Medical 20-week ultrasound
The 20-week ultrasound
This ultrasound is a medical examination and is also known as the Structural Ultrasound Examination (SEO). Like the 13-week ultrasound, this ultrasound is part of the RIVM ‘s national screening program and is an official population screening. For the performance of the 20-week ultrasound, Echocentrum het Lichtpunt has a cooperation agreement with the Regional Center for Prenatal Screening (MUMC+).
During the 20-week ultrasound, we take a detailed look at your baby’s development. Among other things, we examine the formation and development of the spine, skull, and various organs. Additionally, we assess your baby’s growth and check the amount of amniotic fluid. The examination provides an important indication of whether there are signs of serious physical abnormalities.
The 20-week ultrasound is performed between 18 and 21 weeks of pregnancy. The preference is for around 19 to 20 weeks, because at that time the development of your baby is clearly visible.
Would you like to know if you are expecting a boy or a girl? Gender determination is possible from 15 weeks of pregnancy with a reliability of 99%. Would you prefer to save the gender for a special moment, such as a gender reveal? Then we would be happy to write down the gender for you, so that you can decide for yourself when and how you want to share this wonderful news.
You can find more information about the 20-week ultrasound on the RIVM website.
In good hands
For the performance of the 20-week ultrasound, Echocentrum het Lichtpunt has a cooperation agreement with the Regional Centre for Prenatal Screening (MUMC+). This official population screening falls under the national coordination of the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM).
Echocentrum het Lichtpunt operates in accordance with national quality guidelines and has therefore been a recognized and reliable partner in prenatal screening for 20 years. No adverse effects on mother and child are known from the use of ultrasound equipment.
Upon entering, you immediately experience the tranquillity and warm, relaxed atmosphere of our luxury location in the historic centre of Nuth. We combine professional medical care with personal attention, ensuring you receive a reliable ultrasound in an environment where you feel comfortable and welcome.
The result
A medical 20-week ultrasound is an exciting moment during pregnancy for many expectant parents. At the same time, it is a special meeting with your baby. During this ultrasound, we get a picture of your baby’s growth and development and examine various physical structures. The goal of the examination is to detect possible physical abnormalities.
The results of the ultrasound will be discussed with you immediately after the examination. The sonographer takes the time to calmly go through her findings with you and answer any questions.
Sometimes, the sonographer may notice something during the 20-week ultrasound that requires extra attention. It is not always immediately clear what this means for your baby. In that case, further testing is offered. This takes place at the MUMC+ in Maastricht, where specialized care and all the necessary expertise are available.
Depending on the situation, further investigation may consist of a comprehensive ultrasound, blood tests, or amniocentesis. You always decide for yourself whether you want to undergo further testing and what to do with the results.
At Echocentrum het Lichtpunt, in case of doubt, we always prioritize caution and take no risks with your baby’s health.
Your unborn child is a precious possession. That is why we perform every ultrasound with the utmost attention, expertise, and care.
Need help with your choice
When you are pregnant, the midwife will discuss the options for prenatal screening during a counseling session. You and your partner decide yourselves whether you want to make use of these tests during the pregnancy.
In early pregnancy, you can opt for testing for possible chromosomal abnormalities using the NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Test). This is a blood test performed on the mother to look for indications of certain chromosomal abnormalities in the baby.
The NIPT focuses specifically on the three most common chromosomal abnormalities:
- Trisomy 13 (Patau syndrome)
- Trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome)
- Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome)
The NIPT is a safe test for mother and child because blood is only drawn from the mother. The decision to have this test performed is always personal.
Around 13 weeks of pregnancy, you can opt for the 13-week ultrasound. Approximately six weeks later, the option for the 20-week ultrasound follows. Both ultrasounds are part of the prenatal screening and aim to visualize possible physical abnormalities in your baby.
It is important that you make a choice that suits you and your partner. Therefore, take the time to inform yourself thoroughly and discuss the options with your midwife.
You can find more information about prenatal screening on the RIVM website or through your own midwife.
You are welcome with
The 13-week and 20-week ultrasounds are important medical scans. Our sonographer will give you a detailed explanation of the images. To ensure that your unborn child receives undivided attention and time, it is preferable for the examination to take place in a calm environment.
You are very welcome with your partner. (If they are unable to attend, you may bring one adult.) It is not permitted to bring children to the 13-week and 20-week ultrasounds.
Educating others as well
Our team of sonographers is specially trained for these specific ultrasounds. The sonographers are professionals who perform many hundreds of ultrasounds per year. Sonographer Monique Bonné from Echocentrum het Lichtpunt has also been affiliated with Fontys University of Applied Sciences in Eindhoven as an SEO lecturer for many years. She played a key role in the development of the SEO program and trains other institutions.
Reimbursement
The 13-week and 20-week ultrasounds are reimbursed by the government if you are under the care of a Dutch midwife.
During your pregnancy, you are entitled to one medical 13-week and one 20-week ultrasound. You are free to choose where to have these ultrasounds performed. This can be done with us or at the hospital.
