Usually done between 18 and 22 weeks of pregnancy, this 20-week anomaly scan takes a closer look at your baby’s organs, growth and development than your earlier ultrasounds.
Knowing what happens during the appointment, what the scan can and cannot detect, how much it may cost in Singapore, and what to do if something needs a closer look can make the experience feel much more manageable.
What is a detailed anatomy scan?
The detailed anatomy scan, also called a fetal anomaly scan, is a detailed ultrasound examination of your baby’s development. The 20-week fetal anomaly scan is part of routine pregnancy care and is a head-to-toe examination to identify structural abnormalities [1].
What does the anatomy scan check?
The sonographer will work systematically through your baby’s anatomy.
This may include:
• Brain and head: brain structures, ventricles and measurements of the head
• Face: facial profile, lips and other visible facial structures
• Heart: heart chambers, rate and major blood vessels
• Spine: alignment and development of the spine
• Arms and legs: bones, limbs, hands and feet
• Internal organs: stomach, kidneys, bladder and abdominal structures
• Measurements: head circumference, abdominal circumference and femur length
• Placenta and amniotic fluid: placenta position and fluid levels
• Umbilical cord: its attachment and visible structure
The scan can identify signs of a number of structural conditions, including some heart abnormalities, spina bifida, cleft lip, kidney problems and abdominal wall defects. However, how easily a condition can be seen varies, and a normal scan cannot rule out every possible health condition [2][3].
Can you find out your baby’s sex?
Often, yes. Depending on your baby’s position and the visibility of the relevant anatomy, the sonographer may be able to tell you your baby’s sex during the scan.
Tell the sonographer at the beginning whether you want to know or would prefer to keep it a surprise. That way, they can avoid accidentally revealing it while examining your baby.
What happens during the anatomy scan?
You will usually lie on an examination bed while the sonographer applies ultrasound gel to your abdomen. They will then move a transducer across your tummy, stopping at different points to capture images and measurements.
The sonographer may spend quite a bit of time concentrating on the screen and recording measurements. This can feel surprisingly quiet, especially when you are waiting for reassurance.
The scan usually takes around 30 minutes to an hour, although it can take longer if your baby is moving a lot or is in a position that makes certain views difficult to capture [2][3].
You may be asked to change position, walk around or return for another scan if your sonographer cannot get all the images needed.
Do you need to prepare for your scan?
For an easier appointment:
• Wear a two-piece outfit that makes your abdomen easy to access
• Bring your partner or another support person if your clinic allows it
• Write down questions you want to ask beforehand
• Decide whether you want to know your baby’s sex
• Check how and when you will receive the results
You should also account for some extra time in your schedule. A detailed scan can take longer than a routine ultrasound, particularly if your baby’s position makes certain views difficult.
What can the anatomy scan tell you, and what can it not tell you?
The anatomy scan is primarily looking for structural abnormalities. It can identify physical differences involving organs, the brain, spine, heart, limbs and other structures.
It is not a test that can diagnose every genetic or chromosomal condition.
For example, the scan may identify certain physical markers associated with Down syndrome or other chromosomal conditions, but an ultrasound alone cannot confirm a chromosomal diagnosis. Depending on your circumstances, your doctor may discuss screening or diagnostic tests such as NIPT, blood tests or amniocentesis [3].
How much does a detailed anatomy scan cost in Singapore?
The cost of a detailed anatomy scan in Singapore varies depending on where you have it done, whether you are seeing a specialist and what is included in the appointment.
A Singapore pregnancy guide published in 2025 puts the cost at roughly [2] :
• Public hospitals: about S$150 to S$250
• Private O&G clinics: about S$250 to S$400
• Private hospitals: about S$300 to S$500
• Specialist maternal-fetal medicine scans: potentially S$400 to S$600 or more
Treat these as indicative figures rather than fixed prices. Fees can change, and the final bill may depend on the provider, consultation fees and any additional tests or scans required.
For example, KKH currently lists its private antenatal package from S$818 before GST, with the 20-week detailed fetal structural anomaly scan included as part of the package [4].
Before booking, ask the clinic what the quoted fee covers and whether a separate consultation fee applies. That can make it easier to compare public and private options without being surprised by the final bill.
What happens if something is flagged?
An unusual finding on an ultrasound does not automatically mean your baby has a serious condition. Sometimes the sonographer simply cannot obtain a clear enough image, or a finding needs to be checked in greater detail.
Depending on what is seen, your doctor may recommend another ultrasound, a specialist maternal-fetal medicine consultation, a fetal echocardiogram or additional testing such as amniocentesis.
KKH’s maternal-fetal medicine service, for example, provides specialist assessment of fetal anomalies and offers further investigations and counselling where required [4].
The most useful thing you can do is ask exactly what has been seen, what it might mean, and what the next test is intended to clarify. Try not to interpret an ultrasound finding on your own before you have spoken to your doctor.
Whatever the scan shows, ask what comes next
The detailed anatomy scan can feel like a big milestone because there is so much more to look at than during an earlier ultrasound. It is completely normal to feel excited, nervous or both.
Go in knowing what the appointment is actually designed to check, prepare a few questions, and remember that the scan is one part of your overall pregnancy care. A reassuring result can give you peace of mind, while an unclear or unexpected finding simply tells your care team what needs a closer look.
Once this appointment is behind you, you may find yourself paying more attention to another big milestone: feeling your baby move more regularly.
References
- Thomson Medical. Fetal Anomaly Scan Singapore: 20-Week Ultrasound and Baby Check. Accessed 21 August 2026. https://www.thomsonmedical.com/blog/fetal-anomaly-scan-singapore.
- Half Half Parenting. 20 Week Anomaly Scan Singapore: Complete Guide to Fetal Ultrasound. Accessed 21 August 2026. https://halfhalfparenting.com/articles/fetal-anomaly-scan-20-week-ultrasound.
- Cleveland Clinic. 20 Week Ultrasound (Anatomy Scan): What to Expect. Accessed 21 August 2026. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/22644-20-week-ultrasound.
- KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital. Your Pregnancy Journey in KKH. Accessed 21 August 2026. https://www.kkh.com.sg/tests-procedures/your-pregnancy-journey-in-kkh.html.
