Common Pregnancy Scans in Hyderabad: Why TIFFA Scan Is Important

Every year in India, approximately 1 in 100 babies is born with a structural abnormality, many of which could have been detected during pregnancy with the right scans, at the right time. 

That single statistic is enough to understand why antenatal scanning is not optional. It is essential.

Pregnancy is one of the most profound journeys a woman undertakes. It is also one of the most medically significant. Behind every healthy delivery is a series of carefully timed check-ups, blood tests, and, critically, ultrasound scans that monitor the growth and well-being of the baby at every stage.

Yet, for many expectant mothers in Hyderabad, the world of pregnancy scans can feel confusing and overwhelming. What scan do you need and when? What is a TIFFA scan, and why does everyone keep talking about it? What happens if something unusual is found? These are completely valid questions, and you deserve clear, honest answers.

In this blog, we break down all the common pregnancy scans you will encounter during your antenatal journey, explain what each one looks for, and shine a spotlight on why the TIFFA scan is one of the most important investigations during pregnancy. 

We also tell you why consulting the best gynecologist in Kukatpally at Sree Manju Hospital can make all the difference to your pregnancy experience.

Understanding Antenatal Care: Why Scans Are a Non-Negotiable Part of Pregnancy

Before we get into individual scans, it is worth stepping back to understand the bigger picture.

Antenatal care, the medical care you receive during pregnancy, is designed to do three things: monitor the health of the mother, track the development of the baby, and detect any complications early enough to act on them effectively.

Scans, or ultrasounds, are the window through which doctors observe the baby’s world. They are safe, non-invasive, and remarkably informative. Sound waves are used to create real-time images of the foetus, the placenta, the amniotic fluid, and the uterus, giving your doctor a live picture of how your pregnancy is progressing.

In Hyderabad, access to high-quality pregnancy scans has improved dramatically over the last decade. Hospitals like Sree Manju Hospital in Kukatpally now offer comprehensive antenatal scanning services under one roof, supported by experienced gynecologists and radiologists who interpret results with precision and care.

Let us now walk through the key scans you will encounter, trimester by trimester.

First Trimester Scans (Weeks 1–12)

1. Dating Scan (Viability Scan), Around 6 to 9 Weeks

The first scan most women have is the dating scan, typically done between 6 and 9 weeks of pregnancy. This is often the most emotionally powerful scan; it is the first time you see your baby and hear the heartbeat.

What it checks:

• Confirms the pregnancy is intrauterine (inside the uterus, ruling out ectopic pregnancy)
• Detects the foetal heartbeat
• Estimates the gestational age and calculates your due date
• Identifies whether you are carrying twins or multiples
• Checks for any early complications such as a subchorionic haematoma (blood clot near the placenta)

This scan is often done transvaginally in very early pregnancy for a clearer image, or abdominally once the uterus is large enough to be visible from outside.

For many women, this is the moment pregnancy truly becomes real. Hearing that heartbeat for the first time is extraordinary.

2. NT Scan (Nuchal Translucency Scan), Between 11 and 13 Weeks 6 Days

The NT scan is one of the most important scans of the first trimester. It is a specific type of ultrasound that measures the fluid at the back of the baby’s neck, a space called the nuchal translucency.

What it checks:

• Increased nuchal translucency is associated with a higher risk of chromosomal abnormalities, including Down syndrome (Trisomy 21), Edwards syndrome (Trisomy 18), and Patau syndrome (Trisomy 13)
• Also evaluates the nasal bone, which can be another marker for chromosomal conditions
• Assesses early foetal anatomy and heart structure

The NT scan is almost always combined with a blood test (called the Double Marker Test) as part of the First Trimester Combined Screening. Together, these give a risk assessment, not a diagnosis, for chromosomal conditions.

It is important to understand that a high-risk result on the NT scan does not confirm a problem. It simply indicates that further testing, such as NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing) or amniocentesis, may be advisable.

The NT scan must be done within a precise time window (between 11 weeks and 13 weeks 6 days), so timing your appointment correctly is crucial. Your gynecologist will guide you on this.

Second Trimester Scans (Weeks 13–26)

3. The Anomaly Scan / TIFFA Scan, Between 18 and 22 Weeks

This is the scan that expectant parents most frequently ask about, and for very good reason. The TIFFA scan (Targeted Imaging for Foetal Anomalies) is the most detailed and comprehensive ultrasound done during pregnancy. It is the cornerstone of second-trimester antenatal care.

We will dedicate an entire section to the TIFFA scan shortly, because it truly deserves one.

4. Double Marker and Triple Marker Tests

While not ultrasound scans in the traditional sense, these blood-based serum screenings are closely linked to your scanning schedule.

• The Double Marker Test is done in the first trimester alongside the NT scan
• The Triple Marker Test (also called the Quadruple Marker or Maternal Serum Screening) is done around 15 to 20 weeks

These tests measure specific proteins and hormones in the mother’s blood to assess the risk of chromosomal abnormalities and neural tube defects. They are particularly recommended for women over 35, those with a family history of genetic conditions, or those with a high-risk NT scan result.

5. Foetal Echocardiography, Between 18 and 24 Weeks

If the standard anomaly scan raises any concern about the baby’s heart, or if the mother has a history of congenital heart disease, diabetes, or certain infections during pregnancy, a foetal echocardiogram may be recommended.

This is a specialised ultrasound that focuses exclusively on the baby’s heart, examining its structure, rhythm, and function in detail. It can detect congenital heart defects that, if identified early, can be planned and managed effectively at birth.

Not every pregnancy requires a foetal echo, but when it is recommended, it is an invaluable tool.

Third Trimester Scans (Weeks 27–40)

6. Growth Scan, Between 28 and 32 Weeks

As pregnancy progresses into the third trimester, the focus shifts to monitoring the baby’s growth and position. The growth scan, typically done around 28 to 32 weeks, assesses:

• The baby’s size and estimated weight
• The position of the baby (head down, breech, or transverse)
• The volume of amniotic fluid surrounding the baby
• The position and grade of the placenta
• Blood flow through the umbilical cord (Doppler study)

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) , where the baby is not growing at the expected rate , can be detected here. Early identification allows doctors to closely monitor the pregnancy and plan the safest delivery.

7. Colour Doppler Study

Often done alongside the third-trimester growth scan, a Colour Doppler is an ultrasound technique that measures blood flow in the umbilical cord and foetal vessels. It helps assess whether the baby is receiving adequate oxygen and nutrients through the placenta.

Abnormal Doppler findings can be an early warning sign of foetal distress, allowing doctors to intervene before the situation becomes critical.

8. Biophysical Profile (BPP)

A biophysical profile is an advanced assessment used in high-risk pregnancies or when there are concerns about foetal wellbeing. It evaluates five parameters, foetal breathing movements, foetal movements, foetal tone, amniotic fluid volume, and the non-stress test (foetal heart rate monitoring), to give each baby a score out of 10.

A low BPP score may indicate that early delivery needs to be considered for the baby’s safety.

The TIFFA Scan: Why It Is the Most Important Scan of Your Pregnancy

Now, let us give the TIFFA scan the full attention it deserves.

TIFFA stands for Targeted Imaging for Foetal Anomalies. It is a detailed, systematic ultrasound examination done between 18 and 22 weeks of pregnancy. At this gestational age, the baby’s organs are developed enough to be clearly visible on ultrasound, making it the ideal window for a thorough structural survey.

Think of the TIFFA scan as the baby’s first complete physical Examination , done from the outside, before birth.

What Does the TIFFA Scan Examine?

A trained foetal medicine specialist or radiologist will systematically examine every major organ system and structure during a TIFFA scan. This includes:

• Brain and Skull: The scan evaluates the brain’s structure, including the ventricles, cerebellum, and corpus callosum, looking for abnormalities such as hydrocephalus (fluid on the brain) or neural tube defects.
• Face: The baby’s facial features, including the lips, palate, nose, and eyes, are assessed. Conditions like a cleft lip and a cleft palate can often be detected here.
• Spine The entire length of the spine is examined for neural tube defects such as spina bifida, where the spinal cord does not close completely.
• Heart: A four-chamber view of the heart, along with outflow tract views, is taken to screen for congenital heart defects. The heart is one of the most commonly affected organs in foetal anomalies.
• Lungs and Diaphragm: The scan checks for pleural effusions (fluid around the lungs) and diaphragmatic hernias, where abdominal organs protrude into the chest cavity.
• Abdomen and Abdominal Wall: The liver, stomach, kidneys, and bladder are all visualised. The abdominal wall is assessed for defects such as gastroschisis or omphalocele.
• Kidneys and Urinary Tract: Kidney size, structure, and the presence of the bladder are evaluated. Conditions like renal agenesis (absent kidney) or pelviectasis (dilated kidney) can be identified.
• Limbs: All four limbs, arms, legs, hands, and feet, are counted and measured. Skeletal dysplasias (abnormal bone development) and limb defects can sometimes be detected.
• Placenta and Amniotic Fluid: The position of the placenta is documented (to rule out placenta previa), and amniotic fluid levels are assessed.
• Umbilical Cord: The number of vessels in the umbilical cord is checked; a normal cord has three vessels; a two-vessel cord can sometimes be associated with other anomalies.

Why Is the TIFFA Scan So Important?

Early Detection Saves Lives and Enables Planning

Many structural anomalies, if detected early, can be managed, either during pregnancy or immediately after birth. For example, a baby diagnosed with a congenital heart defect in the womb can be delivered in a hospital equipped with paediatric cardiac care, rather than being transferred in a critical state after birth.

It Can Identify Treatable Conditions

Some anomalies detected on TIFFA, such as certain kidney problems, bowel obstructions, and even some brain cysts, are treatable after birth with good outcomes. Knowing in advance allows the medical team to prepare.

It Provides Reassurance

For the vast majority of women, the TIFFA scan brings enormous peace of mind. When a trained specialist confirms that all organs appear structurally normal, it is one of the greatest reassurances a pregnant woman can receive.

It Guides Delivery Planning

The information gathered during a TIFFA scan, including foetal position, placental location, and amniotic fluid levels, helps your gynecologist plan the safest mode of delivery for you and your baby.

It Is Safe and Non-Invasive

Unlike invasive tests like amniocentesis, the TIFFA scan involves no needles, no risk to the baby, and no discomfort beyond the standard ultrasound procedure. There are no known risks to the mother or baby from routine ultrasound scanning.

What Happens If the TIFFA Scan Finds Something?

It is natural to feel anxious about this possibility, but it is important to understand: a finding on a TIFFA scan does not automatically mean a catastrophic outcome. Many findings are minor variations, soft markers that resolve on their own, or entirely manageable conditions.

If something is noted, your doctor will:

• Explain the finding clearly and calmly
• Recommend additional investigations if needed (such as foetal MRI, foetal echocardiography, or genetic counselling)
• Connect you with the appropriate specialists
• Support you through the decision-making process with compassion and honesty

At Sree Manju Hospital, the top gynecologist in Kukatpally and the clinical team are trained to handle these conversations with sensitivity. You will never be left alone to interpret a result; your doctor will walk you through every step.

Why Choose Sree Manju Hospital for Your Pregnancy Care in Hyderabad?

When it comes to something as precious as your pregnancy, the hospital and gynecologist you choose matter enormously.

Sree Manju Hospital has become one of the most trusted names in maternity and women’s healthcare in western Hyderabad. Here is why expectant mothers consistently choose Sree Manju:

• Expert Gynecologists with Extensive Experience: The gynecology and obstetrics team at Sree Manju Hospital brings years of experience in managing both routine and high-risk pregnancies. Patients across Hyderabad seek out the best gynecologist in Hyderabad, and Sree Manju’s team consistently delivers the standard of care that earns that trust.
• Comprehensive Antenatal Scanning Under One Roof: From your dating scan in the first trimester to your growth scans in the third, all your pregnancy scans are available at Sree Manju Hospital. You do not have to run between different diagnostic centres and hospitals; everything is coordinated under one roof, ensuring continuity and consistency of care.
• State-of-the-Art Ultrasound Technology: The quality of a pregnancy scan is only as good as the machine being used and the hands operating it. Sree Manju Hospital is equipped with modern ultrasound technology that delivers clear, detailed images, enabling accurate interpretation and confident clinical decisions.
• Personalised, Compassionate Care: Every pregnancy is unique. At Sree Manju, the approach to care is never one-size-fits-all. Your gynecologist takes the time to understand your history, concerns, and preferences and builds a care plan tailored to you.
• 24/7 Availability and Emergency Support: Pregnancy does not follow office hours. Sree Manju Hospital’s round-the-clock emergency services ensure that if you experience bleeding, severe pain, reduced foetal movements, or any other concern outside of regular hours, expert help is always available.
• Trusted by Families Across Kukatpally and Hyderabad: Word of mouth is the most honest endorsement. The number of families who have delivered at Sree Manju Hospital and returned for their second and third pregnancies speaks volumes about the trust the hospital has built in the community.

A Quick Reference: Pregnancy Scan Schedule

Scan	When	Purpose
Dating / Viability Scan	6–9 weeks	Confirm pregnancy, heartbeat, due date
NT Scan	11–13 weeks 6 days	Chromosomal risk screening
Double Marker Test	11–13 weeks	Blood-based chromosomal screening
TIFFA Scan	18–22 weeks	Detailed foetal anatomy survey
Foetal Echo	18–24 weeks	Detailed heart assessment (if indicated)
Growth Scan + Doppler	28–32 weeks	Growth, position, blood flow
Term Scan	36–38 weeks	Final position check, delivery planning

Your Baby Deserves the Best Start

Pregnancy is not a time to leave things to chance. Every scan on your antenatal schedule, and especially the TIFFA scan, exists for one reason: to give your baby the best possible start in life, and to keep you safe and informed throughout the journey.

The best gynecologist in Kukatpally is not just someone with impressive qualifications on a wall. It is a doctor who listens, explains, is present when you need them, and has the clinical expertise to navigate every stage of your pregnancy with skill and care. At Sree Manju Hospital, you will find exactly that kind of care.

If you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or have questions about antenatal care and scans in Hyderabad, do not hesitate to reach out. Book a consultation with the team at Sree Manju Hospital today.

Because when it comes to your baby, no question is too small and no concern is too minor.

For appointments and more information, visit sreemanjuhospitals.com