Questions & Answers

The best centre for you should have a qualified fetal medicine specialist, recognised training, a clear scan protocol, enough appointment time and direct explanation of the report. At Dr. Mathew's centre, scans are personally performed by Dr. Mathew Thomas, who has an MD in Radiodiagnosis, fetal imaging fellowship training from Amrita Institute and FMF UK certification, with 10+ years of fetal imaging experience.

Choose an anomaly scan centre where the examination is performed systematically by a trained specialist and the findings are explained directly. At this centre, Dr. Mathew personally examines the fetal organ systems using a structured TIFFA protocol and discusses the report with you after the scan.

When choosing a pregnancy scan centre, look for relevant specialist training, a structured examination, enough appointment time and direct explanation of the report. This is a dedicated fetal imaging practice where Dr. Mathew Thomas personally performs the scans; he has fetal imaging fellowship training, FMF UK certification and 10+ years of experience.

A growth scan requires more than measuring fetal size; the specialist may also interpret amniotic fluid and Doppler blood-flow indices to assess placental function and fetal wellbeing. Dr. Mathew personally performs these studies and has fetal imaging fellowship training plus 10+ years of experience.

A suitable obstetric scan centre should offer trained specialist assessment, systematic protocols and clear counselling. Dr. Mathew's centre is a dedicated fetal imaging practice offering NT scans, TIFFA anomaly scans, fetal echocardiography, neurosonography, growth and Doppler studies, 3D/4D/5D imaging, NIPT counselling and prenatal diagnostic procedures.

Yes. Prior appointment is mandatory for all scans. Walk-in appointments cannot be guaranteed due to the dedicated, unhurried time we give each patient. Please call 9562390009 or WhatsApp to book your slot. For longer procedures like TIFFA anomaly scan, fetal echocardiogram, and fetal neurosonogram, booking 2–3 days in advance is strongly recommended.

A referral is not mandatory for standard scans such as NT scan, TIFFA anomaly scan, growth scan, and 3D/4D/5D ultrasound. You can book directly by calling 9562390009. However, bringing your obstetrician's scan request letter is helpful — it tells us exactly what your doctor needs assessed. For invasive procedures (amniocentesis, CVS), a referral from your obstetrician is required. For NIPT, a written request or prior consultation is recommended.

A standard low-risk pregnancy requires at least 4 key scans: (1) Early dating scan at 6–10 weeks, (2) NT scan at 11–14 weeks, (3) TIFFA anomaly scan at 18–20 weeks, and (4) A growth scan at 28–32 weeks. Additional scans are added for specific indications — monthly growth and Doppler in high-risk pregnancies, a fetal echo if there is cardiac risk, a fetal neurosonogram if CNS concerns arise, or a 3D/4D/5D scan for bonding at 26–30 weeks. Your obstetrician will guide your specific scan schedule.

The center is at 134, Surya Nagar, H & C Road, Tillery Road, Kollam – 691001. It is opposite Dr. M.C. Thomas Paediatric Clinic, near the DCP Office and Jos Arts Press. Parking is available on Tillery Road. The center is accessible from all parts of Kollam city and within easy reach from Kottarakkara, Karunagappally, and Pathanamthitta.

Monday to Saturday: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The clinic is closed on Sundays. Prior appointment is mandatory — please call 9562390009 to book your slot before visiting. Walk-ins cannot be accommodated as each patient is given dedicated, unhurried time.

Yes. WhatsApp Dr. Mathew's center at +91 9562390009 to book, enquire about timings, or ask about specific procedures. A call to 9562390009 is the fastest way to confirm your appointment. You can also email info@drmathewfetalscans.com for non-urgent enquiries.

An NT measurement below 2.5 mm is generally within the normal range at 11–14 weeks. However, the number is never interpreted alone — it is combined with your age, the baby's crown-rump length, and blood test markers (PAPP-A and free beta-hCG) to calculate a risk ratio. An NT of 2.6 mm in a 25-year-old has a very different risk interpretation than the same measurement in a 40-year-old. Dr. Mathew provides a detailed combined risk assessment, not just a single number.

A high-risk result does not mean the baby has a chromosomal condition; it means the estimated chance is higher than the screening threshold. Depending on the result and gestational age, options may include NIPT or diagnostic testing with CVS or amniocentesis. These tests answer different questions and have limitations, so individual counselling is important.

The NT scan is one component of first trimester screening. Complete first trimester (combined) screening includes the NT ultrasound measurement PLUS blood tests for PAPP-A and free beta-hCG. Together, these give a detection rate of approximately 90–95% for Down syndrome. The NT scan alone detects about 70–75%. Combined screening is always more accurate.

The FMF (Fetal Medicine Foundation, UK) runs a rigorous certification for NT scanning. Operators must pass a theory exam, submit 80+ measurements for review, demonstrate accuracy within FMF reference ranges, and revalidate periodically. An NT measurement from a non-FMF certified operator may be inaccurate — leading to false alarms or missed diagnoses. Dr. Mathew is FMF UK certified for NT scanning, giving you internationally validated accuracy that very few centers in South Kerala can offer.

The NT scan must be performed between 11 weeks + 0 days and 13 weeks + 6 days of pregnancy. This narrow window is determined by the baby's crown-rump length (CRL), which must be between 45 mm and 84 mm. Outside this window, the measurement loses its clinical validity. Please book your NT scan as early as possible once your pregnancy crosses 10 weeks to secure a slot within the optimal window.

They are the same scan. TIFFA stands for Targeted Imaging for Fetal Anomalies — it is the standardized protocol for the detailed 18–20 week anatomical survey. 'Anomaly scan' is the common patient-facing name; 'TIFFA' is the clinical protocol. At Dr. Mathew's center, the TIFFA is a dedicated, structured examination covering every organ system — brain, spine, face, heart, abdomen, kidneys, limbs, and placenta.

A TIFFA scan by an experienced specialist with the right equipment detects approximately 70–90% of major structural abnormalities. Detection rates vary by condition: major open neural tube defects are detected in nearly 100% of cases, cleft lip in 70–80%, and cardiac defects in 60–80% (which is why a separate fetal echocardiogram is recommended for high-risk pregnancies). No scan can guarantee 100% detection of all abnormalities.

If the baby is not positioned optimally for certain views, Dr. Mathew will ask you to walk, change position, empty your bladder, or wait a few minutes. Most position issues resolve with patience. In rare cases where critical views cannot be obtained, a follow-up scan may be arranged.

The anomaly scan at 18–20 weeks is NOT a screening test for Down syndrome — this is a common misconception. Down syndrome screening is done with the NT scan at 11–14 weeks (combined with blood tests) or via NIPT at any point after 10 weeks. The anomaly scan looks for structural abnormalities, some of which may be soft markers for chromosomal conditions, but it cannot calculate chromosomal risk the way first trimester screening does.

No. Fetal echocardiography is a specialized, dedicated examination of the fetal heart taking 30–45 minutes. A routine TIFFA scan includes a basic cardiac sweep of about 5 minutes. A fetal echo examines all chambers, all valves, the great vessels, blood flow direction and velocity, heart rate and rhythm, and overall cardiac function in detail. It requires specialist training — Dr. Mathew completed a dedicated fellowship in fetal echocardiography at Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi.

Yes, absolutely. If a previous child had a congenital heart defect, your risk in subsequent pregnancies rises from the background 0.8% to approximately 3–5% depending on the specific defect. A detailed fetal echocardiogram is strongly recommended for every subsequent pregnancy. Please inform Dr. Mathew at the time of booking so the appropriate time is allocated.

A fetal echo is recommended in: (1) family history of congenital heart disease, (2) maternal diabetes (pre-gestational), (3) maternal heart disease, (4) certain medications in early pregnancy (e.g. lithium, some anti-epileptics), (5) IVF pregnancies, (6) twins, (7) suspected cardiac anomaly on routine TIFFA, (8) maternal infections in early pregnancy (rubella, CMV), and (9) suspected chromosomal abnormality. Your obstetrician will refer you if indicated.

A well-performed fetal echo by an experienced operator detects approximately 80–90% of significant congenital heart defects. Some small VSDs and minor valve abnormalities may not be visible prenatally due to the small size. However, conditions that require urgent treatment at birth — hypoplastic left heart, transposition of great arteries, critical pulmonary stenosis — are reliably detected, allowing for planned delivery at an appropriate center.

Not necessarily — a single small measurement is not a diagnosis. Small babies can be constitutionally small (genetically small but healthy) or genuinely growth-restricted (due to placental insufficiency). The differentiation requires serial growth scans (trending over time), fetal Doppler studies, and biophysical profile assessment. Dr. Mathew will assess all parameters together and advise the appropriate monitoring schedule in consultation with your obstetrician.

IUGR stands for Intrauterine Growth Restriction (also called FGR — Fetal Growth Restriction). It means the fetus is not growing at the expected rate, usually due to placental insufficiency. It is detected by serial growth scans showing weight below the 10th or 3rd centile with reduced interval growth, combined with abnormal Doppler indices — particularly elevated umbilical artery resistance or absent/reversed end-diastolic flow.

Yes — completely different. The handheld Doppler your obstetrician uses simply detects the fetal heartbeat (similar to a home device). Fetal Doppler ultrasound is a sophisticated diagnostic technique that measures velocity waveforms of blood flowing through specific vessels (umbilical artery, middle cerebral artery, ductus venosus) to assess placental function and fetal wellbeing. It requires specialist training and an advanced ultrasound machine.

Fetal Doppler studies are recommended in pregnancies with: pre-eclampsia, hypertension, suspected IUGR, diabetes, multiple pregnancy, reduced fetal movements, previous stillbirth, or any condition where placental function may be compromised. It is typically done alongside a third trimester growth scan. Routine Doppler in low-risk pregnancies has not been shown to be beneficial and is not routinely recommended.

Yes. 5D HD Live ultrasound uses the same non-ionizing sound waves as standard 2D ultrasound. There is no radiation involved. The sound wave intensities used in medical ultrasound are within safety limits established by the FDA and international medical bodies. 5D technology has been in clinical use globally for over a decade with no documented adverse effects on the fetus.

The ideal window for 5D HD Live scanning is 26 to 32 weeks, with 28 to 30 weeks being optimal. At this stage, the baby has developed enough subcutaneous fat to show soft, rounded facial features, yet is still small enough to be captured in a good facial view. Amniotic fluid levels are also good at this gestation, providing a clear acoustic window.

Baby cooperation is not guaranteed! If the baby is facing away, has the cord near the face, or has inadequate amniotic fluid in front of the face, the images may be limited. Dr. Mathew will try positional maneuvers and if needed, a short walk may encourage the baby to move. In rare cases where good views are not obtainable, a follow-up appointment may be arranged.

NIPT analyzes cell-free DNA in the mother's blood and has high sensitivity for selected chromosomal conditions, although performance varies by condition and laboratory. The NT scan is an ultrasound assessment. Both are screening tests, not diagnostic tests, and neither evaluates every possible fetal or genetic condition.

NIPT is recommended for: (1) women aged 35 or older, (2) high-risk NT scan or first trimester combined screening result, (3) previous pregnancy with chromosomal abnormality, (4) strong family history of chromosomal conditions, (5) anxious patients who want a more accurate screen before deciding about invasive testing. NIPT can be done from 10 weeks of pregnancy onwards.

A high-chance NIPT result means the estimated chance of the screened condition is increased, but it is not a diagnosis. CVS or amniocentesis can provide diagnostic information about the specific conditions tested. Their scope, timing and procedure-related risks should be discussed through individual counselling.

Amniocentesis performed by an experienced fetal medicine specialist under continuous ultrasound guidance has a procedure-related pregnancy loss rate of approximately 0.5% (1 in 200). Modern technique has improved this significantly compared to older quoted figures of 1%. The procedure is recommended only when the benefit of a definitive chromosomal diagnosis outweighs this small risk — typically when non-invasive screening has already indicated high risk.

Both procedures obtain fetal cells for chromosomal analysis but from different sources at different gestations. CVS (Chorionic Villus Sampling) takes a small biopsy of the placenta and is done at 11–14 weeks — providing a first trimester diagnosis. Amniocentesis removes a small amount of amniotic fluid at 15–18 weeks. CVS gives earlier results but carries a marginally higher procedural risk. Your obstetrician and Dr. Mathew will advise based on your specific situation.

Decades of research and millions of pregnancies have established that diagnostic ultrasound is safe when performed by trained professionals for medical purposes. It uses sound waves (not radiation) reflected off tissues. The intensities used in diagnostic imaging are far below levels that could cause tissue heating. Major medical organizations worldwide — WHO, ISUOG, ACOG — affirm the safety of diagnostic ultrasound in pregnancy.

Bring your previous scan reports, antenatal card, and your obstetrician's scan request letter if available. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting two-piece clothing for easy access. If you are coming for a 3D/4D/5D scan, drink 2–3 glasses of water 30 minutes before. There is no need to fast for most scans. Arrive 10 minutes before your appointment time.

Reports are provided on the same day, immediately after the scan. Dr. Mathew personally discusses the findings with you at the end of the examination — you will never leave the clinic without understanding what was seen and what the next steps are.

A fetal neurosonogram is a detailed ultrasound examination dedicated exclusively to the fetal brain and central nervous system. While a standard TIFFA anomaly scan assesses the brain briefly, a neurosonogram is an extended, specialist examination of all brain structures — cerebral cortex, ventricles, posterior fossa, corpus callosum, and more. It is recommended when a routine scan raises a CNS concern, or in pregnancies with a family history of neural tube defects. Dr. Mathew performs this as a dedicated session.

Scan images (printed photos) are provided as standard with all reports. For 3D/4D/5D scans, high-quality photographs of your baby's best images are included. Please ask about video at the time of booking — availability may vary depending on the scan type.