Early Target Scan

What is the importance of a target scan?

The target scan is one of the most important prenatal ultrasound scans.

This scan is performed to assess the fetus’s development and location, as well as to detect any impairments.

This scan aids in the detection of anomalies and, in certain extreme cases, allows you to decide whether to continue the pregnancy.

As with many pregnancy exams and treatments, this one is also a personal choice for the woman. However, all prenatal experts strongly suggest this scan.

The target scan is done between 18 and 20 weeks of pregnancy because the baby grows around six inches by the 19th week of pregnancy. Several anatomical structures and internal organs begin to develop and mature, so the target scan captures any abnormalities in the fetus.

Although many abnormalities are not detectable during sonography, about 50 percent of Down syndrome problems and congenital heart defects are identified.

The target scan evaluates the fetus from the head to toe, checking general growth, development, and health. The sonographer evaluates the baby’s anatomy and any structural issues.

The scan can determine the fetus’s size and weight. Moreover, it considers the location of your placenta, umbilical cord, and amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus.

Any improper location of the placenta during pregnancy can result in miscarriages or severe bleeding, as well as a variety of issues for both the mother and infant.

In certain circumstances, the baby’s organs do not grow normally. Some may result in the death of the fetus anytime during the pregnancy or shortly after birth. All of this must be discovered, investigated, and analyzed beforehand. This scan allows your obstetrician to provide the appropriate steps, medications, and reassurance about your baby’s health for the remaining days of your pregnancy.

Things to know about a target scan:

• Numerous scientific studies have offered reassurance that ultrasound imaging is safe when used with caution by well-educated experts on adults, children or the human fetus or embryo.
• The sonographer may identify and notify you about the sex of the baby. However, the identification of gender might be incorrect in one to three percent of the cases. Therefore, you must embrace the potential of being told the wrong sex.