Pregnancy is, of course, the most exciting period in a woman’s life. In fact, it is a time that incites multiple feelings all at once – joy, fear, anxiety and much more. Medical technology does play a very major role during this period.
Yes, we are talking about different tests and scans performed all throughout the pregnancy period. For expectant parents, understanding the pregnancy scan list and knowing how many scans during pregnancy in India are usually recommended can provide peace of mind. In this article, we will explore the complete list of scans during pregnancy in India, their importance, and the stages at which they are done.

 

Why Pregnancy scanning is important?

Pregnancy scans are not only about the confirmation about pregnancy. It serves multiple purposes. 

Here are a few ways that pregnancy tests can be helpful:

  • Monitoring baby’s growth – The pregnancy scans can be helpful in tracking the development of the baby right from the beginning. This will make sure that the growth of the baby is appropriate. 
  • Detecting the abnormality – These scans can detect any congenital issues or issues in the developmental stage of the baby. This can help the doctors to plan the preventive measures. 
  • Checking placenta – The placenta is the baby’s lifeline. The scans help assess its placement and function. These scans can help the patients in issues like placenta previa.
  • Guidance in delivery decisions – Later scans help doctors decide whether a natural delivery is safe or if a C-section might be necessary.
  • Reassurance to parents – Beyond the medical benefits, scans provide reassurance to parents. It allows the doctors to see and hear their baby’s heartbeat.

These scans can also help the doctors make the right call when it comes to the high-risk pregnancies. 

Every scan has its own significance at different stages of pregnancy. Let’s take a closer look at the types of scanning during pregnancy in India.

 

Types of Pregnancy Scanning During Pregnancy

There are several different types of pregnancy scans and tests that are typically used during pregnancy.

Dating Scan (with Cardiac Activity – 6–9 Weeks)

This is the very first scan performed during pregnancy. It helps in confirming the pregnancy to begin with. 

It helps you with the following details:

  • Confirms the pregnancy and viability of the embryo.
  • Detects cardiac activity (heartbeat).
  • Determines if it’s a single or multiple pregnancy.
  • Provides an estimated due date (EDD).

This scan reassures parents that the pregnancy is progressing normally. The dating scan is especially important for women with irregular cycles. It can help the doctors calculate the pregnancy’s progress more accurately.

 

NT Scan (Nuchal Translucency Scan – 11–14 Weeks)

The NT test is helpful in detecting chromosomal abnormalities, if any. This test detects these signs at an early stage. In fact, the test should be a good option to test for issues like Down’s Syndrome. 

It can help you find the issues, like:

  • The fluid-filled space at the back of the baby’s neck
  • Nasal bone development
  • Overall, early growth markers
  • It screens for any chromosomal abnormality. 

It is usually combined with blood tests for more accurate results. The test is especially recommended for women above 35 or those with a family history of genetic conditions.

 

Anomaly Scan (TIFFA Scan – 18–22 Weeks)

The test is an important aspect to check for foetal anatomy. The Targeted Imaging for Fetal Anomalies test will check each part of the foetus to make sure that all the organs are normal. 

The test scans for:

  • Developmental abnormalities in the brain, heart, kidneys, and spine
  • Placental position and cord structure
  • Amniotic fluid levels, placenta, and umbilical cord. 
  • Checks for structural abnormalities. 
  • Confirms the growth and movement of the baby

This is also when many parents can learn their baby’s gender, though in India, sex determination is strictly prohibited by law.

 

Growth Scan (28–32 Weeks)

The text is undertaken in the later stages of pregnancy. These scans are designed to help with the proper understanding of the stages of pregnancy.

The growth tests are an excellent means for the following tests :

  • Measure the baby’s size, weight, and growth rate
  • Assess blood flow and placenta function
  • Check amniotic fluid levels
  • Make sure that the position of the baby is in correct. 

This scan makes sure that the baby is developing according to the proper schedule.

Tip – Doctors may recommend multiple growth scans in high-risk pregnancies. This can be more so in cases of gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, or twins.

 

Foetal Doppler Scan – ( 32–36 weeks )

The scan is undertaken to analyse and scan the heartbeat of the foetus. This is a non-invasive test and can help you have an understanding of heart related conditions, if any. It also checks the blood flow patterns between the mother and baby. 

The test can let you analyse the following things :

  • Restricted blood flow (a sign of intrauterine growth restriction – IUGR)
  • Placental insufficiency
  • Oxygen supply to the fetus

It helps doctors decide if an early delivery might be needed in complicated pregnancies.

 

Foetal Echocardiography ( – 20–24 weeks – for high-risk cases)

This is a specialised scan that is recommended for high-risk cases. The scan is generally not recommended or suggested for every case. 

  • A family history of congenital heart defects
  • Diabetes or other chronic illnesses
  • Abnormal findings in earlier scans

It provides a detailed look at the baby’s heart structure and function.

The test is recommended especially in the following cases :

    • Women with diabetes
    • Pregnancies where earlier scans show suspected heart issues.
    • Families with a history of congenital heart disease.

Trimester-Wise Pregnancy Scan List in India

To help the expecting parents, the list of pregnancy tests that are recommended in India is tabulated here

Trimester Recommended Scans Purpose
First Trimester (0–13 weeks) Dating Scan, NT Scan Confirm pregnancy, check for chromosomal abnormalities, and estimate due date.
Second Trimester (14–27 weeks) Anomaly Scan, Foetal Echocardiography (if needed) Detect structural anomalies, check organs and growth
Third Trimester (28–40 weeks) Growth Scan, Doppler Scan Monitor growth, blood flow, placenta health, and delivery readiness

 

How many scans are recommended during pregnancy in India?

That is one of the most common questions that expectant parents keep asking: How many scans are done during pregnancy in India?

  • For a normal pregnancy, 4 to 5 scans are usually enough.
  • For high-risk pregnancies, Doctors may recommend additional scans. These may include repeat growth scans, Doppler scans, or specialised echocardiography.

The sequence of scans and tests during pregnancy in India can be on the following lines –

  • Dating Scan (6–9 weeks)
  • NT Scan (11–14 weeks)
  • Anomaly Scan (18–22 weeks)
  • Growth Scan (28–32 weeks)
  • Doppler Scan (32–36 weeks)

In certain cases, a foetal echocardiography or follow-up scans may be added.

Are pregnancy scans safe in India?

That is something many first time mothers keep worrying about – are the pregnancy scans safer for the baby? The good news is that ultrasound scans are completely safe. They use sound waves to create images. These tests do not expose the mother or baby to harmful radiation.
Doctors recommend only medically necessary scans, ensuring the balance between safety and accuracy.

FAQ

How many scans are done during pregnancy in India?

There should be at least two scans during the pregnancy. The early pregnancy scan (dating scan r booking scan) is taken up between 11 to 14 weeks. A mid-pregnancy scan, is known to be fetal anomaly scan, is undertaken between 18 to 21 weeks. Depending on the severity or high risk in pregnancy, if any, an additional set of scans may be recommended.

What kind of scan is done for pregnancy?

Ultrasound scans use sound waves to build a picture of the baby in the womb. These scans are quite painless and are known to have no side effects. Moreover, they can be carried out at any stage in pregnancy. Sometimes, doctors may suggest an extra ultrasound scan if they suspect any issues or complications in pregnancy.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the list of scans during pregnancy in India helps expectant parents prepare for every stage of their journey. Each scan provides crucial information about the pregnancy. These scans support a healthy pregnancy and safe delivery.
At Magnus Diagnostics, we ensure accurate, reliable, and compassionate care throughout your pregnancy. We make use of the state-of-the-art scanning technology. Whether it’s your first dating scan or a detailed anomaly scan, our team of experts is here to guide you every step of the way.