What to Expect at Your Detail Scan?
Understanding Ultrasound Reports in 1 Minute

1. What is a Detail Scan?

In Malaysia, this is usually done between 18-24 weeks. The sonographer will spend 30-45 minutes checking every organ.

• Head: Brain structure, checking for hydrocephalus, and ruling out Cleft Lip.
• Heart: Ensuring all 4 chambers are complete and blood flow is normal.
• Spine: Checking for Spina Bifida (gaps in the spine).
• Limbs & Organs: Counting fingers/toes and checking if the stomach, kidneys, and bladder are visible.

2. Decoding the 4 Key Metrics (Biometry)

Those mysterious letters on your report are measuring your baby's "size":

• BPD (Biparietal Diameter): The width of the head (ear to ear).
• HC (Head Circumference): The distance around the head.
• AC (Abdominal Circumference): The belly size. This is the best indicator of whether the baby is chubby or skinny (nutrition status).
• FL (Femur Length): The length of the thigh bone. This indicates how tall the baby is.

*Note: If measurements are +/- 1 to 2 weeks off, it is usually considered within the normal range. Don't panic!

3. Can we see if it's a Boy or Girl?

Yes! Week 20 is the golden time for gender reveal.

• If the baby cooperates (legs apart), doctors can usually be 95%+ certain.
• If the baby is "shy" or crossing legs, the doctor might ask you to go for a walk, drink some sweet juice, and come back to try again.

4. What if I see "Soft Markers"?

Sometimes reports mention "Echogenic Focus" (bright spot on heart) or "Pyelectasis" (kidney fluid).

• Often, these are just "soft markers" and do not mean the baby has a defect. Most disappear on their own as the baby grows.
• If your doctor reviews it alongside your previous NIPT results and says "Low Risk," please trust the professional and relax.