Dating Scan · NT Scan · Anomaly Scan (TIFFA) · Growth Scan · Doppler · 3D/4D — Expert Scan Interpretation by Dr. E. Prashanthi Reddy, Boduppal
MBBS, DGO, Diploma in ART – Germany | 19+ Years Experience | TGMC Reg: 50624
5,000+ IVF Cycles | 3,000+ Safe Deliveries | Boduppal, Hyderabad
Pregnancy ultrasound scans are the most important monitoring tool available to both mother and doctor during pregnancy. They confirm that the pregnancy is viable, track fetal growth through all three trimesters, detect structural abnormalities early when decisions still have time, and guide the entire obstetric care plan leading to delivery.
At Mother Hospitals, Dr. E. Prashanthi Reddy personally reviews scan findings and explains results to you in plain language at every visit. Scans are never a checkbox — they are the foundation of safe, informed pregnancy care.
Yes, absolutely. Ultrasound uses sound waves — not ionising radiation — to create images. It does not use X-rays. Diagnostic ultrasound has been used safely in pregnancy for over 50 years with no evidence of harm to mother or baby. The number of scans recommended in this guide reflects clinical necessity and international obstetric guidelines. You should not skip scans out of safety concerns — the risk of missing a problem far outweighs any theoretical concern about ultrasound itself.
6–8 weeks: Early viability scan
11–14 weeks: Dating scan + NT scan
18–22 weeks: Anomaly / TIFFA scan
26–30 weeks: 3D/4D scan (optional)
28–32 weeks: Growth scan
Third trimester: Doppler scan (if needed)
36+ weeks: Presentation scan
The first trimester is the most critical time to confirm pregnancy viability and screen for chromosomal risks
This is usually the first scan of pregnancy. It confirms that the pregnancy is located inside the uterus (ruling out an ectopic pregnancy), that there is a gestational sac and a yolk sac, and — from about 6.5 weeks — that a fetal heartbeat is visible. It also establishes how many embryos are present. If you conceived through IVF, this scan is done at 6–7 weeks post-transfer. It provides the earliest reassurance that the pregnancy is progressing normally.
The dating scan measures the baby's crown-rump length (CRL) — the distance from the top of the head to the bottom — to calculate an accurate estimated due date (EDD). This is the most reliable way to date a pregnancy; it is more accurate at this stage than at any later point. The scan also confirms the number of babies, checks for major early structural concerns, and serves as the reference for all subsequent growth assessments.
The NT scan measures the fluid-filled space at the back of the baby's neck (the nuchal translucency). Babies with chromosomal conditions such as Down syndrome (trisomy 21), Edwards syndrome (trisomy 18), or Patau syndrome (trisomy 13) tend to have more fluid in this area. The NT measurement is combined with maternal blood tests for PAPP-A and free beta-hCG (combined first-trimester screening or the "double marker test") to generate a risk score. A high risk does not mean a diagnosis — it indicates that further confirmatory testing (chorionic villus sampling or non-invasive prenatal testing, NIPT) should be considered. Dr. Prashanthi Reddy will explain your specific result and guide next steps calmly and clearly.
The anomaly scan — also called the TIFFA scan (Targeted Imaging for Fetal Anomalies) — is the most detailed structural survey of the pregnancy. It is performed between 18 and 22 weeks, when the baby is large enough for all structures to be seen clearly but early enough for meaningful clinical decisions if an abnormality is detected.
If a major structural abnormality is identified at 18–22 weeks, parents and clinicians have time to arrange specialist fetal medicine consultations, plan for neonatal surgery or specialist care after birth, or in some cases make difficult decisions about the pregnancy. Detecting the same findings at 32 weeks leaves far fewer options. This is why not missing the TIFFA scan window is critical.
Most anomaly scans are completely normal. When a finding is noted, it may be a minor soft marker, a major structural anomaly, or a finding that requires follow-up. Dr. Prashanthi Reddy will explain exactly what was seen, what it means, what the next step is, and whether a fetal medicine specialist referral is appropriate. You will never leave the appointment without a clear plan.
Third-trimester scans monitor fetal growth, blood flow, amniotic fluid, and the baby's position in preparation for delivery
Measures head circumference, abdominal circumference, and femur length to estimate fetal weight. Results are plotted on a growth percentile chart. Babies below the 10th percentile may have growth restriction (IUGR) and require closer monitoring. Amniotic fluid index (AFI) is also assessed.
Measures blood flow velocity in the umbilical artery (from baby to placenta) and the middle cerebral artery (in the baby's brain). Used primarily in high-risk pregnancies, growth restriction, and hypertension. Abnormal Doppler signals indicate placental insufficiency and guide decisions on timing of delivery.
Checks the baby's position — head-down (cephalic), breech, or transverse — which is crucial for delivery planning. Also confirms placenta position (to exclude low-lying placenta) and amniotic fluid levels. If the baby is breech, external cephalic version (ECV) may be discussed.
A 3D scan produces a three-dimensional still image of the baby's surface — showing the face, hands, and body in realistic detail. A 4D scan adds real-time movement to the 3D image, letting parents watch the baby yawning, smiling, sucking its thumb, or moving its hands.
The ideal window for a 3D/4D scan is 26 to 30 weeks. Before 26 weeks, the baby has not yet developed the subcutaneous fat that gives the face its familiar rounded shape. After 32 weeks, the baby is often engaged in the pelvis and positioned with its face towards the spine, making imaging difficult.
No. Standard 2D ultrasound provides all the clinical information needed to assess fetal wellbeing and anatomy. 3D/4D scans are an optional addition for bonding and keepsake purposes. They are safe and use the same ultrasound technology as routine scans — the difference is only in how the images are processed. At Mother Hospitals, 3D/4D scans are offered as an elective option alongside your regular third-trimester scan.
MBBS, DGO, Diploma in ART – Kiel University, Germany
TGMC Registration: 50624 | 19+ Years Clinical Experience
5,000+ IVF Cycles | 3,000+ Safe Deliveries | 4.7★ Google Rated
A typical normal pregnancy requires at least 4–5 scans: an early viability scan at 6–8 weeks, a dating/NT scan at 11–14 weeks, an anomaly (TIFFA) scan at 18–22 weeks, a growth scan at 28–32 weeks, and a presentation scan at 36+ weeks. High-risk pregnancies — including twins, gestational diabetes, growth restriction, or IVF conceptions — require additional scans every 2–4 weeks through the second and third trimesters.
Yes. Diagnostic ultrasound uses sound waves, not ionising radiation, and has been used safely in pregnancy for over 50 years. There is no credible evidence of harm to mother or baby from routine pregnancy ultrasound at recommended time points and durations. The concern about radiation from scans is a common misconception — ultrasound and X-rays are completely different technologies. Skipping clinically indicated scans is far more risky than having them.
A dating scan is performed between 10 and 14 weeks of pregnancy. It measures the crown-rump length (CRL) of the baby — the distance from head to bottom — to calculate an accurate estimated due date (EDD). This measurement is far more accurate at 10–14 weeks than at any later stage of pregnancy. The scan also confirms the number of babies and checks for early structural concerns. If your menstrual cycle is irregular, a dating scan is especially important.
The nuchal translucency (NT) scan is performed between 11 and 14 weeks. It measures the fluid-filled space at the back of the baby's neck. A thicker measurement can indicate a higher risk of chromosomal conditions such as Down syndrome (trisomy 21), Edwards syndrome (trisomy 18), or Patau syndrome (trisomy 13). The NT measurement is combined with maternal blood tests (PAPP-A and free beta-hCG) to produce an overall risk score. A high-risk result does not mean the baby has a chromosomal condition — it means further testing such as NIPT or amniocentesis may be advisable. Dr. Prashanthi Reddy will explain your result and guide you through next steps clearly.
The TIFFA scan (Targeted Imaging for Fetal Anomalies) is a detailed ultrasound performed between 18 and 22 weeks. It surveys the baby's brain, face, spine, heart, lungs, diaphragm, abdomen, kidneys, limbs, and placenta. It can detect major structural abnormalities including heart defects, neural tube defects, cleft lip and palate, and kidney anomalies. Placenta position, amniotic fluid, and — if parents wish — the baby's gender are also confirmed at this scan.
A Doppler scan measures blood flow velocity in the umbilical artery (which carries blood between baby and placenta) and the middle cerebral artery in the baby's brain. It is most commonly used in high-risk pregnancies with growth restriction, hypertension, pre-eclampsia, or twin pregnancy. Abnormal Doppler waveforms indicate that the placenta is not delivering adequate oxygen and nutrients, and help guide decisions about timing of delivery to protect the baby.
A growth scan (also called a biometry scan) is usually done between 28 and 32 weeks. It measures the baby's head circumference, abdominal circumference, and femur bone length to estimate fetal weight, which is then plotted on a growth percentile chart. It also checks amniotic fluid volume. If the baby is below the 10th percentile for weight — a finding called intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) — more frequent monitoring and possible early delivery planning are initiated.
Yes. You can book any pregnancy scan directly with us by calling or WhatsApping 97059 93366 / 90520 74999. No GP or obstetrician referral is required for a self-booked scan. Dr. E. Prashanthi Reddy reviews all scans and provides a complete clinical explanation of the findings at your appointment. If you are already a patient, scans are scheduled as part of your regular pregnancy care visits.
Expert scan interpretation. Same-day results. A doctor who explains every finding in plain language. Boduppal, Hyderabad — serving East Hyderabad, Uppal, Nagole, LB Nagar, ECIL.
Boduppal: Mon–Sun · 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM | Choutuppal: Tue–Sun · 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Dr. E. Prashanthi Reddy · TGMC Reg: 50624 · Boduppal, Hyderabad