This is a scan done as part of screening for Downs Syndrome between 11-14 weeks to measure the baby’s nuchal translucency (fluid behind the baby’s neck). This is a specialized scan which has to meet strict international criteria. Other measurements done include: Blood flow in the baby’s liver—ductus venosus, Blood flow across the baby’s heart valve (tricuspid regurgitation), Assessment of nasal bone. A detailed look at the baby’s major organs is also carried out.

This is a heart scan of the unborn baby, which can be done as early as 16 weeks or routinely between 18-23 weeks. The purpose of this scan is to screen and diagnose heart abnormalities. On average 60% of heart abnormalities are detected in the uterus. Fetal echo is done for the following indications: ​ Suspicion of cardiac malformation at routine obstetric anomaly scan. Fetal arrhythmia (sustained bradycardia- 180b/min). Increased nuchal translucency (NT >99th centile for CRL/ (3.5mm) 6-7% risk. Presence of structural extra cardiac major abnormality. Chromosomal abnormalities. Genetic syndromes. Pericardial effusion. Pleural effusion. Non-immune fetal hydrops. Monochorionic twins (7-8% risk) Other indications - arteriovenous fistulas, tumors with large vascular supply, absent ductus venosus, acardiac twin, twin-to twin transfusion syndrome, fetal anemia

This is a specialized scan that looks at the baby’s blood flows. The blood vessels examined include the following: Umbilical arteries, Middle cerebral artery, Ductus venosus, Uterine arteries. The purpose of the scan is to monitor high risk pregnancies in order to prevent bad perinatal outcome.