Anatomy Scan Checklist: Everything Brevard County Parents Need to Know and Bring

The 20-week anatomy scan marks one of the most anticipated milestones in your pregnancy journey. It's that magical moment when you can see your little one in incredible detail, perhaps discover if you're having a boy or girl (if you choose to know!), and gain reassurance about your baby's development. At Baby Fairytale, we understand both the excitement and the touch of nervousness that comes with this special appointment. As Brevard County's most trusted ultrasound studio with hundreds of 5-star reviews on Google and Facebook, we've guided countless families through this experience with warmth and care.

We've created this complete checklist to help you prepare for your anatomy scan, ensuring you get the most out of this precious opportunity to connect with your little one.

When to Schedule Your Anatomy Scan

Your anatomy scan typically takes place between 18 and 22 weeks of pregnancy, with 20 weeks being the sweet spot for optimal imaging. This timing is crucial because your baby is developed enough to see important structures clearly, yet still has plenty of room to move around for a thorough examination.

At Baby Fairytale, our Standard Anatomy Scan is performed by board-certified radiologists who specialize in fetal imaging. We recommend booking your appointment at least 2-3 weeks in advance to secure your preferred time slot. Many Brevard County moms find that mid-morning appointments work best, as you'll have had time to eat a light breakfast (which can encourage baby to be active) but won't feel uncomfortably full.

Before Your Appointment: Your Pre-Scan Preparation Guide

What to Eat and Drink

Unlike early pregnancy ultrasounds, you don't need a full bladder for your 20-week anatomy scan. In fact, being too full can make the experience uncomfortable. We recommend these simple preparation steps:

Have a light meal or snack about an hour before your appointment
Stay well-hydrated throughout the day before
Consider having a small piece of fruit 30 minutes before your scan, as the natural sugars can sometimes encourage baby to move more
Avoid carbonated beverages, which can create gas and potentially obscure imaging

What to Wear

Comfort is key! We recommend:

Two-piece outfits that allow easy access to your abdomen
Loose, stretchy pants or a skirt with an elastic waistband
A shirt that can be easily lifted or a maternity top designed for belly access

What to Bring

For your appointment at Baby Fairytale, please bring:

Your photo ID
Written order from your healthcare provider
A small notebook for questions or notes
Your partner or support person (our theater-style viewing room comfortably accommodates loved ones!)

"Having my husband and our 4-year-old daughter at the anatomy scan made it so special. Baby Fairytale's viewing room meant everyone could see the screen clearly, and the technician was amazing at explaining everything in terms we all understood." – Sarah M., Palm Bay

Who to Bring Along

One of the most beautiful aspects of choosing Baby Fairytale for your anatomy scan is our family-centered approach. Our theater-style viewing room creates a comfortable, inclusive environment for your loved ones to share in this milestone.

Partners

We strongly encourage partners to attend this appointment. Not only does it create a shared bonding experience, but having your partner present means you'll have someone else listening to information and potentially asking questions you might not think of in the moment.

Other Children

Bringing siblings can be a wonderful way to help them connect with their future brother or sister. Our Brevard County families often tell us that seeing the baby on screen makes the pregnancy feel more "real" for older siblings. Our technicians are experienced in making the explanation child-friendly and engaging.

For children under 5, we recommend bringing an additional adult who can take them out of the room if they become restless, ensuring you can still focus on this important scan.

Questions to Prepare

Coming prepared with questions helps ensure you get the most from your anatomy scan. Here are some questions our Brevard County parents commonly ask:

Can you explain what you're looking at right now?
Is my baby measuring on target for gestational age?
Can you tell if the placenta is in a healthy position?
Is the amniotic fluid at a normal level?
Is it possible to determine the gender? (If you wish to know)
Are there any recommendations for follow-up imaging?

Remember that while our radiologists can provide information about what they're seeing, your obstetrician or midwife will receive the full report and discuss any findings or recommendations with you at your next appointment.

What Happens During Your Anatomy Scan

Your anatomy scan at Baby Fairytale will last approximately 20-35 minutes, though we never rush this important experience. Here's what to expect:

Getting Comfortable: You'll lie back on a padded examination table in our warm, inviting room. We'll offer pillows for your comfort and adjust the viewing screens so everyone can see.
The Scanning Process: We'll apply warm gel to your abdomen and use a handheld device called a transducer to capture images. The pressure is gentle but firm enough to get clear pictures.
Comprehensive Imaging: Our technicians will methodically examine your baby's:

Brain and skull
Face and profile
Spine and spinal cord
Heart (structure and rhythm)
Lungs and diaphragm
Stomach, kidneys, and bladder
Arms, legs, hands, and feet
Placenta position and amniotic fluid levels

Capturing Special Moments: Throughout the scan, we'll point out special features and capture beautiful images for you to take home. If you're finding out gender, we can make this reveal particularly special.

"The difference between my hospital anatomy scan and Baby Fairytale's was night and day. The hospital felt clinical and rushed, but at Baby Fairytale, it was like a celebration of our baby. The technician took time to explain everything, and we left with amazing images and such peace of mind." – Jessica T., Melbourne

After Your Scan: Next Steps

After your anatomy scan, our process ensures you have both the medical information you need and the keepsakes you'll treasure:

Medical Follow-Up

A detailed report will be sent directly to your healthcare provider
Your provider will review results at your next appointment
If any concerns arise requiring immediate attention, your provider will contact you directly

Your Baby Fairytale Keepsakes

With our Standard Anatomy Scan, you'll receive:

High-quality printed images (typically 3-5 of the best views)
Gender confirmation (if requested and if baby cooperates)
Peace of mind from a thorough examination

For those wanting even more from this special experience, consider enhancing your visit with our heartbeat recording keepsake or scheduling a 4D session later in your pregnancy to see your baby's features in amazing detail.

Our "Love Every Moment" Guarantee

At Baby Fairytale, we understand that babies don't always cooperate with our plans! Sometimes your little one might be sleeping, facing away, or simply feeling shy during your anatomy scan. That's why we offer our "Love Every Moment" Guarantee: if your baby isn't ready for their close-up and we can't get all the images needed, we'll schedule a complementary follow-up appointment.

This guarantee reflects our commitment to ensuring every Brevard County family receives the detailed information and precious memories they deserve from this important milestone.

Embracing This Special Milestone

Your anatomy scan is more than a medical appointment, it's a meaningful milestone in your pregnancy journey, offering both reassurance about your baby's development and an opportunity to connect with your little one in a profound way. At Baby Fairytale, we blend medical precision with the warmth and care that Brevard County families have come to trust.

Our theater-style viewing room, experienced technicians, and family-centered approach transform what could be a routine procedure into a cherished memory. We understand the emotions, questions, and excitement that come with this stage of pregnancy, and we're honored to walk alongside you every step of the way.

As you prepare for your anatomy scan, remember that this is a celebration of the life growing within you; a chance to marvel at tiny fingers and toes, to see your baby's profile, and perhaps even catch a glimpse of a smile or wave. We're here to ensure you don't just see your baby but truly connect with this new life in a meaningful way.

Ready to schedule your anatomy scan with Brevard County's most trusted ultrasound studio? Book your appointment today and experience the Baby Fairytale difference; where medical expertise meets the magic of motherhood.