Do You Have a Scan After 20 Weeks? A Practical Guide
Learn what to expect after 20 weeks: the anatomy scan, potential follow-up imaging, and tips for discussing timing and costs with your prenatal care team.
Do you have a scan after 20 weeks? Yes. A mid-pregnancy anatomy scan is commonly scheduled around 18–22 weeks to assess fetal anatomy and placental position. If concerns arise or growth needs closer monitoring, additional scans may be recommended later in pregnancy. Availability and timing depend on your provider, location, and medical history.
Do you have a scan after 20 weeks? Understanding the mid-pregnancy anatomy scan
Do you have a scan after 20 weeks? In many countries, the mid-pregnancy anatomy scan is scheduled between weeks 18 and 22 and is routinely called the 20-week ultrasound. It provides a detailed look at the baby's developing organs and structures, as well as placenta position and amniotic fluid levels. Most pregnancies go through this milestone with reassuring findings, but the scan can also highlight areas that require closer monitoring or additional testing. The appointment is non-invasive and typically takes about 20-40 minutes, depending on baby position and how much anatomy needs to be viewed. You may choose to have a partner or support person present, and some clinics offer same-day results or a written report. If you’re wondering, do you have a scan after 20 weeks, the short answer is often yes—follow-up imaging may be recommended later if there are concerns or if growth needs closer observation. Plan to discuss any questions with your care team and request copies of the images for your records.
What the 20-week anatomy scan evaluates
During the 20-week scan, clinicians check the major organs and structures, including the brain's ventricles, the spine's alignment, the heart's chambers and valves, the stomach, kidneys, and limbs. They measure fetal size indicators like head circumference, abdominal circumference, and femur length to confirm growth. The scan also assesses placental location and the amount of amniotic fluid. While many parents hope to learn the baby's sex, this is dependent on position and whether you asked for this detail. Normal results provide reassurance about development, while any deviations may prompt a targeted follow-up or referral to a specialist. Your provider will explain what the findings mean in plain language and outline any recommended next steps.
How the ultrasound is performed: what to expect during the exam
Ultrasound for the 20-week assessment is noninvasive. You will lie on a bed while a technician applies a conductive gel to your abdomen and slowly slides a probe over the area. The sonographer may request you shift positions to get better views of specific organs. No radiation is involved, and the procedure is generally comfortable, though some people feel a bit of pressure as the probe moves. In most cases you can see real-time images on a screen as the clinician checks anatomy and measurements. After the exam, a report is prepared and discussed with you by your provider. If needed, you may be offered digital copies of key images for your records.
Why you might have additional scans after 20 weeks
Even with a routine 20-week scan that appears normal, some pregnancies require subsequent imaging. Reasons include slower-than-expected growth, concerns about placental function, or maternal health conditions that could affect fetal well-being. In multiple pregnancies, doctors often monitor each baby’s growth more frequently and assess shared placental resources. The timing and number of extra scans are guided by risk factors, anatomy results, and clinical judgment. If a concern is identified, your care team will tell you what the next steps are, which may include targeted ultrasounds, growth tracking, or referral to a maternal-fetal medicine specialist.
Interpreting findings and planning next steps
A normal anatomy scan usually brings reassurance about development, but it can also raise questions. If an anomaly is suspected, clinicians may order targeted ultrasound or fetal echocardiography to confirm details. Some findings are minor and require routine monitoring, while others may necessitate additional tests before birth. In all cases, your clinician should explain what the results mean, potential implications for delivery planning, and any recommended follow-up imaging or consultations. If daily life planning is affected, ask about how to prepare for potential scenarios and what resources are available for support.
Practical preparation for the appointment
Prepare by bringing your referral, insurance information, and any prior imaging reports. Wear comfortable clothing and note questions you want to ask. Hydration and a light meal can help when you anticipate a longer appointment. If you are attending with a partner or support person, plan who will be present for the discussion. Having a list of goals for the visit—such as confirming growth, checking specific organs, or understanding potential follow-up tests—can help keep the discussion focused.
Costs, insurance, and access to follow-up imaging
Costs for prenatal imaging vary by location and facility, and many imaging services are billed through insurance when medically indicated. Discuss coverage with your provider ahead of time and ask about any required pre-authorization. If access to imaging is limited, your care team can help explore options, including hospital-based clinics, community imaging centers, or telemedicine consultations with specialists who can review the results remotely. Clarifying billing expectations ahead of time reduces surprises.
Tips to manage anxiety and get the most from the appointment
Planning ahead can ease worry. Bring a written list of questions about what will be checked, the meaning of potential findings, and the plan for follow-up. Request plain-language explanations and, if helpful, a quick summary of normal ranges and what would trigger additional imaging. After the scan, take time to discuss the results with your partner and write down next steps so nothing is forgotten.
Special cases: high-risk pregnancies and multiples
In pregnancies categorized as high risk or involving twins or higher-order multiples, imaging is often scheduled more frequently to monitor growth, anatomy, and placental health. Your clinician may tailor the views and measurements to your specific situation and coordinate with maternal-fetal medicine specialists as needed. Clear, proactive communication about each scan’s purpose helps you understand why more imaging is recommended and what to expect at subsequent visits.
Common Questions
What is the 20-week anatomy scan, and what does it check?
The 20-week anatomy scan is a detailed ultrasound that checks major fetal organs and structures, measures growth, and verifies placenta position. It helps identify potential concerns and informs plans for follow-up care.
The 20-week anatomy scan checks major organs and growth to ensure baby's development is on track.
Do you have a scan after 20 weeks if nothing looks unusual at 20 weeks?
Follow-up scans may still be scheduled based on growth patterns, maternal health, or suspected issues. Your clinician will determine the need and timing of any additional imaging.
Additional scans may be ordered if growth needs checking or other concerns arise.
What happens if an abnormal finding is detected?
If an issue is found, the clinician may order targeted ultrasound, additional tests, or specialist consultations. They will explain the implications and outline a plan for monitoring or treatment.
If something looks off, expect a targeted ultrasound and a plan for next steps.
Are follow-up scans common for multiple pregnancies?
Yes. In twins or higher-order pregnancies, imaging is often more frequent to monitor each baby's growth and placental health.
Twins or higher-order pregnancies usually involve more scans to check both babies.
Will scans be covered by insurance, and how should I prepare?
Most medically indicated scans are covered by insurance, but coverage varies. Check with your provider and insurer, and ask about any pre-authorization requirements.
Most scans for medical reasons are covered; confirm with your insurer and provider.
What questions should I ask my doctor before the scan?
Prepare a list of questions about what will be checked, what abnormal findings mean, and what follow-up steps may be needed.
Ask what will be checked, what findings could mean, and what comes next.
Key Takeaways
- Ask about timing and follow-ups with your provider
- 20-week scans assess fetal anatomy and growth
- Follow-up imaging may be needed based on risk factors
- Costs vary; confirm insurance coverage in advance
- Bring prior imaging reports and questions to the appointment