Your Pregnancy Scan Timeline: When to Get Each Scan

Knowing when each pregnancy scan should happen removes uncertainty and helps you plan ahead. Missing the optimal window for certain scans — particularly the NT scan and anomaly scan — can mean losing the best opportunity to detect important findings. Here is a clear timeline for pregnancy scans in Malaysia.

Weeks 6 to 10: Dating scan. This early scan confirms the pregnancy location, checks the baby's heartbeat, and establishes your due date. It is especially important if you have irregular periods, are unsure of your last menstrual period, or have experienced bleeding or pain. The dating scan can be done transabdominally or transvaginally depending on how far along you are.

Weeks 11 to 14: Nuchal translucency (NT) scan. This is a time-sensitive screening test for chromosomal conditions. The measurement must be taken between 11 and 14 weeks — outside this window, the results are not reliable. The NT scan is combined with a blood test (double marker test) to calculate a risk assessment. If the result indicates elevated risk, further tests like NIPT or amniocentesis may be discussed.

Weeks 18 to 22: Detailed anomaly scan. This is the most thorough scan of the pregnancy. Every major organ system is examined, the placenta is assessed, and amniotic fluid is measured. The optimal timing is around 20 weeks, when the baby is large enough for detailed assessment but still has room to move for better imaging angles. This scan should be performed by someone with advanced training — an MFM specialist like Dr. Kartik brings particular expertise to this examination.

Weeks 28 to 36: Growth scan. Not every pregnancy requires a third-trimester scan, but they are recommended for pregnancies with risk factors such as gestational diabetes, hypertension, suspected small baby, or reduced fetal movements. Growth scans measure the baby's estimated weight, check the amniotic fluid volume, and assess blood flow through the umbilical artery using Doppler studies.

Additional scans may be arranged for specific reasons — fetal echocardiography if a heart defect is suspected, cervical length scans for preterm labour risk, or serial Doppler studies for growth-restricted pregnancies. If you are unsure whether you need an extra scan, ask your obstetrician.

To make sure you do not miss any scan windows, book your appointments early. The NT scan and anomaly scan in particular should be scheduled well in advance, as clinics can get booked out. Dr. Kartik Balaraman performs all pregnancy scans personally at Columbia Asia Hospital Bukit Jalil — you can book directly without a referral.