Ultrasonography
The important scans during the antenatal period are the
- 11 – 13+6 weeks (NT scan)
- Anomaly scan (TIFFA scan)
- Interval growth scan
- Fetal well being scan with fetal dopplers
- Fetal echocardiography
- 3D ultrasound imaging
The purpose of this scan includes
- Measurement of Nuchal translucency and assessing risk for Downs syndrome and other chromosomal abnormalities
- Diagnose certain fetal structural anomalies.
This scan can also help in diagnosing
multiple gestations, early pregnancy failure
and in accurate dating of pregnancy.
Following this scan the couple will receive counseling including the significance of the risk and the various options that are available for further testing.
This scan is usually done between 18-23
weeks. Detailed study of fetus is done
during this scan where each and every part
of the fetus imaged using the “Rule of 3”. In case any abnormality
is detected, the significance will be discussed by the Fetal
medicine specialist and if needed the couple will
be referred to other specialists for counseling.
This scan is usually done between 28-30
weeks to assess the fetal growth more so
in women who have developed or who are at potential risk
of developing hypertension or diabetes in pregnancy.
This scan is done between 34-36 weeks to assess the health
and the well being of the fetus and assessment of blood
flow to the placenta and fetus by color Doppler ultrasonography
in certain indicated cases.
Though a basic examination of the 4 chambers of the heart
and connecting vessels are done during the TIFFA scan, a
detailed fetal echocardiography scan is
recommended for women with family history of heart abnormalities
or if a previous child is affected or an increased nuchal
translucency was observd in NT scan with normal chromosomal
study. It is also recommended for a pregnant woman
with altered glycemic status.
Provides a more detailed evaluation for certain parts of the fetal anatomy for suspected fetal abnormalities such as cleft lip, cleft palate and spine abnormalities (i.e. spina bifida). A good 2 D scan is an important prerequisite for 3 D scan. Not all centres will perform the 3D imaging.
