Second-trimester obstetric anatomy ultrasound
Anatomy scan (second-trimester ultrasound) in Casablanca
The anatomy scan is the ultrasound of the second trimester of pregnancy. The doctor examines the baby's anatomy in detail, organ by organ, checks the baby's growth and looks at the placenta and the amniotic fluid. It uses ultrasound, without X-rays. It is sometimes called a “radio morphologique”, but it uses no radiation at all. The exam takes time and patience, because the baby's position determines what the doctor can see at any given moment.
Duration, report and equipment
Duration
Plan for 30 to 45 minutes in general, sometimes longer.
Report turnaround
Report within 24 hours. In an emergency, during opening hours, the report is handed over immediately.
Equipment
GE & Hitachi
Contact the center
This exam is booked by phone or WhatsApp.
When is this exam needed?
- Routine monitoring of any pregnancy.
- Checking a finding seen on a previous ultrasound.
- Twin pregnancy or a history of malformation.
- Diabetes in the mother, or a medication taken during pregnancy that may affect the baby's development.
- Baby's growth or amount of amniotic fluid to be checked.
How the exam is done
You lie on your back with your belly uncovered. A little gel is applied, then the probe moves over your abdomen to study the baby from every angle. If the baby is poorly positioned, a short walk can help them move. To measure the cervix, a transvaginal probe may be offered: it is never imposed and is used only with your consent.
The doctor then reviews, organ by organ, the head and brain, face, spine, heart, abdomen, kidneys and limbs, then the placenta, umbilical cord and fluid. They take measurements to check that growth matches the stage of pregnancy. The doctor may stay silent during moments that require concentration: this is not a sign of concern. At the end, they explain what they saw and answer your questions.
Preparation
- Avoid putting any cream on your belly on the day of the exam, as it can interfere with the ultrasound.
- Wear a separate top and bottom so you can easily uncover your belly.
- If you do not want to know the baby's sex, tell the doctor at the start of the exam.
Fasting
No fasting is needed. You can eat and drink freely on the day of the exam.
Contrast injection
No injection is given; ultrasound alone is enough.
Contraindications and precautions
- No contraindication: at obstetric settings, ultrasound has no proven harmful effect.
- Bleeding, contractions or leaking fluid on the scheduled day: call your doctor first.
- Thick abdominal wall or scar: images may be less clear, and a second session is sometimes offered.
Documents to bring
- Prescription from the doctor or midwife
- Reports and images from previous ultrasounds of this pregnancy
- Pregnancy follow-up booklet and recent test results
- Insurance or mutual insurance fund card
Price and insurance coverage
The center accepts coverage from insurance companies and the main mutual insurance funds. You submit the coverage request to your insurer or fund yourself. For AtlantaSanad and Sanlam, the center takes care of it.
No prices are shown on this site: Kenza gives you the exact price on WhatsApp, along with the coverage procedure for your situation.
Frequently asked questions
Can it detect all malformations?
No. It picks up many anomalies, but some remain invisible or only appear later. A normal exam is reassuring, but it does not rule out every problem.
When should it be done?
In the second trimester, on the date given by your doctor or midwife, who takes into account how far along your pregnancy is.
Why does the exam sometimes need to be completed?
If the baby's position blocks the view, some organs remain poorly visible and a second session may be offered.
What if an anomaly is suspected?
The doctor explains it to you and informs your doctor or midwife. Depending on the case, a follow-up exam, a specialist opinion or a fetal MRI may be requested.
Does the anatomy scan use X-rays?
No. Despite the name “radio morphologique” that is sometimes used, it is an ultrasound: only ultrasound waves are used, with no X-rays, for either you or the baby.
How is it different from the other pregnancy ultrasounds?
The other ultrasounds mainly check the stage of pregnancy, the baby's viability and growth. The anatomy scan is the most detailed: it reviews the baby's anatomy, which is why it takes longer.