Yes, there are some limitations. While most anomalies can be identified, the scan is not 100% accurate. Some defects may develop later in pregnancy and cannot be detected during the 18–20-week window. Factors such as obesity, the baby’s position, or multiple pregnancies (twins/triplets) may make it difficult to visualise certain anomalies. Conditions like soft tissue fusion, absence of anal or auditory openings, or cleft palate (beyond the lip) may not be detected.
An anomaly scan at 18–20 weeks cannot guarantee a completely healthy baby at 40 weeks, as many developments occur later. However, in most cases, major anomalies are detected during this scan when performed by experienced professionals using advanced ultrasound machines.
Note: Even if your scan is normal, there remains a small chance of undetected issues. Some heart defects (like coarctation of the aorta, VSDs, ASDs) and conditions such as biliary atresia, bowel obstructions, CDH, or ear/orbital anomalies may appear later in pregnancy. Still, most babies are born healthy and normal after a clear anomaly scan.