A morphology scan is a detailed ultrasound performed between 20 and 22 weeks of pregnancy to assess your baby’s development. It checks major organs, the spine, limbs, and facial features, as well as the placenta, amniotic fluid,umbilical cord, and cervix. Many parents wonder what to expect during the scan, how long it takes, and how to prepare.

In this fact sheet, we’ll walk you through the entire process, including how the scan is performed, what the sonographer looks for, and what happens if your baby is in a tricky position. Understanding these details can help you feel more prepared and confident for your appointment.

Specifically, this fact sheet will cover:

1. An introduction to the morphology scan
2. What the sonographer looks for
3. Whether a full bladder is needed and how to prepare
4. How long it takes and what results you can expect

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An Introduction To The Morphology Scan

When you arrive for your morphology scan, you’ll check in at the clinic and may be asked to fill out some paperwork. A QUFW sonographer, who is specifically trained in pregnancy ultrasounds, will call you into the scan room and explain the procedure.

You’ll be asked to lie on an examination bed, and the sonographer will apply a warm ultrasound gel to your abdomen. This gel helps the ultrasound probe (transducer) glide smoothly over your skin and allows the ultrasound image to be created. The sonographer will then move the probe across your belly in different directions, capturing detailed images of your baby from multiple angles. They may need to apply gentle pressure to get a clearer view, particularly when examining specific organs or structures. If you have any concerns, please don’t hesitate to discuss this with your sonographer during your scan.

For more information about this process, read here.

What The Sonographer Looks For

During the morphology scan, the sonographer conducts a detailed examination of your baby’s development, carefully assessing key structures to ensure everything is forming as expected.

The scan focuses on major organs, including the brain, heart, kidneys, stomach, bladder, and liver. The sonographer checks for proper size, shape, and function, ensuring these vital organs are developing normally. The spine and limbs are also closely examined, with measurements taken to assess growth and symmetry. The face and skull are reviewed to check for any structural concerns, such as cleft lip or abnormalities in skull formation.

Beyond the baby, the scan also assesses your cervix, placenta, amniotic fluid levels, and umbilical cord. The placenta’s position is checked to rule out placenta previa, a condition where the placenta covers the cervix. Amniotic fluid levels are measured to ensure they are within a healthy range, as too much or too little fluid can indicate complications. The umbilical cord is examined for its structure and blood flow, as this is essential for delivering oxygen and nutrients to the baby.

Throughout the scan, the sonographer looks for markers of potential abnormalities. These are subtle indicators that might suggest certain conditions, such as chromosomal differences or structural concerns.

If any findings need further evaluation, your healthcare provider may recommend a follow-up scan or additional testing to gather more information. However, in most cases, the scan provides reassurance that your baby is growing and developing as expected.

Whether A Full Bladder Is Needed And How To Prepare

For most morphology scans, a moderately full bladder is required. A moderately full bladder can help lift the uterus and improve visibility, especially in earlier weeks.

To prepare, it’s best to wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your abdomen. Some parents find that having a light meal or a cold drink before the scan may encourage the baby to move, which can help with imaging. If you’re unsure about any preparation requirements, check with us ahead of time.

How Long It Takes and What Results You Can Expect

A morphology scan typically takes 45 minutes, but this can vary depending on several factors. If the baby is in a good position, allowing the sonographer to capture all the necessary images easily, the scan may be completed more quickly. However, if the baby is facing away, curled up, or in a position that makes it difficult to assess certain structures, the scan may take longer or require a break to encourage movement.

If the baby’s position prevents a clear view of important areas, the sonographer may ask you to roll onto your side, adjust the tilt of the bed, stand up, or take a short walk to encourage movement. If the baby remains in a difficult position and the sonographer is unable to complete all necessary checks, you may need to return for a repeat scan on another day. This is common and doesn’t necessarily mean anything is wrong—it just ensures a thorough and accurate assessment.

In most cases, the sonographer will not provide detailed results immediately. Instead, they will complete the scan, document their findings, and discuss the information with a reporting QUFW doctor. If there are any concerns or unclear findings, the QUFW doctor may recommend further scans or tests for more information. If everything looks normal, no further action is needed, and the scan simply provides reassurance that your baby is developing well.