INSIDE THE 20 WEEK ULTRASOUND: TRACKING BABY’S GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

Inside the 20 Week Ultrasound: Tracking Baby’s Growth and Development

Inside the 20 Week Ultrasound: Tracking Baby’s Growth and Development

Blog Article

Reaching the halfway mark in your pregnancy is a major milestone, and the 20 week ultrasound—often referred to as the “anatomy scan”—is one of the most exciting and informative appointments on your prenatal journey. Not only does this scan offer a chance to see your baby in incredible detail, but it also plays a vital role in tracking their development and checking for any potential health concerns.

Whether this is your first pregnancy or your third, understanding what happens during this detailed ultrasound can help you prepare for the appointment, ask the right questions, and feel more connected to your growing baby. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what to expect during the 20-week scan, why it’s so important, and how providers like Tummy Vision offer a safe, supportive, and memorable ultrasound experience.

What Is a 20-Week Ultrasound?


The 20-week ultrasound, also known as the anatomy scan, is typically scheduled between 18 and 22 weeks of pregnancy. It’s considered one of the most important ultrasounds of your prenatal care because it provides a detailed look at your baby’s organs, limbs, brain, spine, and more. This mid-pregnancy scan is a comprehensive assessment of your baby’s growth and overall health.

It’s also when many parents find out the sex of their baby—if they choose to!

Why Is the 20-Week Ultrasound So Important?


The 20-week scan is more than just a photo opportunity. It allows your healthcare provider to:

  • Measure your baby’s size and development


  • Examine the anatomy of the heart, brain, kidneys, spine, and limbs


  • Evaluate the placenta’s location


  • Check the amount of amniotic fluid


  • Look for congenital abnormalities or growth concerns


  • Confirm the baby’s sex, if desired



This ultrasound is considered a diagnostic tool. If any issues are detected, they can be addressed early—either through additional testing, monitoring, or planning ahead for potential interventions at birth.

How to Prepare for Your Anatomy Scan


In most cases, there’s not much you need to do to prepare for your 20-week ultrasound. However, here are a few tips to make the experience smoother:

  • Drink water beforehand. A full bladder can help lift the uterus for better imaging, though later in pregnancy it may not be required. Follow your provider’s instructions.


  • Wear comfortable, two-piece clothing so you can easily expose your belly.


  • Bring your partner or support person. This scan is often a special bonding experience.


  • Prepare questions. If you’re concerned about anything—your baby’s movement, growth, or development—write down questions in advance.


  • Consider bringing a USB or requesting photo printouts if keepsakes are available.



What to Expect During the 20-Week Ultrasound


The scan usually lasts between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on how cooperative your baby is and whether any further examination is needed. Here’s a breakdown of what typically happens:

1. Baby’s Size and Growth


The technician will take measurements of the baby’s:

  • Head circumference


  • Abdominal circumference


  • Femur length (thigh bone)



These measurements are used to estimate your baby’s weight and determine if growth is on track for 20 weeks.

2. Major Organ Checks


Your provider will examine the development of vital organs, including:

  • Heart: Checked for normal structure and rhythm


  • Brain: Looked at for proper division and development


  • Kidneys and bladder: To confirm proper function


  • Stomach and intestines: Checked for normal size and position


  • Spine and skull: Evaluated for closure and shape



These checks help rule out common congenital conditions and ensure everything is progressing as expected.

3. Amniotic Fluid & Placenta


The technician will measure the amount of amniotic fluid to make sure it’s within a healthy range and assess the placenta’s location (e.g., anterior, posterior, or low-lying). A low-lying placenta may require follow-up scans later in pregnancy.

4. Umbilical Cord and Blood Flow


They’ll also confirm the umbilical cord has three vessels and that blood is flowing properly from the placenta to your baby.

5. Baby’s Position and Movement


Even though baby’s position isn't a big concern at 20 weeks, the sonographer will note it. You’ll also likely see your little one moving, stretching, or even sucking their thumb during the scan.

Finding Out the Sex of Your Baby


If you want to know your baby’s sex and your provider is able to get a clear view, this is usually the scan where you can find out. However, it’s worth noting that sometimes babies don’t cooperate—legs may be crossed or they may be in a tricky position. If you’re working with a dedicated ultrasound provider like Tummy Vision, they may offer a free follow-up visit or recommend a 3D/4D scan to confirm later.

If you’re planning a gender reveal, ask ahead if the technician can keep the results secret and write them down for you to take home.

What Happens If Something Seems Off?


It’s important to remember that most 20-week scans show everything is progressing normally. However, in some cases, your provider might find something that requires additional monitoring or testing. This can sound alarming, but often, these are precautionary measures.

If there are concerns, your doctor might recommend:

  • A follow-up ultrasound


  • A referral to a maternal-fetal medicine specialist


  • Genetic counseling or testing



Don’t panic—many findings turn out to be benign or self-resolving. It’s always best to have more information early, and the anatomy scan offers just that.

Ultrasound Options Beyond 20 Weeks


While the anatomy scan is a major milestone, it’s not your last opportunity to see your baby. Many parents opt for elective ultrasounds later in pregnancy—especially 3D and 4D imaging—to bond with their baby and collect keepsake images.

Providers like Tummy Vision offer these services in a calm, spa-like environment where families can enjoy high-resolution imaging and even video clips of baby’s movements. These non-medical scans don’t replace diagnostic ultrasounds but offer added reassurance and joy.

Final Thoughts


The 20 week ultrasound is a blend of science, safety, and wonder. It’s a key part of prenatal care, offering valuable insight into your baby’s health and development while giving you the chance to see their features in greater detail than ever before.

It’s completely normal to feel nervous, but try to approach the appointment with curiosity and excitement. Most of the time, it’s a joyful and emotional experience—and one that brings you closer to the little life growing inside you.

Whether you’re heading to a doctor’s office or a trusted imaging provider like Tummy Vision, know that you’re taking an important step in caring for your baby. From tracking growth to sharing that first precious image with loved ones, this ultrasound will likely become one of the most cherished moments in your pregnancy journey.

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