The Dutch Health Council advises against making the 13-week ultrasound a standard part of prenatal screening for serious abnormalities in unborn babies. Research by the council found that scans performed at 13 weeks often produce inaccurate results. The council therefore concluded that the benefits do not outweigh the potential drawbacks.

Before 2021, pregnant women generally had their first ultrasound at around 20 weeks. The main advantage of a 13-week scan is that it gives parents more time to decide what to do if an abnormality is detected. They can prepare for the situation or consider terminating the pregnancy.

The study was commissioned by the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS). It found that a relatively high number of abnormalities were missed during 13-week scans. “Compared with the number of ultrasounds performed, the number of abnormalities detected was limited,” the council concluded. Abnormalities were also too often incorrectly identified, requiring a follow-up scan to confirm that there was no actual abnormality.

Of the nearly 130,000 ultrasounds performed between 2021 and 2022, 775 produced false-positive results. Of the more than 1,100 abnormalities that were missed, “at least 150 should have been detected during the 13-week scan,” said Selma Tromp, vice chair of the Health Council.

The cost of the 13-week ultrasound was not included in the study. The experts also stressed that the research only covered data from the first year, meaning the results could be different in later years as sonographers gain more experience. The Health Council said it is now up to the health minister to decide how to proceed with the advice.

Health Minister Sophie Hermans said in a brief response that the 13-week ultrasound will remain available as part of a research program until at least January 1, 2028, “to ensure continuity for those working in the field.” The VVD minister said she will provide a more detailed response to the Health Council’s advice at a later date.