Morphology Scan (20 Weeks): What to Expect & Cost

The morphology scan - often called the 20-week scan or anatomy scan - is the most detailed routine ultrasound of pregnancy, done between about 18 and 22 weeks.

The sonographer examines your baby from head to toe: brain, face, heart, spine, abdomen, kidneys, limbs - as well as the placenta's position, the amniotic fluid, and your baby's growth. It's usually the longest scan of the pregnancy, and for many parents the most exciting one.

The systematic checklist includes:

• Brain, skull, and face • Heart - chambers and major vessels • Spine along its full length • Abdominal wall, stomach, kidneys, and bladder • Arms, legs, hands, and feet • Placenta position (including whether it sits low, near the cervix) • Amniotic fluid volume and the umbilical cord • Growth measurements against your dates

Most scans are reassuringly normal. If something needs a closer look, your referring doctor will explain the next steps - often just a follow-up scan.

Usually, yes - if you want to know. Visibility depends on your baby's position on the day, so it can't be guaranteed. Tell the sonographer at the start whether you'd like to find out or would rather keep it a surprise; they'll be careful either way.

Usually very little preparation is needed at this stage:

• Most clinics don't require a full bladder for the morphology scan - but follow the instructions given when you book. • Wear comfortable, two-piece clothing. • Bring your referral, Medicare card, and previous pregnancy scan reports. • Allow up to an hour at the clinic - this is a thorough, unhurried scan, and sometimes a second pass is needed if bub isn't cooperating with the camera.

With a valid referral and Medicare card:

• Bulk billed: many radiology clinics bulk bill morphology scans - no out-of-pocket cost. • Private fees: specialist obstetric practices commonly charge a gap of roughly $100-$250 after the Medicare rebate.

Because it's the longest and most detailed routine scan, gaps at private practices tend to be at the higher end - which makes comparing clinics worth a few minutes. Radly shows prices and bulk-billing status for clinics near you.

Yes - from your GP, obstetrician, or a participating midwife, and it's what makes the scan Medicare-eligible. As with any imaging referral, you can take it to whichever clinic you choose.

A radiologist or specialist reports the scan to your referring doctor or midwife, who goes through the findings with you at your next appointment - including anything that needs follow-up, like a low-lying placenta (usually just rechecked with a quick scan around 32 weeks).

For many pregnancies this is the last routine scan. Extra growth and wellbeing scans happen only if your care provider recommends them. See the full pregnancy scan timeline.