TIFFA Scan in Pregnancy – Why is it Important, Preparations, Procedure

What is a TIFFA Scan or an Ultrasound Level II?

TIFFA scan means Targeted Imaging for Fetal Anomalies scan. And as its name suggests, the main purpose of the TIFFA scan is to take a deep look at your baby’s growth and development in your uterus.

The best time to conduct a TIFFA scan is between 18 to 20 weeks of your pregnancy. This scan checks whether your baby is developing normally or not, if its organs are developing properly or not, where the placenta is lying or the position of the umbilical cord, etc.

So we can say that the TIFFA scan is a vital ultrasound scan during the second trimester of pregnancy.

Importance of TIFFA Scan

There are a lot of reasons behind conducting a TIFFA scan. These are

• By the mid-point of your pregnancy period, all the vital organs of your baby are at some stage of development. So it becomes easy to detect any defect in them and take early precautions.
• A TIFFA scan will show the growth of every organ of your baby so the doctor can take measurements and assure you if the internal organs are working well or not.
• It can check the quality of the amniotic fluid and say whether it is sufficient for your baby or not.
• The scan can also show the position of the placenta and umbilical cord.
• It can detect possible birth defects in babies and the soft markers of potential chromosomal abnormalities.
• Also, a TIFFA scan shows the blood flow towards the uterus to ensure your baby is getting enough oxygen-rich blood. And it shows the measurement of the birth canal and cervix to ensure whether you should have a normal delivery or not.

Because of all of these reasons, a TIFFA scan is now necessary to perform on all women.

[Read: What Is An Anomaly Scan?]

Preparing For TIFFA Scan in Pregnancy

There is no need for any extra preparation for this scan. Unlike the first trimester scans, you don’t need to have a full bladder for this scan. As of now, your baby is big enough to be visible in the scan of your belly.

But as you will have to bare your belly for the scan it is advisable to wear two-piece clothing such as tops and maternity pants/skirts, or salwar kameez. Even a saree is also alright.

Procedure For TIFFA Scan

The process of anomaly scans or TIFF scans is very easy. Steps for this scan include

• Applying gel to your bare belly.
• Scanning the gel-applied area through a transducer or probe to get an image of the fetus.
• The whole process will at least take half an hour as your doctor will try to look at the fetus from different angles and do the measurements.
• Your doctor can let you see some of your baby’s features like face and hands.
• Some diagnostic centres in India allow the father to enter and experience a glimpse of their unborn child whereas some won’t.

What Can an TIFFA Scan Show About Your Baby?

Through the TIFFA scan report analysis, your doctor will get to know things like

• The shape of your baby’s face and if there is any abnormality (like a cleft lip) in it or not.
• The size shape and structure of the brain to detect any brain problem.
• The spine and rib cage of your baby to check for bone alignment and skin growth.
• The baby’s heart to ensure the valves are functioning with each heartbeat, and the equal shape of the atria and ventricles.
• The limbs of your baby along with the fingers and toes.
• Kidneys to check if there is urine production happening or not. Your baby, by this time, should pass urine every half an hour.

If the TIFFA scan report matches with what is the expected growth of a 20 weeks fetus then everything is going well. But if there is a more than two-week development gap according to the scan report and the actual age of the fetus, the doctor will suggest further tests.

Anomalies That Can be Seen Through TIFFA Scan

TIFFA scan purpose is mainly to rule out congenital abnormalities such as

• Major congenital heart problems- 60% chance of detection.
• Spina bifida or open spinal cord- 90% chance of detection.
• Absence of the upper part of the brain or Anencephaly- 99% chance of detection.
• Down syndrome- 50 to 60% chance of detection.

Besides, major kidney problems like abnormal or missing kidneys, defective abdominal wall, defective diaphragm, major limb abnormalities can also be easily discovered in TIFFA scan reports.

What are Ultrasound Soft Markers?

Ultrasound soft markers are nothing but different variations of the fetus that your doctor marks during the scan. Some varieties are general and thus indicate the baby’s health and normalcy. While some are rare and can point to a possible birth defect or disease.

[Read: Repeated Ultrasound Scans During Pregnancy – Are They Safe?]

What if there are Signs of a Problem on TIFFA Scan?

If there is anything to worry about your TIFFA scan, your doctor will tell you immediately. Actions against it depend on the seriousness of the abnormality. Your doctors may advise you

• For a retest to reassure.
• Surgery or physiotherapy after birth if there are minimal and curable defects in the baby.
• Abortion if there is no chance of survival of the baby.

Additional Ultrasound Scans in Second Trimester Required?

Certain conditions can necessitate more USGs in your second trimester. These are

• The TIFFA scan shows a short cervix or a low-lying placenta.
• The baby is not growing as expected.
• You are having twins or more.
• You have high pressure or diabetes.
• There is sudden bleeding in the mid-pregnancy.
• You already have a miscarriage or premature labor.

A TIFFA scan is a vital USG to detect whether your baby is having proper growth or not. So, you should not avoid it in any way.

[Read: Sonography During Pregnancy]

FAQ’s

1. How Much Time Does TIFFA Scan Take?

TIFFA scans can take roughly around 30 to 45 minutes. This is a lengthy process during which your doctor notices all the organs and limbs of your baby.

2. Is TIFFA’s Scan Painful?

No, the TIFFA scan is not painful in general. But your sonographer can apply some pressure in your belly with the transducer to get a clear view.

3. Is TIFFA and NT Scan the Same?

No, they are not. NT or Nuchal Translucency scan is held in the first trimester between 11 and 13 weeks. While a TIFFA scan is conducted between 18 to 20 weeks.

4. Is a TIFFA Scan Mandatory?

Doctors do prescribe a mid-pregnancy scan for precaution. You should not avoid it unless you can’t afford the scan.

5. What is the Cost of a TIFFA Scan?

The cost of a TIFFA scan may vary according to the place and facility. TIFFA Scan cost in Hyderabad or any other state of India ranges between 2500 to 3500 rupees.

6. What Can We Know From the TIFFA Scan Report?

We can know about fetal growth and movements, amniotic fluid, birth defects, etc. from a TIFFA scan.

Read Also: Doppler Scan During Pregnancy