Medically reviewed by Dr. Darshana Ajmera — MBBS (Nair, Mumbai), MS ObGyn (Honors), Obstetrician, Gynecologist & Fetal Medicine Specialist, Shubham Hi-Tech Hospital and Test Tube Baby Centre, Amravati.
An anomaly scan is a detailed pregnancy ultrasound, usually done between 18 and 22 weeks, that checks your baby’s organs, limbs, brain, spine, heart and growth to make sure development is on track. It matters because it is the single best opportunity to detect structural problems early, when there is still time to plan the safest possible care for you and your baby.
Many expecting mothers in Amravati hear the words “anomaly scan” or “level 2 scan” from their doctor and feel a flutter of worry. There is no need to. For the overwhelming majority of women it is a reassuring milestone — a chance to see your baby in detail and hear that everything is growing as it should.
What Exactly Is an Anomaly Scan?
The anomaly scan — also called the level 2 scan, TIFFA scan (Targeted Imaging for Fetal Anomalies), or mid-pregnancy ultrasound — is a careful, organ-by-organ examination of your baby. It goes far beyond simply confirming a heartbeat. Using high-resolution ultrasound, the specialist systematically looks at the head and brain, face and lips, spine, heart and its chambers, lungs, stomach, kidneys, bladder, abdominal wall, arms, legs, hands and feet.
The scan also assesses the placenta’s position, the amount of amniotic fluid around the baby, the umbilical cord, and the baby’s overall size and growth. Together these tell us not just how the baby is formed, but how well the pregnancy is being supported.
When Should the Anomaly Scan Be Done?
The ideal window is 18 to 22 weeks of pregnancy. Before 18 weeks the baby’s organs are often too small to examine in full detail; much later than 22 weeks, the baby’s position and reduced fluid can make some structures harder to see clearly. Around the 20-week mark tends to give the clearest, most complete view.
If you have not yet had this scan and you are in this window, it is worth booking promptly. Keeping to the recommended timing gives you and your doctor the most options should anything need closer attention.
Why the Anomaly Scan Matters
Early detection means better planning
Most babies are perfectly healthy, but when a structural difference is present, finding it at 20 weeks rather than at birth changes everything. It allows your obstetrician and fetal medicine team to plan your delivery in the right place, arrange specialist support such as a paediatric surgeon or cardiologist to be ready, and counsel you properly so there are no frightening surprises in the delivery room.
Some conditions can be treated before or soon after birth
Certain findings — for example particular heart or urinary tract problems — can be monitored through the rest of pregnancy and treated promptly after delivery, sometimes with excellent outcomes. A few conditions can even be managed during pregnancy. None of this is possible without first knowing.
Reassurance for the great majority
It is worth repeating: for most families the anomaly scan brings relief and a wonderful chance to bond with the baby they can now see in detail. A normal scan is itself valuable information.
What Happens During the Scan?
The scan is painless and uses no radiation — it is safe for both you and your baby. A trained sonologist or fetal medicine specialist moves a probe over your abdomen after applying gel, capturing images and measurements of each part of the baby. It usually takes 30 to 45 minutes, sometimes longer if the baby is lying in an awkward position and needs coaxing to move. You may be asked to walk around or have something to eat and return, simply to get a better view. There is nothing to fear in this — a wriggly baby is a healthy sign.
You do not generally need a full bladder for a mid-pregnancy scan, but follow whatever instructions our clinic gives you when you book. You can read more about our antenatal and pregnancy ultrasound services on our Obstetrics & Gynecology treatment page.
What If Something Is Found?
First, an unclear or “soft” finding does not automatically mean a serious problem. Many minor markers turn out to be entirely normal variations. If the specialist sees something that needs a closer look, the next steps may include a repeat or more detailed scan, a fetal echocardiography (a focused scan of the heart), or referral for further testing and counselling. At every stage you will have the findings explained clearly and gently, and you will be part of every decision. The aim is never to alarm you, but to give you accurate information and a clear plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the anomaly scan compulsory?
It is not legally compulsory, but it is strongly recommended for every pregnancy by obstetricians worldwide. It is one of the most important scans you will have, and skipping it means missing the best chance to detect treatable conditions early.
Will the anomaly scan tell me the baby’s gender?
The scan can show the baby’s sex, but under Indian law (the PCPNDT Act) revealing the gender of an unborn baby is strictly prohibited. Our team will never disclose this, and you should be cautious of anyone who offers to. The scan’s purpose is purely the baby’s health.
Is the scan safe for my baby?
Yes. Ultrasound uses sound waves, not radiation, and has been used safely in pregnancy for decades. There is no known risk to you or your baby.
What if my baby will not move into a good position?
This is common and not a cause for worry. We may ask you to take a short walk, change position, or come back a little later. Occasionally a follow-up scan is needed simply to complete the views — this does not mean anything is wrong.
I already had a normal early scan — do I still need this one?
Yes. An early dating scan and the anomaly scan check different things. Many organs simply cannot be assessed until around 20 weeks, which is why this separate detailed scan is so important.
Book Your Anomaly Scan in Amravati
At Shubham Hi-Tech Hospital and Test Tube Baby Centre in Amravati, our obstetrics and fetal medicine team performs detailed anomaly scans and a full range of pregnancy ultrasounds, with clear explanations and compassionate guidance at every step. Whether this is your first pregnancy or you are being monitored for a high-risk pregnancy, getting your level 2 scan done on time is one of the kindest things you can do for your baby.
To book an anomaly scan or antenatal appointment, call us on +91-8668954915 or reach us through our contact page. If you have any worry about your pregnancy, it is always better to ask early — our team here in Amravati is glad to help.
Related: Read our guide to the best gynecologist in Amravati for pregnancy and women’s health care.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a qualified doctor for guidance specific to your situation.