Pregnancy is an important journey, and ultrasound plays a crucial role in monitoring your baby’s growth and development at different stages. Two of the most important ultrasound examinations during pregnancy are the NT Scan and the Anomaly Scan (Level 2 Scan).

Although both are pregnancy ultrasound scans, they are performed at different stages and have different objectives.

At Dr. Dua’s Diagnostics & Imaging Centre, Chandigarh, pregnancy and fetal imaging is performed under the guidance of Dr. Ashish Dua, with an advanced fellowship in Fetal Imaging from PGIMER, Chandigarh, and advanced training in fetal cardiac imaging from Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, USA.

Understanding the difference between these two scans can help expecting parents know why both may be recommended during pregnancy.

What is an NT Scan?

The NT Scan (Nuchal Translucency Scan) is a first-trimester ultrasound examination, usually performed between 11 weeks and 13 weeks + 6 days of pregnancy.

The scan includes measurement of the nuchal translucency, the fluid-filled space at the back of the baby’s neck. This measurement, along with other ultrasound findings and screening parameters, helps assess the risk of certain chromosomal conditions.

An NT scan also provides an opportunity to assess:

• Gestational age and early fetal growth
• Fetal heart rate
• Early fetal development
• Nuchal translucency
• Other relevant first-trimester screening markers

At Dr. Dua’s Diagnostics & Imaging Centre, the NT Scan is approached as more than simply a measurement of nuchal translucency. A systematic first-trimester ultrasound assessment can provide important information about the developing fetus and the pregnancy.

When should an NT Scan be done?

The recommended window for an NT Scan is 11 weeks to 13 weeks + 6 days. Your obstetrician or fetal medicine specialist may advise the scan along with other first-trimester screening tests depending on your pregnancy.

What is an Anomaly Scan?

The Anomaly Scan, also called a Level 2 Ultrasound or detailed fetal anatomy scan, is generally performed around 18–22 weeks of pregnancy.

Unlike the NT Scan, which is performed during the first trimester, the anomaly scan focuses on a detailed assessment of the baby’s developing organs and anatomical structures.

Depending on fetal position and other factors, the examination includes assessment of structures such as:

• Brain and head
• Face
• Spine
• Heart
• Chest
• Stomach and abdomen
• Kidneys and urinary bladder
• Arms and legs
• Other major fetal anatomical structures

The examination also assesses important pregnancy-related findings such as placental location, amniotic fluid and fetal growth.

At Dr. Dua’s Diagnostics & Imaging Centre in Chandigarh, detailed fetal imaging forms an important part of the centre’s pregnancy ultrasound services. Dr. Ashish Dua’s training in fetal imaging and advanced fetal cardiac imaging is particularly relevant when detailed assessment of fetal anatomy and the fetal heart is required.

NT Scan vs Anomaly Scan: What is the Difference?

Do You Need Both an NT Scan and an Anomaly Scan?

In most pregnancies, the NT Scan and Anomaly Scan are complementary examinations rather than alternatives.

The NT Scan is performed earlier, when the pregnancy is in the first trimester, and provides important early screening information.

The Anomaly Scan is performed several weeks later, when the baby’s organs and anatomical structures are more developed and can be examined in considerably greater detail.

Therefore, if your obstetrician has advised both scans, one should not generally be considered a replacement for the other.

Why Choose Dr. Ashish Dua for Fetal Imaging?

Choosing the right centre for pregnancy ultrasound is important because fetal imaging requires appropriate equipment, experience and systematic assessment.

Dr. Ashish Dua has completed an advanced fellowship in Fetal Imaging from PGIMER, Chandigarh, along with advanced training in fetal cardiac imaging from Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, USA.

This specialized training is particularly relevant for detailed fetal ultrasound examinations, including assessment of fetal anatomy and the fetal heart.

At Dr. Dua’s Diagnostics & Imaging Centre, Chandigarh, the focus is on providing high-quality diagnostic imaging with careful examination, appropriate documentation and clear communication of findings to the treating obstetrician and parents.

Pregnancy Ultrasound Services at Dr. Dua’s Diagnostics & Imaging Centre

• NT Scan
• Anomaly Scan / Level 2 Ultrasound
• Fetal Echocardiography
• Fetal cardiac imaging
• Obstetric ultrasound
• Colour Doppler studies when clinically indicated
• Other pregnancy-related ultrasound examinations

Patients visit Dr. Dua’s Diagnostics & Imaging Centre from Chandigarh, Mohali, Panchkula and across the Tricity region for pregnancy and fetal imaging.

Book Your NT Scan or Anomaly Scan in Chandigarh

If you have been advised an NT Scan or Anomaly Scan, the timing of the examination is important. Speak with your obstetrician about the appropriate scan window for your pregnancy.

At Dr. Dua’s Diagnostics & Imaging Centre, Dr. Ashish Dua and the imaging team are committed to providing careful, detailed and patient-focused fetal imaging.

For appointments and pregnancy ultrasound services in Chandigarh and the Tricity, contact Dr. Dua’s Diagnostics & Imaging Centre.