A TIFFA scan, short for Targeted Imaging for Fetal Anomalies, is a detailed pregnancy ultrasound that examines the baby’s organs and physical structures closely, working through the body from head to toe. Most obstetricians schedule the TIFFA scan within the pregnancy week 18-20 window, since by then the baby is developed enough for clear imaging while there’s still time to act on anything found.
According to the senior obstetrician at Echelon Hospital, a multi-specialty hospital in Navi Mumbai, “Patients often think of this as just another scan. It’s not. This is the one where we’re really looking, brain, heart, spine, limbs, kidneys. Timing matters too. Too early and things haven’t formed enough to see. Too late and there’s less room to act on anything found.”
What Does a TIFFA Scan Actually Check?
This isn’t a quick peek. It’s a head to toe review of the baby’s development.
Brain and spine: The sonographer checks brain structure and spinal alignment, looking for anything that deviates from typical development at this stage.
Heart structure: The heart gets a close look too, chambers, valves, blood flow. Cardiac issues are often caught right here, during this exact scan.
Limbs and digits: Arms, legs, fingers, toes, all counted and measured against expected growth for the gestational age.
Abdominal organs and kidneys: Kidneys, stomach, bladder, these get checked for size and position, since abnormalities here can sometimes need early planning.
A trained sonographer working within proper obstetrics and gynecology care is what makes this scan meaningful.
Wondering what to expect at your own TIFFA scan appointment?
Why Is the TIFFA Scan Done Specifically at Week 18 to 20?
Timing here isn’t arbitrary. There’s a real reason it lands in this exact window.
Organs are developed enough to see clearly: By week 18, most major organs have formed enough structure for a sonographer to actually assess them properly.
Amniotic fluid gives room to move: There’s enough fluid around the baby at this stage for a fuller range of positions, which helps get a complete view during the scan.
Still time to plan or intervene: If something does show up, there’s still a window to plan next steps, additional testing, specialist referrals, whatever the situation calls for.
Later scans lose some of that clarity: Push the scan too much further into the pregnancy and visibility can actually get harder, not easier, as the baby grows and space gets tighter.
The TIFFA scan is just one part of a longer sequence of checks. Reviewing the rest of the antenatal checkup schedule helps put this particular scan into context alongside everything else monitored throughout pregnancy.
Why Choose Echelon Hospital for Your Pregnancy Ultrasound?
Echelon Hospital is a NABH pre accredited multispecialty hospital in Kopar Khairane, with an obstetrics and gynecology team that handles TIFFA scans and the full range of pregnancy ultrasound needs under one roof. Having the same team follow a pregnancy from the first scan through delivery removes a lot of the back and forth that comes with being shuffled between different facilities.
Call +91 8989585050 to book a consultation.
FAQ
Does an abnormal TIFFA scan always mean a serious problem?
No. An abnormal TIFFA scan does not always mean a serious problem. Some findings may be minor or require further evaluation, so your doctor may recommend additional scans or tests to understand what the finding means.
How long does a TIFFA scan take?
It takes roughly thirty to forty five minutes, sometimes longer for twins.
Do I need a full bladder for this scan?
Yes, a full bladder often gives a clearer view during the scan.
What happens if the scan finds something unusual?
Your doctor will discuss the findings and any next steps needed.
References
- NHS, 20 Week Scan: https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/your-pregnancy-care/20-week-scan/
- Cleveland Clinic, 20 Week Ultrasound (Anatomy Scan): https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/22644-20-week-ultrasound
Disclaimer: This blog is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult your obstetrician for guidance specific to your pregnancy.