Ultrasound Scan Services

Viability scan (‘Early pregnancy scan’ or ‘Dating scan’)

Involves transvaginal USG examination between 6 to 10 weeks of pregnancy to assess

• Location of the pregnancy sack 
• Number of embryos
• Gestational age
• Viability of the embryo

This scan is especially recommended for women, who have symptoms like bleeding/spotting or lower abdominal pain in early pregnancy.

First Trimester scan (‘Nuchal scan’)

This scan is done between 11 weeks and 13 weeks 6 days. The aims include

• Accurate assessment of the gestational age 
• Diagnose multiple pregnancy
• Diagnose major anomalies
• Diagnose early miscarriage
• Assess risk for Down’s syndrome and other chromosomal abnormalities (using the mother’s age, maternal blood hormone levels like beta- HCG and PAPP-A; scan findings such as nuchal translucency, nasal bone and other fetal abnormalities)
• Assess risk for preterm Pre-eclampsia (by combining maternal factors, medical history, mean blood pressure, Uterine artery PI and serum markers)

The patients also receive full counseling when any problems are detected as to the probable cause, subsequent management and prognosis.

Anomaly scan (Target scan)

This is a detailed scan performed between 19 weeks to 22 weeks to assess

• Fetal environment: the placenta and its blood flow, liquor and cord
• Fetal activity
• Fetal size
• Fetal anatomy: systematic evaluation of all the fetal parts such as the head, face, neck, spine, thorax, heart, abdomen, kidneys and limbs.
• Assess risk for preterm birth

When any abnormality is diagnosed, the significance of the same is explained to the couple and their concerns addressed. Further investigations that may be required to find the cause and to determine the outlook for the fetus are also offered after detailed counseling 

Transvaginal Ultrasound for cervical length measurement is also done as part of this scan, to identify pregnancies at risk of preterm birth.

Growth scan (scan for fetal well-being)

This scan is usually performed between 32- 36 weeks to:

• Re-assess fetal environment: the placenta and amount of liquor
• Assess fetal activity 
• Assess fetal size and the growth velocity
• Evaluate blood flow to the placenta and fetus using Doppler Ultrasound.

In patients with risk factors such as pre-eclampsia, diabetes or sometimes, based on the clinical condition (as decided by the Obstetrician), a growth scan may be necessary earlier than 32 weeks.

Fetal Echocardiography

Fetal echo involves a systematic detailed evaluation of the fetal heart and the connecting blood vessels. This is generally performed between 18 to 24 weeks.

Fetal echo is indicated when there is family history of congenital heart disease, in pregnancies complicated by Diabetes, in multifetal gestation, if fetus had increased NT in first trimester scan or when fetus is diagnosed with certain specific anomalies.

Fetal Neurosonogram

Fetal Neurosonogram involves systematic detailed evaluation of the fetal brain in accordance with the gestational age. Generally performed from 19 weeks onwards and repeated, if necessary, as the fetus grows. 

It is indicated when there is a history of structural brain abnormalities, microcephaly or macrocephaly in previous pregnancies or when there is suspicion of structural brain anomaly in current pregnancy.

Genetic Sonogram

Fetal Genetic Sonogram (FGS) is an additional screening method for Down syndrome performed in the second trimester between 15 – 22 weeks; wherein the risk assessment is based on the presence or absence of certain USG detectable ‘soft markers’. Soft markers are not abnormalities but variants that are more frequently found in DS than chromosomally normal fetuses. 

In the current era of first trimester screening and NIPT, FGS has a limited role and is mainly useful in patients with a borderline risk in the first trimester combined test; as an adjunct to quadruple test in patients who have missed first trimester screening and in those with higher order multiple pregnancies.