20-week ultrasound

Examining structural (physical) abnormalities

When you are pregnant, you will get a 20-week ultrasound in addition to the dating scan and 13-week ultrasound. The dating scan usually takes place when you are about 10 weeks pregnant. The 20-week ultrasound around the 19th week of your pregnancy. This ultrasound is also called the second trimester structural ultrasound examination (TTSEO). Your unborn child is then developed to the point where we can identify any structural (physical) abnormalities. Fortunately, in most cases we find no abnormalities. Only 3 to 4% do. It can be important that we do discover this in time so that further research can take place.

When do you get the 20-week ultrasound?

What do we look at during the 20-week ultrasound?

The main purpose of the 20-week ultrasound is to look for any structural (physical) abnormalities in your unborn baby. We look at whether:

• there is spina bifida
• there is an open skull
• there are heart defects
• your baby is growing well
• there is sufficient amniotic fluid
• the placenta is lying well

During or right after the examination, we will give you the results. Although we don’t find abnormalities in most cases, you should take this possibility into account. Also realize that we can see many things during this ultrasound, but we cannot spot all abnormalities. Is there an abnormality seen? Then the sonographer will consult with your midwife or gynecologist about possible further testing. Depending on the abnormality found, your midwife or gynecologist will refer you to the hospital for further testing. We advise you not to bring any other children with you to the ultrasound. Want to prepare properly? Then check out our tips for your appointment at Het Echocentrum.

Want more information about the 20-week ultrasound?

Then check out https://www.pns.nl. Or in the flyer at: https://www.pns.nl/20-wekenecho. The handout is available in several languages.

Curious about the gender during 20-week ultrasound?

During this ultrasound, we take a very comprehensive look at your baby. One of the things the sonographer looks at is the sexual organs. Of course, we want to know that its development is also going well. Do you want to know your baby’s gender already? Then you can ask. Do you want it to remain a surprise? If so, notify the sonographer before the examination.

What about cost and reimbursement?

You don’t have to pay anything for the 20-week ultrasound. This ultrasound has been reimbursed from the state budget since Jan. 1, 2024. The 20-week ultrasound takes about 40 minutes and we do it in 2D. Afterwards you will be given two black and white photographs.

The 20-week ultrasound in Amstelveen or Amsterdam?

Do you have a referral for a medical ultrasound and want to have it done in a comfortable and friendly place in Amstelveen or Amsterdam Buitenveldert? We are happy to welcome you in one of our locations! The referring midwife or gynecologist sends us the request for the examination in a secure system and you can call us for an appointment.