TIFFA Scan in Pregnancy: When Is It Done and What Does It Detect?

Pregnancy brings many questions, especially when it comes to your baby's growth and development. One important milestone is the TIFFA scan, a detailed ultrasound that helps doctors examine the baby's physical development during the middle of pregnancy.

Knowing when the scan is performed, what it checks, and what its results mean can help you approach the appointment with greater confidence.

What Is a TIFFA Scan?

A TIFFA scan (Targeted Imaging for Fetal Anomalies) is a detailed ultrasound examination commonly known as the fetal anomaly scan. It allows the sonographer to examine the baby's developing organs and body structures.

Unlike an early pregnancy scan, which mainly confirms the pregnancy and estimates gestational age, a TIFFA scan focuses on anatomical development.

You can read more about the TIFFA scan to understand its purpose and what parents can expect.

When Is a TIFFA Scan Done?

The recommended TIFFA scan weeks are generally around 18–22 weeks of pregnancy, depending on your doctor's advice and the local screening protocol. The mid-pregnancy anomaly scan is commonly scheduled between 18 and 21 weeks.

This timing allows the baby's major anatomical structures to be examined in detail.

If the baby is lying in a position that makes certain structures difficult to see, the sonographer may ask you to change position or recommend another appointment. This does not automatically mean there is a problem.

It is best to attend the scan within the timeframe advised by your obstetrician.

What Does a TIFFA Test Detect?

The TIFFA test checks several important parts of the baby's anatomy. Depending on the scan protocol and how clearly each structure can be seen, the examination may assess:

• Brain and spine: To look for certain structural abnormalities.

• Heart: To examine its structure and identify possible abnormalities.

• Face: To assess visible facial structures, including signs of cleft lip.

• Abdomen: To examine the abdominal wall and internal organs.

• Kidneys and bladder: To check their development and appearance.

• Arms and legs: To assess the development of the bones and limbs.

• Placenta and amniotic fluid: To evaluate relevant aspects of the pregnancy.

The scan also helps assess fetal growth and the baby's position. Some conditions can be identified more easily than others, and not every condition can be detected before birth.

How Should You Prepare for a TIFFA Scan?

Preparation is usually straightforward. Follow the instructions provided by your scan centre because requirements can vary.

Before the appointment:

• Carry previous ultrasound reports and relevant pregnancy records.

• Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your abdomen.

• Ask whether you need a full bladder; this depends on the centre's instructions and the stage of pregnancy.

• Allow enough time for the appointment, as the sonographer needs to examine several structures carefully.

The scan is generally performed over the abdomen using ultrasound gel and a scanning probe. It is non-invasive and does not use ionising radiation. The examination may take longer if the baby's position makes some views difficult to obtain.

What If the TIFFA Scan Shows a Concern?

An unexpected finding can be worrying, but it does not always mean that the baby has a confirmed medical condition.

Sometimes, the sonographer may not obtain a clear view of a particular structure. In other cases, an area may need closer examination by a specialist.

Your obstetrician may recommend a repeat scan, a detailed assessment, or further testing depending on the finding. Screening ultrasound cannot identify every condition, so a normal result also cannot guarantee that every possible health concern has been ruled out.

Ask your doctor to explain the result, what it means for your pregnancy, and whether any follow-up is necessary.

Choosing Pregnancy and Fertility Care in Coimbatore

For families seeking the best fertility centre in Coimbatore, clear communication and appropriate medical guidance are important throughout the fertility journey and pregnancy-related care.

At Dr. Aravind’s IVF Fertility & Pregnancy Centre, patients can discuss fertility concerns and receive guidance about the next steps relevant to their individual circumstances. Pregnancy scan findings should be interpreted by the appropriate obstetric or fetal-medicine professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which Week Is Best for a TIFFA Scan?

A TIFFA scan is generally performed around 18–22 weeks of pregnancy. Your obstetrician can advise the most appropriate timing for your pregnancy.

2. Is a TIFFA Scan Painful?

No. It is a non-invasive ultrasound scan performed over the abdomen. You may feel mild pressure from the probe, but the examination is not usually painful.

3. Can a TIFFA Scan Detect All Birth Defects?

No. It can identify many important structural abnormalities, but some conditions may not be visible or may develop later. A normal scan cannot guarantee that every condition has been excluded.

4. What Happens If the Baby's Position Prevents a Clear Scan?

The sonographer may ask you to change position or recommend a repeat appointment so that the necessary views can be obtained. An incomplete view does not automatically indicate a problem.

5. Is a TIFFA Scan Necessary If Earlier Pregnancy Scans Were Normal?

The detailed anomaly scan checks anatomical structures that may not be assessed fully during earlier scans. Discuss its timing and purpose with your obstetrician, even if previous scans were reassuring.

Understand Your Baby's Development With Confidence

A TIFFA scan is an important part of mid-pregnancy assessment because it gives your healthcare team a closer look at your baby's development. If you have questions about your pregnancy scan or fertility care, contact Dr. Aravind’s IVF Fertility & Pregnancy Centre for guidance on the appropriate next step.