Top 10 Pregnancy Scans Every Expecting Mother Should Know About – And When to Get Them
By MediScan Systems | Updated June 2025

Pregnancy is a life-changing journey that brings excitement, anticipation, and responsibility. One of the most critical components of prenatal care is ultrasound imaging. These scans help track fetal development, identify potential risks, and ensure both mother and baby are progressing safely throughout pregnancy.

At MediScan Systems, we specialize in providing high-precision ultrasound services for expecting mothers at every stage. This article covers the top 10 pregnancy scans every expecting mother should know about — and when they should be performed

top 10 pregnancy scans every expecting mother should know about — and when they should be performed

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1. Early Pregnancy/Viability Scan (6–9 weeks)

Used to confirm the presence of a pregnancy, assess fetal heartbeat, estimate gestational age, and determine the number of fetuses.

Best for: Confirming viable early pregnancy and calculating expected due date (EDD).

2. Nuchal Translucency (NT) Scan (11–13+6 weeks)

Measures fluid at the back of the baby’s neck to screen for chromosomal conditions such as Down syndrome- Trisomy 21, Trisomy 18, and Trisomy 13.It is an ideal time to evaluate for certain major structural malformations, screening for chromosomal disorder and pre-eclampsia and provide reassurance to expecting parents

Usually combined with: First-trimester blood tests for risk calculation.

3. TIFFA Scan (Targeted Imaging for Fetal Anomalies)(18-22 weeks)

Adetailed structural ultrasound examining the baby’s brain, spine, heart, limbs, kidneys, and face for any abnormalities.

Considered essential for: All pregnancies.

4. Cervical Length Scan (16–24 weeks)

Measures cervical length to assess the risk of preterm labor. Usuaully done twice / month to assess the cervical length .

Crucial for: Women with a history of preterm birth or twin pregnancy.

5. Fetal Echocardiography (20–24 weeks)

Evaluates the baby’s heart structure and rhythm in detail.

Indicated when: There's a family history of heart defects or previous child with congenital heart defect, maternal diabetes, or suspected abnormal finding in early pregnancy scans .

6. Fetal neurosonography (16-34weeks )

Evaluates the fetal brain structural development in detail . May need serial monitoring .

Indicated when : Previous child with a brain malformation, suspected abnormal findings in the TIFFA scan

7. Growth Scan (28–36 weeks)

Checks the baby’s weight, amniotic fluid levels, and placental health.

Important for: Tracking fetal growth patterns, in both low risk and high-risk pregnancies.

8.Doppler Study (20-36weeks)

To assess the blood flow to the uterus and fetus

Important for : Evaluation of placental and fetal well being

9. Biophysical Profile (32–36 weeks)

Combines ultrasound with Doppler to evaluate fetal wellbeing and blood flow.

Recommended for: Monitoring high-risk pregnancies, hypertension, or reduced fetal movement.

10. Placental profile evaluation (12-36weeks)

To check the morphology and location of placenta and blood flow to the placenta

Essential : Especially in pregnancy with maternal hypertension, prior cesarean delivery , low lying placenta and adherent placenta disorder.

Why These Scans Matter

Each scan serves a purpose — from confirming pregnancy to ensuring the baby is healthy and growing as expected. Timely ultrasounds allow for:

  • Early detection of complications.
  • Accurate pregnancy dating.
  • Informed delivery planning.
  • Peace of mind for the expecting mother.

How MediScan Systems Supports Expecting Mothers

  • Advanced ultrasound equipment for high-resolution imaging.
  • Expert fetal medicine specialists with decades of experience.
  • Custom scan schedules based on individual pregnancy needs.
  • Counselling and follow-up with actionable care plans.