Ultrasound imaging is the non-invasive window into the womb. It provides expecting parents with their very first glimpse of their baby while offering obstetricians essential diagnostic data regarding fetal development, anatomical integrity, and placental health.

Timeline of Essential Pregnancy Ultrasounds

1. Early Viability & Dating Scan (6 to 9 Weeks)

The first scan confirms intrauterine pregnancy, verifies the gestational sac, detects embryonic cardiac pulsation (heartbeat), and establishes an accurate Estimated Date of Delivery (EDD). It is also vital for ruling out ectopic pregnancies or early twin chorionicity.

2. First Trimester Screening / NT Scan (11 Weeks to 13 Weeks + 6 Days)

The Nuchal Translucency (NT) scan is one of the most critical screening examinations during pregnancy. It must be performed strictly within the 11 to 13+6 week window (when Crown-Rump Length is 45mm to 84mm).

What is evaluated during an NT scan?

• Nuchal Translucency Thickness: Fluid measurement at the back of the fetal neck.
• Nasal Bone: Presence or absence of the fetal nasal bone.
• Ductus Venosus & Tricuspid Flow: Blood flow patterns indicating cardiac strain.
• First Trimester Anatomy: Early evaluation of the skull, abdominal wall, limbs, and spine.

When combined with maternal blood markers (PAPP-A and Free Beta-hCG), the NT scan provides over 90–95% detection rates for Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21).

3. Anomaly Scan / Level II Scan (18 Weeks to 22 Weeks)

The Level II Anomaly scan is a comprehensive, head-to-toe structural examination of the baby. Performed during the middle of the second trimester, it evaluates:

• Fetal Brain & Skull: Ventricles, cerebellum, and cisterna magna.
• Facial Profile: Upper lip integrity (checking for cleft lip/palate) and eye orbits.
• Spine & Chest: Intact spinal column and lungs.
• Fetal Heart: Four-chamber view, outflow tracts, and vessel alignment.
• Abdomen & Kidneys: Stomach bubble, kidneys, bladder, and bowel appearance.
• Limbs: Arms, hands, legs, and feet structures.
• Placenta & Cervix: Placental position (ruling out low-lying placenta previa) and cervical length.

4. Fetal Echocardiography (20 to 24 Weeks)

Fetal Echocardiography is a highly specialized ultrasound focused entirely on the fetal heart. It is recommended for pregnancies with a history of congenital heart defects, maternal diabetes, IVF conception, elevated NT measurements, or abnormal cardiac views on routine anomaly scans.

5. Fetal Growth & Color Doppler Scan (28 to 36 Weeks)

Third-trimester growth scans evaluate fetal weight gain, amniotic fluid volume (AFI), and placental blood flow using Color Doppler imaging (Umbilical Artery, Middle Cerebral Artery, and Ductu Venosus). This ensures early detection of Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR) or placental compromise.

Why Choose an FMF-Certified Specialist for Fetal Scans?

Fetal medicine requires immense diagnostic precision. Dr. Ankita Rajesh Shah completed fellowship training at Mediscan, Chennai and holds accreditation from the Fetal Medicine Foundation (FMF, UK). This certification guarantees that every NT measurement and anatomical assessment adheres to rigorous international quality control standards.