A normal TIFFA scan report means that the major structures of your baby’s body appear to be developing as expected for the stage of pregnancy. TIFFA stands for Targeted Imaging for Fetal Anomalies and is a detailed ultrasound usually done between 18 and 22 weeks of pregnancy. Understanding the key findings can help you feel more confident and informed.

If you have questions about your TIFFA scan or fertility history, a consultation at a best fertility hospital in Coimbatore can provide personalised guidance.

What Is a TIFFA Scan?

A TIFFA scan is a detailed second-trimester ultrasound that checks your baby’s growth and development. It is also called an anomaly scan or level 2 ultrasound.

The scan looks at:

  • Baby’s head, brain, and face
  • Heart and major blood vessels
  • Spine and spinal cord
  • Stomach, kidneys, and bladder
  • Limbs and bones
  • Placenta and amniotic fluid
  • Umbilical cord and blood flow

For a detailed overview of what a TIFFA scan includes, see the normal TIFFA scan report.

Key Findings in a Normal TIFFA Scan Report

1. Fetal Growth Measurements

The report will include measurements such as:

  • Biparietal diameter (BPD): Width of the baby’s head
  • Head circumference (HC): Size of the head
  • Abdominal circumference (AC): Size of the abdomen
  • Femur length (FL): Length of the thigh bone

These measurements are compared with standard growth charts to confirm the baby is growing appropriately for the gestational age.

2. Brain and Skull

A normal report will show:

  • Normal shape and size of the skull
  • Normal brain structures, including the ventricles and cerebellum
  • No signs of fluid buildup or abnormal masses

3. Face and Profile

The scan checks:

  • Nasal bone presence
  • Lips and palate (to rule out cleft lip/palate)
  • Eye orbits and lenses
  • Facial profile

4. Heart and Great Vessels

A normal TIFFA report will show:

  • Four-chamber view of the heart
  • Normal position of the heart
  • Normal outflow tracts (aorta and pulmonary artery)
  • No signs of major congenital heart defects

5. Spine and Spinal Cord

The scan checks:

  • Alignment of the spine
  • Closure of the spinal canal
  • No signs of spina bifida or other neural tube defects

6. Abdomen and Organs

A normal report will show:

  • Stomach bubble present
  • Kidneys and bladder visible
  • No signs of abdominal wall defects
  • Normal bowel appearance

7. Limbs and Bones

The scan checks:

  • All four limbs present
  • Normal bone length and shape
  • No signs of skeletal abnormalities

8. Placenta and Amniotic Fluid

A normal report will show:

  • Placenta position (anterior, posterior, or fundal)
  • No signs of placenta previa (low-lying placenta covering the cervix)
  • Normal amniotic fluid volume
  • Normal umbilical cord insertion

What Does “Normal” Mean in a TIFFA Report?

A normal TIFFA scan report means that:

  • All major organs and structures appear normal for the gestational age
  • No obvious anatomical anomalies are seen
  • Growth measurements are within expected ranges
  • Placenta and amniotic fluid are normal

It does not guarantee that every possible condition has been ruled out, but it provides strong reassurance that the baby’s development is on track.

What If Something Is “Echogenic” or “Mild”?

Sometimes reports mention terms like:

  • Echogenic bowel: Bright-appearing bowel on ultrasound
  • Echogenic intracardiac focus (EIF): Small bright spot in the heart
  • Mild renal pelvis dilation: Slight widening of the kidney’s collecting system

These findings are often normal variants and may not indicate a problem. Your doctor will interpret them in context and may recommend follow-up if needed.

What Happens After a Normal TIFFA Scan?

If your TIFFA scan is normal:

  • No further anomaly scanning is usually needed
  • Routine antenatal check-ups continue
  • Growth scans may be done later in pregnancy if indicated
  • You can proceed with routine prenatal care

If any finding is unclear or borderline, your doctor may recommend a follow-up scan or additional testing.

When to Consult a Fertility Specialist

If you have a history of:

  • Recurrent miscarriage
  • Previous baby with a congenital anomaly
  • Genetic conditions in the family
  • Advanced maternal age
  • Fertility treatment (IVF, IUI)

A best fertility hospital in Coimbatore can provide genetic counselling and coordinate your prenatal care.

Our Clinic

Dr. Aravind’s IVF – Coimbatore

Dr. Aravind’s IVF provides comprehensive pregnancy care, including TIFFA scan interpretation, genetic counselling, and follow-up planning. The team reviews your medical history, scan findings, and personal goals to create a tailored plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What does a normal TIFFA scan report mean?
A normal TIFFA scan report means that the baby’s major organs and structures appear normal for the gestational age, with no obvious anomalies seen.

Q2. What measurements are included in a TIFFA scan?
Biparietal diameter (BPD), head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC), and femur length (FL) are commonly measured.

Q3. What does “echogenic bowel” mean on a TIFFA scan?
Echogenic bowel is a bright-appearing bowel on ultrasound. It can be a normal variant but may sometimes need follow-up.

Q4. Is a normal TIFFA scan a guarantee of no birth defects?
No scan can detect every possible condition, but a normal TIFFA scan provides strong reassurance that major structures are developing normally.

Q5. Where can I get a TIFFA scan in Coimbatore?
You can consult Dr. Aravind’s IVF, a best fertility hospital in Coimbatore, for TIFFA scan interpretation and pregnancy care.