid are assessed too.
What it can and cannot tell you
The anatomy scan can identify many structural conditions, and a normal scan is reassuring. It cannot see everything: some conditions are too small to detect, some develop later in pregnancy, and some, such as most chromosomal conditions, do not show as structural changes at all. A normal scan is a good sign, not a guarantee.
Alongside your hospital scan
Most maternity units offer an anatomy scan. Many people book a private one as well because the hospital appointment is short, the timing does not suit, or they want more time to look and ask questions. Our report is sent to your maternity unit with your consent, and if anything needs follow-up we contact them directly.
When to have it
The best time for this scan
Ideal timing: Twenty to twenty-one weeks.
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Before 20 weeks
Some structures, particularly the heart, are harder to assess fully. We recommend waiting until twenty weeks.
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20 to 22 weeks
The recommended window: the baby is developed enough to examine in detail and there is still enough fluid and room for clear views.
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After 22 weeks
Still possible, but the baby's position and bone density can make some views harder. Talk to us if you are further along.
What we check
Looked at during the scan
- Skull, brain and face
- Spine, along its full length
- Heart, its four chambers and the main outflow vessels
- Chest, diaphragm and abdominal wall
- Stomach, kidneys and bladder
- Arms, legs, hands and feet
- Measurements of the head, abdomen and thigh bone, to check growth
- Placenta position, the cord and the fluid around the baby
- The baby's sex, if you would like to know
What's included
€220, nothing added at reception
- A forty-five minute examination, performed by an accredited sonographer or consultant
- A written report by a consultant radiologist
- Printed images to take home
- Time to look, and to ask questions
The price you are quoted is the price you pay. No separate reporting fee, no consultation surcharge.
Why people book it
You might choose this scan if
- A thorough check on how the baby has developed
- Your hospital scan is not until later, or was very short
- A previous pregnancy had a structural problem and you want a careful look this time
- Reassurance before the second half of the pregnancy
- To find out the sex in the same appointment
What to expect
Before, during and after
Before your scan
No specific preparation. Eating normally beforehand is fine. Bring any earlier scan reports, and tell us when you book whether you would like to be told the baby's sex.
During the scan
The scan is done through the abdomen and is the longest of our pregnancy scans, around forty-five minutes. Babies do not always lie helpfully, so there may be pauses, a walk around or a change of position. You can watch the screen and the sonographer will explain what is being examined as they go.
After your scan
The findings are explained on the day. The written consultant report follows, typically within three working days, and is sent to your maternity unit or GP with your consent. Where something needs urgent attention, we contact them the same day.
How to prepare
No specific preparation. Allow extra time, because babies do not always lie in a helpful position.
Book your Detailed Anatomy Scan
€220 including the consultant report, 45 minutes. Choose a time online, or send an enquiry and we will call you back, usually within one working day. If you need to reschedule, please let us know as early as you can.
Questions
Frequently asked
Do I need a referral?
No. You can book this scan yourself.
Will you find everything?
No scan can. The anatomy scan detects many structural conditions and a normal result is reassuring, but some conditions are too small to see, develop later, or do not show on ultrasound at all. We are honest about that limit.
What if the baby will not cooperate?
If some views cannot be completed, we will offer a repeat appointment at no additional charge to finish the examination.
What happens if something is found?
You will be told on the day, in person and in plain language, and with your consent we will contact your maternity unit the same day so that specialist follow-up is arranged quickly. You will not be left waiting for a letter.
Can I bring family?
One adult guest is welcome. Because this is a long, detailed examination, we ask that young children are not brought to this particular scan.
Also consider
Other pregnancy scans
11–14 weeks
Nuchal Translucency (NT) Scan
Measures the fluid at the back of the baby's neck as part of first-trimester screening, alongside an early structural review.
€145 · 30 minutes
From 24 weeks
Growth Scan
Measures the baby and estimates weight, plotting growth against the expected range for your stage of pregnancy.
€130 · 30 minutes
26–32 weeks
3D/4D Scan
Three-dimensional still images and live 4D video of the baby's face and features, with printed images to take home.
€140 · 30 minutes