US PREGNANCY TIFFA SCAN / ANOMALY SCAN (LEVEL2)

The TIFFA (Targeted Imaging for Fetal Anomalies) scan, widely known as the Anomaly Scan or Level 2 Ultrasound, is a crucial milestone in your pregnancy journey. It is a detailed, mid-pregnancy examination designed to closely evaluate your baby’s development from head to toe. At Cadabams Diagnostics, we understand this can be both an exciting and anxious time. Our expert team uses state-of-the-art technology to perform this safe, non-invasive ultrasound procedure, providing you with clarity and peace of mind about your baby’s health.

What is a TIFFA / Anomaly Scan?

A TIFFA / Anomaly Scan is an in-depth ultrasound that uses high-frequency sound waves to generate detailed, real-time images of your developing baby inside the womb. Unlike an early pregnancy scan which confirms the heartbeat and dates the pregnancy, this specialized scan focuses intently on your baby's anatomy.

So, what is level 2 ultrasound in pregnancy? The term "Level 2" simply signifies that this is a more comprehensive and detailed examination than a standard (Level 1) ultrasound. Our highly trained sonographers meticulously examine the baby’s organs, limbs, and other structures to ensure they are developing correctly. This scan provides a thorough assessment of your baby’s structural well-being.

Types of TIFFA Scan

At Cadabams Diagnostics, we may use different ultrasound modalities during your TIFFA scan to get the most comprehensive information:

• 2D Ultrasound: This is the standard, primary method used for the anomaly scan. It provides flat, black-and-white images that are excellent for diagnostic evaluation, allowing the sonographer to see the baby's internal organs and take precise measurements.
• 3D/4D Ultrasound: While not the main diagnostic tool, 3D ultrasound can provide still, three-dimensional images of your baby’s surface features, and 4D adds the element of time (creating a live video). This may be used to get a better view of a suspected surface abnormality, like a cleft lip, and provides a wonderful bonding experience for parents.
• Doppler Ultrasound: This special ultrasound technique is used to assess blood flow. If there are any specific concerns about the baby's growth or well-being, a Doppler study may be performed to check the blood flow in the umbilical cord, placenta, and key vessels in the baby’s brain or heart.

Our sonographer will meticulously examine and measure numerous parts of your baby’s body. Key areas include:

• Baby's Head and Brain: Checking the shape and internal structures of the brain.
• Face: Looking for facial features and checking for conditions like a cleft lip.
• Spine: Examining the spine in both longitudinal and transverse views to ensure the vertebrae are aligned and the skin covers the spine at the back.
• Heart: Viewing the four chambers, major arteries and veins, and ensuring the heart is functioning correctly.
• Abdominal Wall and Organs: Ensuring the abdominal wall is intact and checking the stomach, kidneys, and bladder.
• Limbs: Counting and measuring the arms, legs, hands, and feet to check for normal development.
• Placenta, Umbilical Cord, and Amniotic Fluid: Assessing the position of the placenta, the number of vessels in the umbilical cord, and the volume of amniotic fluid around the baby.

The benefits of undergoing a Level 2 Ultrasound are significant:

• Crucial Developmental Information: It provides the most detailed information available about your baby’s structural health and growth.
• Early Detection and Planning: Early detection of potential abnormalities allows you and your medical team to plan for any necessary specialised care, both during pregnancy and after delivery. This may include consultations with pediatric specialists or planning for delivery at a hospital with neonatal intensive care facilities.
• Peace of Mind: For the vast majority of pregnancies, the TIFFA scan confirms that the baby is growing normally, offering parents significant peace of mind.

When and Who Needs to Take a TIFFA Scan?

The TIFFA scan is a routine examination recommended for all pregnant women. It is typically performed between the 18th and 22nd weeks of pregnancy.

This specific timeframe is considered ideal because by this stage, the baby is large enough for their internal organs and structures to be clearly visible, yet still small enough for the sonographer to get a complete view in one session. This is why it's often referred to as the 20 week anatomy scan. It serves as a standard and vital check-up for every pregnancy to monitor fetal health.

Benefits of Taking the Test

The benefits of undergoing a Level 2 Ultrasound are significant:

• Crucial Developmental Information: It provides the most detailed information available about your baby’s structural health and growth.
• Early Detection and Planning: Early detection of potential abnormalities allows you and your medical team to plan for any necessary specialised care, both during pregnancy and after delivery. This may include consultations with pediatric specialists or planning for delivery at a hospital with neonatal intensive care facilities.
• Peace of Mind: For the vast majority of pregnancies, the TIFFA scan confirms that the baby is growing normally, offering parents significant peace of mind.

Diseases Identified During TIFFA/Anomaly Scan

A key question for parents is, what does anomaly scan detect? This scan is designed to identify a wide range of major physical or structural abnormalities. While it cannot detect everything, it is highly effective at finding:

• Neural Tube Defects: Conditions affecting the brain and spine, such as Spina Bifida (incomplete closing of the spine) and Anencephaly.
• Congenital Heart Defects: Major structural problems with the heart’s chambers, valves, or major blood vessels.
• Abdominal Wall Defects: Issues where the intestines or other organs develop outside the baby's abdomen, such as Gastroschisis.
• Facial Clefts: Including cleft lip and/or cleft palate.
• Kidney and Urinary Tract Problems: Such as missing or abnormally formed kidneys.
• Limb Abnormalities: Including shortened or missing limbs.

The tifffa scan procedure and preparation are straightforward. To ensure the best possible experience and results at Cadabams Diagnostics, please follow these simple guidelines:

• Diet: There are no special dietary restrictions required. You can eat and drink as you normally would.
• Bladder: Depending on your specific situation and the baby's position, you may be asked to come with a partially full bladder. A full bladder can help lift the uterus, providing a clearer view. Our staff will provide you with specific instructions when you book your appointment.
• Clothing: Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting, two-piece clothing (like a top and pants/skirt). This allows for easy access to your abdomen without you needing to fully disrobe.

Pre-requisites

• A doctor’s referral or prescription for the scan is typically required.
• It is very helpful to bring along any reports or images from previous pregnancy scans or prenatal tests.

Best Time to Take the TIFFA Scan

To ensure the highest accuracy and visibility, the TIFFA scan should be performed within the optimal window of 18 to 22 weeks of gestation.

Eligibility

The Anomaly Scan is a standard part of prenatal care. All pregnant women are eligible and strongly recommended to have this scan to monitor their baby's health and development.

Procedure for Taking a TIFFA Scan

Your comfort is our priority at Cadabams Diagnostics. Here is what you can expect during your TIFFA scan:

1. Preparation: You will be welcomed into our comfortable, private ultrasound room and asked to lie down on an examination table.
2. Gel Application: Our sonographer will apply a clear, water-based gel to your abdomen. This gel is harmless and helps ensure good contact between the transducer and your skin, allowing sound waves to pass through easily.
3. The Scan: The sonographer will gently move a small handheld device called a transducer over the gel on your abdomen. You may feel light pressure, but the procedure is not painful.
4. Viewing: As the transducer moves, real-time images of your baby will be generated and displayed on a monitor, which you will be able to see. The sonographer will be focused on taking many specific measurements and pictures from different angles.
5. Duration: The entire procedure typically lasts between 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the baby's position and the level of detail required.

Caution Before Taking the Test

The TIFFA scan is a very safe and routine procedure. However, if you feel any significant pain or discomfort at any point, please inform the sonographer immediately so they can adjust their technique or your position.