Caring a baby is not an easy task it is a full responsible job for the mother to carry the baby and keep the baby healthy in this journey mother hear so many advices and so also many scans; sometimes parents forgot to attend the required scanning they are also getting into more panic about those forgotten scans in these scenarios late TIFFA also one of the scan which so many parents forget to attend, so here we are going to know what is late TIFFA Scan and what is the purpose and what are the scenarios can be faced incase we miss the scan.

What Is a Late TIFFA or Anomaly Scan?

“Late TIFFA” is a catchphrase used for a comprehensive evaluation of the fetus that is carried out after the time period of an anomaly-scan. It is not a separate procedure that involves a specific timing per fetus.

The exact reason for the test will be different per pregnancy. This can be a test relating to the anatomy, gestational age, placenta, amount of liquid in the womb, or another particular structure that requires additional examination.

Late TIFFA / Anomaly Scan: What You Need To Know

The TIFFA or anomaly scan is usually carried out in the middle of pregnancy to examine a growing fetus in detail. Sometimes the scan is scheduled too late, or a few critical views could not be seen clearly during the initial examination.

That can naturally raise many questions for the parents.

Is it too late for my anomaly scan?

Can the baby even be examined properly?

Why did my doctor ask me to repeat the scan?

A late scan can be beneficial in certain cases, depending on the gestational age, previous scan results and reason for the examination. A late scan may be recommended when the initial scan was missed or incomplete, or for a closer examination of a particular area

What Does a Late TIFFA / Anomaly Scan Check?

The exact assessment depends on your gestational age, previous scans, and reasons for undergoing the examination. A later ultrasound scan can demonstrate a number of features, including:

1. The Brain and Skull:

The baby’s brain and skull are an important part of the fetal anatomy survey.

At the time of the routine mid-pregnancy anomaly scan, the fetal brain and skull are assessed using standard ultrasound views which best demonstrate these structures at this stage of pregnancy

2. The Face:

The baby’s face can also be examined as part of the anatomy scan.

The sonographer will aim to visualize those facial features which are demonstrated most clearly by standard ultrasound views.

Some of these structures may not be visible if the baby is lying in a particular position or their face is covered by their hands.

This does not necessarily mean that there is an abnormality, simply that this view was not possible.

3. The Spine:

The spine is another important structure which is examined as part of the fetal anatomy survey.

The sonographer will use a number of different views to visualize the spine and demonstrate that it is normal in appearance, and that there are no obvious abnormalities of the bones or joints.

The assessment of the fetal spine is included in the standard ISUOG (International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology) scanning protocol for the mid-pregnancy anatomical survey.

4. The Heart:

The fetal heart is examined in detail as part of the anatomy scan. The position of the heart within the chest cavity and a number of standard screening views can be used to check that the heart is normal in appearance. 

In some cases, and if there is a suspicion of abnormalities, further scanning may be necessary to undertake a more detailed assessment of the fetal heart. A routine anatomy scan cannot rule out all cardiac abnormalities.

5. The Abdomen and Internal Organs:

The baby’s abdomen can be examined to look for the position and appearance of the:

Stomach

Kidneys

Urinary bladder

Abdominal wall

Other abdominal structures that can be seen. This follows the ISUOG anatomical survey scanning protocol for the mid-pregnancy scan.

6. The Limbs and Skeleton:

In late TIFFA scan the baby’s limbs can also be examined as part of the anatomy scan. The doctor will aim to examine the arms, hands, legs, and feet and report on their general appearance and position to the extent that this can be possible with ultrasound scanning.

Conclusion:

A late TIFFA scan can still be helpful in determining how far along you are and how your baby is developing, depending on how far along you are and why you got the scan in the first place.

A late TIFFA or anomaly scan does not always mean there is something wrong. It depends on how far along you are, what is seen on the scan and the reason for the scan. 

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your pregnancy or a scan you received, please consult your personal doctor. Because every pregnancy is very unique, every scan and close lookup can be needed.

 Common Questions:

1.  Can the placenta be checked during a late scan?

Yes. The position of the placenta can be checked during pregnancy ultrasound. It may be necessary to review your placental position if you have any concerns.

2. What if the sonographer cannot see everything clearly?

You may be asked to change position, or to wait for the baby to settle down. If it is not possible to obtain the views needed to check for abnormalities, you may need to return for another scan. Just because a view is not obtained completely does not mean that an abnormality is present.

3. Does a normal late anomaly scan mean everything is definitely normal?

No. Ultrasound is an important and valuable part of assessing the growing fetus and a pregnancy, but it is not possible to detect everything with an ultrasound scan. 

A normal scan is a good result, but your doctor will interpret the results of the scan in conjunction with your pregnancy history, and any other investigations that may be appropriate.

 4. Can amniotic fluid be checked?

Yes. Assessment of amniotic fluid is routinely checked if it is appropriate for later pregnancy ultrasound.

Book your First Late TIFFA Scan with Naren Ultrasound & Fetal Medicine Center and take this important step with expert guidance and confidence.

About the Doctor

Dr. Naren Satya

Consultant Radiologist

Naren Ultrasound and Fetal Medicine Center, Visakhapatnam