Treatment Overview
The Anomaly & Detailed Organ Survey Ultrasound is one of the most critical scans during pregnancy, designed to thoroughly examine the baby’s anatomy and detect any structural abnormalities. Typically performed between 18 to 24 weeks of gestation, this detailed scan allows obstetricians to assess fetal organs, growth patterns, and overall development to ensure the baby’s well-being.
In Korea, women’s hospitals and maternal-fetal medicine centers provide world-class anomaly scans using advanced 3D/4D and AI-enhanced ultrasound technologies. These facilities combine precision imaging, expert interpretation, and compassionate patient care to offer both diagnostic accuracy and emotional reassurance to expectant parents.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose:
- To evaluate fetal anatomy and identify any congenital or structural anomalies.
- To assess organ development, including the brain, heart, kidneys, spine, and limbs.
- To monitor fetal growth and detect any developmental delays.
- To examine the placenta, umbilical cord, and amniotic fluid levels for signs of dysfunction.
- To provide parents with detailed insights into the baby’s development and health.
Benefits:
- Early anomaly detection: Identifies issues such as heart defects, neural tube defects, or skeletal malformations.
- Accurate fetal growth evaluation: Ensures proper organ formation and proportion.
- Guided medical planning: Helps doctors prepare for specialized treatment or delivery strategies if anomalies are detected.
- Completely safe and non-invasive: Uses high-frequency sound waves, not radiation.
- Emotional reassurance: Allows parents to visualize the baby’s features and movements in detail.
Ideal Candidates
The detailed organ survey ultrasound is recommended for:
- All pregnant women between 18–24 weeks as part of routine prenatal care.
- Mothers with high-risk pregnancies, such as advanced maternal age or chronic medical conditions.
- Women with abnormal results from early screenings or genetic tests.
- Pregnancies resulting from IVF or assisted reproductive technologies (ART).
- Families with a history of congenital or genetic disorders.
- Women carrying twins or multiple fetuses, requiring detailed assessment of each baby’s anatomy and growth.
Possible Risks & Considerations
- The procedure is entirely safe when performed by certified professionals.
- Fetal position or movement may limit certain views; a follow-up scan might be required.
- Image quality can vary based on maternal anatomy, amniotic fluid levels, and gestational age.
- Abnormal findings may necessitate additional diagnostic tests, such as amniocentesis or fetal echocardiography.
Korean hospitals ensure accuracy through high-end imaging systems and multidisciplinary medical review for all abnormal findings.
Medical & Diagnostic Techniques Used in Korea
Korean hospitals are internationally recognized for their advanced ultrasound imaging and diagnostic precision. Common technologies and techniques include:
- High-Resolution 2D Ultrasound: Provides clear imaging of fetal organs and skeletal structures.
- 3D/4D Ultrasound Imaging: Offers detailed visualization of external features and organ movement in real-time.
- Color and Power Doppler Studies: Analyze blood flow through the heart, umbilical cord, and brain.
- AI-Assisted Anomaly Detection Systems: Automatically identify abnormal growth patterns and highlight potential structural concerns.
- Fetal Echocardiography: Specialized cardiac imaging for detecting congenital heart defects.
- Neurosonography: In-depth assessment of the fetal brain, ventricles, and central nervous system.
- Spinal and Skeletal Survey: Detects scoliosis, limb deformities, and bone mineralization issues.
- Placental and Cord Evaluation: Determines placental placement and vascular integrity.
Korea’s integration of AI-based analytics and expert fetal medicine interpretation has significantly enhanced the accuracy and early detection rates of fetal anomalies.
Recovery & Aftercare
- No recovery period: The ultrasound is completely non-invasive and painless.
- Immediate results: Doctors review findings during or immediately after the scan.
- Follow-up recommendations: If concerns arise, additional imaging or tests are scheduled for further evaluation.
- Counseling & Support: Genetic counselors and maternal-fetal medicine specialists provide guidance when abnormalities are found.
- Ongoing monitoring: For high-risk pregnancies, repeat anomaly or growth scans may be advised every 2–4 weeks.
Korean hospitals place strong emphasis on empathetic communication, ensuring parents understand their baby’s condition and all available care options.
Results & Longevity
- Comprehensive fetal health overview: Covers all major organ systems and physical structures.
- Early medical preparation: Allows for prompt management of any congenital abnormalities.
- Increased pregnancy confidence: Parents gain reassurance through detailed visual confirmation of normal fetal development.
- Long-term benefits: Early detection enables better treatment outcomes and reduces neonatal complications.
The results of the anomaly ultrasound are documented in detailed reports that guide the remaining course of prenatal care and delivery planning.
Procedure Process in Korea
1. Pre-Scan Consultation
Expectant mothers receive an orientation on the purpose of the scan and any prior health conditions are reviewed.
2. Ultrasound Examination
Performed using a transabdominal probe, the scan lasts 30–60 minutes. The sonographer evaluates fetal anatomy — including the brain, spine, heart, kidneys, stomach, bladder, limbs, and face.
3. Doppler & Blood Flow Studies
If necessary, Doppler imaging assesses placental and umbilical circulation for fetal well-being.
4. Image Interpretation & Counselling
A maternal-fetal medicine specialist interprets results immediately. Any anomalies or irregular findings are discussed with the parents, and management plans are established.
5. Follow-Up Planning
If abnormalities are detected, referral for specialized care, genetic consultation, or further imaging is arranged.
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
- World-class imaging technology and advanced fetal diagnostic systems.
- Highly trained obstetric sonographers and maternal-fetal specialists with global expertise.
- Integrated multidisciplinary support, including neonatologists and genetic counselors.
- Patient-centered prenatal programs emphasizing both safety and emotional care.
- Use of AI and 3D imaging for precision in detecting subtle fetal abnormalities.
Unique Korean Methods & Technology
- AI-based anomaly detection software for early and accurate screening.
- Real-time organ function imaging with advanced 4D ultrasound.
- 3D volumetric mapping for clearer visualization of complex anatomical structures.
- Holistic care approach combining medical precision with personalized patient counseling.
Cost Range
The cost of an anomaly and detailed organ survey ultrasound in Korea depends on hospital type, imaging technology, and complexity of evaluation:
- Basic anatomical survey (2D scan): USD 200 – 400
- Advanced 3D/4D anomaly scan: USD 400 – 800
- High-risk pregnancy detailed scan with Doppler: USD 700 – 1,200
- AI-assisted anomaly evaluation and fetal echocardiography: USD 1,000 – 2,000
International patients often have access to full prenatal imaging packages including consultation, scan, report interpretation, and translation services.
Popular Hospitals and Centers in Korea
- Asan Medical Center (Seoul): Specializes in high-risk pregnancy and detailed fetal organ evaluation.
- Samsung Medical Center (Seoul): Offers AI-enhanced anomaly scans and 4D imaging systems.
- Severance Hospital (Yonsei University Health System): Known for comprehensive fetal organ and placental assessment.
- CHA Bundang Women’s Hospital: Expert in 3D/4D anomaly scans and multidisciplinary perinatal care.
- MizMedi Women’s Hospital: Provides high-resolution anomaly scanning and emotional counseling for expectant parents.
