One of the most emotional days in my career is when an expectant mother asks, "Is my baby okay?" That's exactly what the anomaly scan is designed to answer.
During pregnancy, you'll have several ultrasounds. Most are quick checks—heartbeat, growth, position. But the anomaly scan—also called TIFFA, Target Scan, or Level 2 scan—is different. It's a detailed, systematic examination of your baby's anatomy, performed at the perfect time when we can see everything clearly. It's the scan that gives you peace of mind, or helps you prepare if something needs attention.
Let me explain what makes it different from regular ultrasounds, when to have it, and what we're looking for.
The Pregnancy Ultrasound Timeline: Different Scans for Different Stages
During pregnancy, we do different scans at different times, each with a specific purpose:
The dating scan at 6–10 weeks confirms pregnancy, checks the heartbeat, and calculates your due date. The NT scan in the first trimester (11–14 weeks) measures nuchal translucency, provides early anomaly screening, and assesses Down syndrome risk. The anomaly scan, also called TIFFA, happens at 18–23 weeks—this is the big one, a detailed structural survey of all major organs. Growth scans from 28 weeks onwards monitor fetal growth, position, amniotic fluid, and placenta. Doppler scans are done as needed to check blood flow in the umbilical cord and baby's vessels.
Each scan has its role. The anomaly scan is the most comprehensive—it's when we answer the question every parent asks: "Is everything developing normally?"
Regular Ultrasound vs Anomaly Scan: What's the Difference?
Regular Pregnancy Ultrasound
These are the routine scans you'll have throughout pregnancy. They're quick—usually 10–20 minutes—and check:
- Confirmation of pregnancy and dates
- Heartbeat
- Basic growth measurements
- Fetal position
- Amniotic fluid levels
- Placenta location
They're often done by a radiologist or trained technician. They're important, but they're not designed to catch every structural detail.
Anomaly Scan (TIFFA / Target Scan / Level 2)
This is different. It's a detailed anatomical survey that systematically examines every major system. Here's what makes it special:
- Performed by Fetal Medicine specialists or highly trained sonologists—experts who know what to look for
- Systematic examination: Brain, face, heart, spine, abdomen, limbs—we check everything
- Takes 30–45 minutes or more—we don't rush
- Looks for structural anomalies that may need monitoring, further testing, or delivery planning
- Often includes genetic counseling to explain findings and answer your questions
It's the scan that gives you confidence that your baby's anatomy is developing correctly, or helps you prepare if something needs attention.
What Does the Anomaly Scan Actually Check?
When you come to our centre for an anomaly scan, we examine your baby systematically. Here's what we're looking at:
Head and Brain:
- Brain structures (ventricles, cerebellum, corpus callosum)
- Skull shape and integrity
- Absence of major defects (like anencephaly)
Face:
- Lips (checking for cleft lip)
- Eyes, nose, profile
- Overall facial structure
Heart: This is crucial. We check:
- Four chambers (are they all there and working?)
- Outflow tracts (aorta and pulmonary artery)
- Major vessel connections
- Heart rhythm
Spine:
- Vertebral alignment
- Skin covering (rules out spina bifida)
- Overall spinal structure
Abdomen:
- Stomach (is it there and in the right place?)
- Bowel
- Kidneys (both present? Normal size?)
- Bladder
- Abdominal wall integrity
Limbs:
- Arms and legs (all present? Normal length?)
- Hands and feet (fingers and toes counted)
- Long bones
Placenta and Cord:
- Placenta position (is it low-lying? That matters for delivery)
- Umbilical cord vessels (normally three vessels)
- Amniotic fluid volume (too much or too little can indicate problems)
We're not just looking—we're measuring, counting, and documenting. Every finding goes into a detailed report.
When to Do the Anomaly Scan: The 18–23 Week Window
Timing matters. The ideal window is 18–23 weeks of pregnancy, and here's why:
Why 18–23 Weeks?
- Organs are developed enough for detailed views—we can see the heart chambers, brain structures, kidneys clearly
- Baby is still small enough for good imaging—we can get the angles we need
- Before 18 weeks: Some structures aren't fully visible yet—too early
- After 23 weeks: Baby is larger, bones are more developed, and position can block views—too late
Why This Timing Matters:
- Allows time for further tests if needed (like fetal echocardiography for heart issues)
- Gives you time for genetic counseling and to understand your options
- Allows delivery planning if needed (some conditions require delivery at a centre with NICU)
- Peace of mind—or preparation—before the third trimester
I always tell patients: don't wait too long. If you're past 23 weeks, we can still do the scan, but the images might not be as clear, and some structures might be harder to see.
What If Something Is Found?
Most anomaly scans are completely normal—reassuring. But if we find something that needs attention, here's what happens:
Further Scans:
- Fetal echocardiography (detailed heart scan) if there's a cardiac concern
- Repeat scans to monitor growth or specific findings
- 3D/4D imaging for better visualization if needed
Genetic Counseling: This is included in our package at Magnus. Our Fetal Medicine specialist will explain:
- What the finding means
- What it might mean for your baby
- What further testing is available
- What your options are
- What to expect after delivery
Specialist Referral: Depending on what we find, we might refer you to:
- Pediatric surgeon (for conditions that might need surgery after birth)
- Neonatologist (for conditions that need NICU care)
- Geneticist (for genetic conditions)
Delivery Planning: Some conditions require delivery at a centre with specialized care—NICU, pediatric surgery, etc. We help you plan ahead.
The important thing? We explain everything in plain language. No medical jargon, no rushing. You'll understand what we found, what it means, and what happens next.
Anomaly Scan Cost at Magnus Diagnostics
At Magnus Diagnostics, we offer the Anomaly Scan (TIFFA) with genetic counseling included:
The package costs ₹6,000—that's our offer price (regular ₹8,000) and includes the full anomaly scan plus genetic counseling.
What's Included:
- Fetal Medicine specialist scan (30–45 minutes)
- 4D imaging
- Genetic counseling (to explain findings and answer questions)
- Detailed report
- Time to ask questions and understand everything
Note: If invasive procedures (like amniocentesis) are needed based on findings, those are extra and discussed separately.
Available at Irinjalakuda and North Paravur. Book in advance—we schedule these scans to ensure adequate time and availability of our specialists.
Preparation: What to Expect
Bladder: Moderately full can help with imaging, but we'll advise you based on your stage of pregnancy. Don't overfill—that's uncomfortable and not necessary.
Clothing: Loose, comfortable clothes—easy access to your abdomen. You'll be lying down for 30–45 minutes, so comfort matters.
Time: Set aside 45–60 minutes total, including the scan and counseling session. Don't rush—this is important.
Support: Your partner or a relative can usually stay with you. Having support during the scan, especially if there are findings, makes a difference.
Questions: Write down any questions beforehand. This is your chance to ask everything you want to know.
The Bottom Line
The anomaly scan is different from regular pregnancy ultrasounds. It's a detailed, systematic examination at 18–23 weeks that checks every major organ and system. It's performed by Fetal Medicine specialists, takes 30–45 minutes, and includes genetic counseling to explain findings.
Most scans are completely normal—reassuring. But if something needs attention, we catch it early, explain it clearly, and help you plan next steps.
At Magnus, we make this available with expert care and clear communication. The scan with genetic counseling costs ₹6,000, and it's worth every rupee for the peace of mind—or the preparation—it provides.
Ready to book your anomaly scan? Call us at +91 89031 01010 or visit our Anomaly Scan page. We're here to answer your questions and give you the reassurance—or the information—you need.
