What is a Growth Scan in Pregnancy? A Complete Guide for Expecting Mothers
As your pregnancy progresses, ensuring that your baby is growing at a healthy rate becomes a key priority.
A growth scan during pregnancy is an ultrasound test used to evaluate fetal development, estimate weight, and monitor placental function. Most often conducted in the late second or, more commonly, the third trimester, typically after 28 weeks, a growth scan in pregnancy helps identify potential concerns early, allowing timely care and reassurance for expectant mothers.
In this blog, we break down when growth scans are done, what they assess, and how they support a healthy pregnancy.
What is a growth scan in pregnancy?
A growth scan, also known as a fetal growth or late-pregnancy scan, is a detailed ultrasound examination typically performed in the third trimester, most often between 28 and 40 weeks of pregnancy. Its purpose is to evaluate your baby’s growth, physical development, and overall health.
During the scan, the following key measurements are assessed:
- Head Circumference (HC)
- Abdominal Circumference (AC)
- Femur Length (FL)
- Amniotic fluid levels
- Placental position and condition
By analyzing these parameters, healthcare providers can ensure that your baby is growing at a healthy rate and detect any potential concerns early, allowing for timely and appropriate care.
For whom is the growth scan for?
While a growth scan may be included as part of routine prenatal care, it is mainly recommended after 28 weeks or in certain situations, such as:
- High-risk pregnancies: For women with medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or a history of pregnancy complications.
- Multiple pregnancies: Mothers expecting twins, triplets, or more are closely monitored to ensure each baby is growing well.
- Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR): For babies who are not growing as expected for their gestational age, the scan helps to monitor them closely.
- Concerns about amniotic fluid levels: To confirm that the baby has adequate amniotic fluid for healthy growth and movement.
- Abnormal findings in earlier scans: To monitor and follow up on any concerns in earlier ultrasounds.
Even if none of these apply, a growth scan can still provide valuable insights into your baby’s development and offer peace of mind.
Why do you need a growth scan during pregnancy?
A growth scan in pregnancy is performed to ensure that your baby is developing at a healthy and appropriate rate, especially in the later stages of pregnancy. It provides valuable information that supports both maternal and fetal well-being.
- Monitoring fetal growth: It ensures that your baby is growing at a healthy rate by comparing measurements to standard growth charts.
- Estimating a baby’s weight and size: This information can guide birth planning and delivery decisions.
- Checking placental health: The scan assesses the placental position and function, which are crucial for supplying oxygen and nutrients to the baby.
- Assessing amniotic fluid levels: Adequate fluid is necessary for fetal movement, lung development, and overall safety.
- Identifying potential complications early: Conditions such as growth restriction or excessive growth can be detected and managed promptly.
- Providing reassurance: For many mothers, a growth scan brings peace of mind by showing the pregnancy is healthy.
Overall, a growth scan plays a crucial role in ensuring timely care and supporting a safe and healthy pregnancy and delivery.
How to prepare for a growth scan?
Preparing for a growth scan during pregnancy is simple and usually doesn’t require any special steps. Here’s what you should know before your appointment:
- Wear comfortable clothing: Opt for loose, two-piece clothing that allows easy access to your abdomen.
- Bring your medical records: Carry previous ultrasound reports or antenatal records for comparison, if available.
- Empty or partially filled bladder: In most third-trimester growth scans, a full bladder is not required. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions.
- Arrive on time: This ensures the scan is done without rushing and allows time for discussion if needed.
- Relax and stay comfortable: The scan is non-invasive, painless, and safe for both mother and baby.
What happens during a growth scan?
During a growth scan during pregnancy, the procedure is simple, safe, and non-invasive. Here’s what you can expect:
- You will be asked to lie comfortably on an examination table, and a clear gel is applied to your abdomen to help the ultrasound probe move smoothly and produce clear images.
- The radiologist gently moves the probe over your abdomen to capture images of your baby.
- Key measurements are taken, including the baby’s head, abdomen, and thigh bone, to assess growth and estimate weight.
- Amniotic fluid levels and placental position are also evaluated to ensure a healthy environment for the baby.
The growth scan usually takes 20–30 minutes, depending on the baby’s position. After the scan, your healthcare provider reviews the findings and explains the results, discussing any necessary next steps.
DMDC: Monitoring your baby’s growth with confidence
A growth scan in pregnancy is a vital tool for ensuring your baby’s healthy development and providing peace of mind for expectant mothers.
At Deira City Medical Diagnostic Center (DMDC), we use advanced imaging and skilled staff to deliver accurate results. With over 25 years of service in Dubai, our facility helps you monitor your baby’s growth safely and effectively.
Book your appointment today and take the next step in caring for your little one’s health with confidence.
FAQ's
What is a growth scan in pregnancy at 32 weeks?
A growth scan at 32 weeks is a third-trimester ultrasound that evaluates fetal size, estimated weight, amniotic fluid levels, and placental health to ensure healthy development.
How accurate is a growth scan in detecting potential issues?
Growth scans reliably track fetal growth patterns and detect concerns such as growth restriction, fluid imbalance, or placental issues, although estimated fetal weight may vary slightly.
Can a growth scan be performed at any stage of pregnancy?
Growth scans are usually performed after 28 weeks of pregnancy, as they are most accurate in the third trimester when fetal growth and well-being can be properly assessed. Earlier scans may be recommended under specific circumstances, according to your healthcare provider.
What are the different pregnancy scans?
Common pregnancy scans include dating scans, NT scans, anomaly scans, growth scans, and Doppler ultrasounds, each designed to monitor fetal development at different stages.