Growth Scan: Monitoring Your Baby’s Progress in the Final Months
As your pregnancy enters the later stages, typically the third trimester, monitoring your baby’s growth and well-being becomes a key focus. The Growth Scan is a specialized ultrasound designed for this purpose, providing valuable insights into how your little one is developing in the womb. Also known as a Fetal growth scan, Pregnancy growth scan, or Well-being scan, this ultrasound is a reassuring step for many expectant parents.
What is a Growth Scan?
A Growth Scan is an Obstetric scan for growth performed in the latter part of pregnancy. Unlike earlier scans that confirm the pregnancy or check for structural abnormalities, this scan focuses on assessing the baby’s size, growth rate, and overall health as they prepare for birth. It utilizes Third trimester ultrasound technology to gain detailed measurements and observations.
Key Purposes of the Growth Scan:
- Monitor Fetal Growth: The primary goal is to track how the baby is growing and compare their size to expected norms for their gestational age.
- Estimate Baby Weight Pregnancy: By taking specific measurements, the scan provides an Estimated Fetal Weight (EFW). While this is an estimate and not an exact birth weight, it helps assess if the baby is growing appropriately.
- Assess Fetal Well-being Scan: Beyond just size, the scan evaluates other indicators of the baby’s health, including movement, breathing patterns, and muscle tone.
- Check Amniotic Fluid Levels Ultrasound: The amount of amniotic fluid surrounding the baby is measured (Amniotic Fluid Index – AFI). Adequate fluid is essential for the baby’s movement, lung development, and protection.
- Evaluate Placenta Location Scan and Function: The scan re-checks the position of the placenta and can sometimes assess its blood flow (using Fetal Doppler scan pregnancy) to ensure it’s effectively providing nutrients and oxygen.
- Check Baby Position in Womb: The scan confirms the baby’s presentation (head down, breech, etc.), which is important for planning delivery.
When is a Growth Scan Typically Performed?
Growth scan timing varies depending on individual circumstances and healthcare provider protocols. They are most commonly performed from 28 weeks onwards. Frequent weeks for a Growth scan week include Growth scan at 30 weeks, Growth scan at 32 weeks, Growth scan at 34 weeks, and Growth scan at 36 weeks. Repeat scans may be recommended to monitor growth trends, especially in High-risk pregnancy or if concerns about the baby’s size arise.
What Measurements and Assessments are Done?
During a Growth Scan, the sonographer takes several Fetal measurements ultrasound, including:
- Head Circumference (HC)
- Abdominal Circumference (AC)
- Femur Length (FL) (thigh bone length)
These measurements are used in formulas to calculate the Estimated Fetal Weight (EFW) and assess if the baby is the appropriate Check baby size in womb for their gestational age. Other assessments include visually checking fetal movements, evaluating amniotic fluid volume, and examining the placenta. A Fetal Doppler scan pregnancy may be added to check blood flow in the umbilical cord and key fetal vessels.
Why Might a Growth Scan Be Recommended?
While some healthcare providers may recommend a Growth Scan as part of routine third-trimester care, it is particularly important in cases of:
- Suspected issues with the baby’s size (e.g., fundal height measuring large or small).
- Previous history of growth-restricted or large babies.
- Maternal health conditions that can affect fetal growth (like diabetes or high blood pressure).
- Multiple pregnancies.
- Concerns about decreased fetal movement.
Finding a reliable Growth scan centre near me or a Best growth scan clinic is important for accurate monitoring. These scans are typically performed at a Pregnancy ultrasound clinic near me or a Fetal medicine centre.
For comprehensive care throughout your pregnancy, including expert interpretation of growth scans and management of any potential issues, consulting with a qualified specialist is invaluable.
Dr. Sumeet Baheti is a highly regarded Obstetrician, Gynaecologist, Laparoscopist & Fertility Specialist in Nagpur, dedicated to providing exceptional care for women at all stages of their reproductive journey. As a leading best Obstetrician and best Gynaecologist, she offers specialized services including detailed Growth Scan monitoring to ensure the healthy progression of your pregnancy. Her expertise in managing High-risk pregnancy means she is adept at utilizing growth scans and Fetal Doppler scan pregnancy to assess fetal well-being in complex situations. Additionally, as a skilled Laparoscopic Surgeon specializing in Gynaecological laparoscopy, she can address related women’s health concerns like Menstrual problems and Ovarian cysts through minimally invasive Laparoscopic surgery, providing holistic care that covers everything from fertility and conception to comprehensive prenatal and postnatal support as a dedicated Women’s Health Doctor.
The Growth Scan is an important tool to ensure your baby is thriving in the final weeks. Discussing the results and any questions you have with your healthcare provider will help you feel confident and prepared for your baby’s arrival.