When is a routine anatomy ultrasound typically performed during pregnancy?

A routine anatomy ultrasound is typically performed between 18 to 22 weeks of gestation. This timing is crucial as it allows healthcare providers to assess fetal development, check for congenital anomalies, and determine the fetal position. At this stage of pregnancy, the fetus has grown sufficiently for detailed imaging of its structures, including the heart, brain, spine, and limbs, while still being small enough for optimal visualization. Additionally, this period occurs in the second trimester when the risk of complications is lower, making it an ideal time for such examinations.

The other options fall outside this optimal window: earlier ultrasounds, like those performed at 14-16 weeks, are not as effective for anatomical assessments, while scans conducted after 22 weeks may focus more on growth monitoring rather than comprehensive anatomy evaluations.