Nov 12, 2025

What scans should I have after my 20-week anatomy scan?

The 18–22 week anatomy (or anomaly) scan is a major milestone in pregnancy. It is designed to assess your baby’s development in detail, checking everything from the brain and heart to the limbs and internal organs. But once this scan is complete, many expectant parents find themselves facing a long stretch of uncertainty before the due date.

So what happens next? What scans are available to monitor your baby’s growth and wellbeing in the second and third trimesters?

Growth & Wellbeing Scans: Reassurance Between Milestones

From 23 weeks onwards, detailed growth scans can be performed regularly, weekly, biweekly, monthly, or as needed. These scans help track your baby’s development and provide reassurance that everything is progressing as it should.

During a growth scan, the following are assessed:

Head and abdominal circumference – to ensure symmetrical growth.
Long bones – measurements of the arms and legs.
Estimated fetal weight – calculated and plotted on a growth chart to determine percentile.
Amniotic fluid levels – checked to ensure they are within a healthy range.
Placental position – monitored for any changes or concerns.

Checking Vital Organs and Blood Flow

Growth scans also include a review of your baby’s vital organs, such as the:

Heart
Brain
Diaphragm
Stomach
Bladder
Gut
Kidneys

To assess placental function, a Doppler scan is used to examine blood flow through the umbilical cord. This helps confirm that oxygenated blood is reaching your baby efficiently. Blood flow to the brain and kidneys is also checked to ensure healthy circulation and pressure.

3D/4D Scans: Bonding and Diagnostic Insight

Between 24 and 32 weeks, many parents opt for 3D or 4D scans. These provide images of your baby’s face, offering a special bonding experience. In some cases, 3D/4D imaging can also help assess facial anomalies and provide clarity on the extent of any pathology.

Wellbeing/Growth Scans in the Third Trimester

As your pregnancy progresses, reassurance scans can be invaluable, especially if:

Baby’s movements change (too much or too little)
You have passed your due date
Labour starts early
There is concern about leaking waters
You experience bleeding or trauma

These scans are tailored to your specific concerns, whether it’s checking the baby’s position, monitoring movements, or simply offering peace of mind.

Packages for Peace of Mind

Whether you are feeling anxious, have specific concerns, or simply want to see your baby’s face again, packages can be booked throughout the second and third trimesters. These are designed to meet your individual needs and provide reassurance at every stage of your pregnancy journey.

Written by Afsaneh Tehrani