Scans in Pregnancy: A Comprehensive Overview

Prenatal ultrasound scans are an essential part of prenatal
care, providing valuable information about the development and health of the
fetus. These scans are non-invasive and generally considered safe for both the
mother and the baby when performed by qualified Doctor.

Majorly there are 4 types of scans in Pregnancy which are considerably
important at the time of Pregnancy.

1.    
Viability Scan

2.   
NT Scan (Nuchal Translucency)

3.   
TIFFA Scan

4.   
Fetal Growth Scan

Viability
Scan

A viability scan is an essential ultrasound examination
performed in early pregnancy to confirm the viability of the pregnancy,
determine the gestational age of the fetus, and estimate the due date. It
provides valuable information about the health and progress of the pregnancy
and is an integral part of prenatal care.

This Scans in Pregnancy is often recommended to have a full bladder for the
viability scan, as a full bladder can help improve the visibility of the uterus
and fetus.

It will help to Confirm the presence of a
gestational sac in the uterus.

Measure the size of the fetus to estimate the
gestational age.

Check for the presence of a fetal heartbeat.

NT
Scan (Nuchal Translucency)

The Nuchal Translucency (NT)  Pregnancy scan is a specialized ultrasound
examination performed between 11 and 14 weeks of pregnancy to assess the risk
of chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down syndrome, and other congenital
conditions. It is a non-invasive and relatively simple procedure that measures
the thickness of the fluid-filled space at the back of the fetus’s neck.

The sonographer will also evaluate other markers, such as the
presence or absence of a nasal bone, as well as the overall fetal anatomy and
development, to assess the risk of chromosomal abnormalities and other
congenital conditions.

AT that time Double marker test will also be recommended by
the doctor.

The Double Marker Test or Pregnancy scan is a prenatal screening test performed
between 9 and 13 weeks of pregnancy to assess the risk of Down syndrome and
Edwards syndrome. It combines the measurement of two biochemical markers – Free
Beta-hCG and PAPP-A – with the mother’s age to calculate the risk of these
chromosomal abnormalities. While the Double Marker Test is a valuable screening
test

 TIFFA
Scan

The TIFFA (Targeted Imaging for Fetal Anomalies) scan is a
detailed ultrasound examination performed during pregnancy to evaluate the
fetal anatomy and detect any structural abnormalities or congenital anomalies.
This scan is typically performed in the second trimester of pregnancy and
provides a comprehensive assessment of the fetus’s development, including the
head, brain, spine, heart, abdomen, and limbs.

The TIFFA scan is a targeted ultrasound examination performed
between 18 and 22 weeks of pregnancy

The primary purpose of the TIFFA scan is to provide a
comprehensive assessment of the fetal anatomy and development, including the
head, brain, spine, heart, abdomen, and limbs.

 Fetal Growth Scan

A Fetal Growth Scan, also known as a Growth Ultrasound or
Biophysical Profile, is a specialized ultrasound examination performed during
pregnancy to assess the growth and development of the fetus. This scan provides
valuable information about the fetus’s size, weight, and overall well-being and
is crucial for monitoring the fetal growth and identifying any potential issues
that may require further evaluation or intervention.

Assess the fetal
size, weight, and growth.

Monitor the
development of the fetus, including the head circumference, abdominal
circumference, and femur length.

Evaluate the amniotic
fluid volume and placental function.

Detect any potential
issues, such as intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) or macrosomia

Fetal Growth Scan shows Fetal Size and Growth, Amniotic Fluid Volume, Placental Function, Detection
of Potential Issues.

 Prenatal ultrasound scans are an essential component of prenatal care,
providing valuable information about the development and health of the fetus.
Various types of scans are performed at different stages of pregnancy to assess
gestational age, screen for chromosomal abnormalities, monitor fetal growth,
assess blood flow, and provide detailed images of the fetus. While these scans
are generally considered safe and non-invasive, they should only be performed
when medically necessary to minimize exposure to ultrasound waves.

Above mentioned Scans in Pregnancy are very basic to understand and to learn at will.