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The later stages of pregnancy are a crucial period for closely monitoring fetal development to ensure the baby is growing as expected and receiving the necessary care. Among the key diagnostic tools used during this time, the Growth Scan holds particular importance.
Conducted during the second or third trimester, this scan provides valuable insights into the baby’s growth patterns, overall health, and well-being.
The Growth Scan is a standard part of prenatal care, offering detailed information about the baby’s weight, size, position, and the condition of the placenta and amniotic fluid levels.
What Is a Growth Scan?
A Growth Scan, also referred to as a fetal growth scan or late-pregnancy ultrasound, is a specialized scan performed during the third trimester, usually between 28 and 40 weeks of pregnancy. It is designed to assess your baby’s growth, development, and overall well-being.
The scan focuses on measuring key parameters like:
- Head Circumference (HC)
- Abdominal Circumference (AC)
- Femur Length (FL)
- Amniotic Fluid Levels
- Placental Position and Health
By examining these aspects, healthcare providers can ensure that the baby is growing at an appropriate rate and identify any potential complications that might need attention.
Who Is It For?
While a Growth Scan is often part of routine prenatal care for all pregnant women, it is especially recommended for:
- High-Risk Pregnancies: Women with conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or a history of pregnancy complications.
- Multiple Pregnancies: Mothers carrying twins, triplets, or more are monitored closely to ensure each baby is growing well.
- Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR): To monitor babies who are not growing as expected for their gestational age.
- Concerns About Amniotic Fluid Levels: Ensuring that the baby has adequate amniotic fluid for healthy development.
- Abnormalities in Previous Scans: To follow up on any unusual findings in earlier ultrasounds.
Even if you don’t fall into these categories, a Growth Scan provides valuable insights into your baby’s development and offers peace of mind.
Why Do You Need a Growth Scan?
The growth scan in pregnancy is essential for various reasons:
1. Assessing Baby’s Growth:
It ensures that the baby is growing at a healthy rate by comparing measurements to standard growth charts.
2. Monitoring Placenta and Amniotic Fluid:
The scan evaluates the placenta's position and function while checking the amniotic fluid levels, which are vital for the baby’s development.
3. Detecting Complications:
Interval growth scans can identify potential pregnancy complications like IUGR, macrosomia (overly large baby), or oligohydramnios (low amniotic fluid levels).
4. Determining Baby’s Position:
The growth scan report confirms whether the baby is in the optimal position for delivery, such as head-down.
5. Guiding Medical Decisions:
If any abnormalities or risks are detected, an interval growth scan allows healthcare providers to plan appropriate interventions, such as scheduling an early delivery or additional monitoring.
Read More: Pregnancy Scan: A Complete Guide to Its Stages, Benefits, and Milestones
How to Prepare for a Growth Scan
Preparation for a Growth Scan is straightforward but important to ensure accurate results:
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water before the scan. While a full bladder is not always necessary during the third trimester, hydration can improve image clarity.
- Wear Comfortable Clothes: Opt for loose-fitting clothing for easier access during the scan.
- Arrive on Time: Arriving a little early allows you to relax and complete any required paperwork.
- Carry Medical Records: Bring your previous scan reports and medical history to help the radiologist compare and analyze the results effectively.
- Emotional Preparedness: It’s natural to feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. Trust your healthcare provider to guide you through the process.
What Happens During the Scan?
The growth scan in pregnancy is a safe, non-invasive, and painless procedure performed by a trained radiologist. Here’s what you can expect:
1. Positioning:
You’ll be asked to lie down on an examination table, and a gel will be applied to your abdomen to allow the ultrasound probe to move smoothly.
2. Imaging:
The radiologist will use the probe to capture images of your baby on the monitor. Key measurements like head circumference, abdominal circumference, and femur length will be recorded.
3. Assessing Amniotic Fluid and Placenta:
The radiologist will examine the amniotic fluid levels and the health of the placenta.
4. Baby’s Position:
The scan will determine if the baby is head-down, breech, or in another position.
5. Duration:
The entire process typically takes about 20–30 minutes, but it may vary depending on the baby’s position and the clarity of the images.
After the Scan
Once the scan is complete:
- Discussion of Results: The radiologist will discuss the growth scan report with you. If any irregularities are detected, further tests or monitoring may be recommended.
- Reassurance: Most Growth Scans show normal development, providing peace of mind to parents.
- Follow-Up Appointments: Your healthcare provider may schedule additional scans or appointments to monitor any identified concerns closely.
It’s important to remember that a growth scan in pregnancy is a diagnostic tool that helps healthcare providers make informed decisions about your pregnancy.
Know more: How to Read a Pregnancy Scan Report: A Guide For Patients
What Other Pregnancy Scans Are There?
In addition to the Growth Scan, other important pregnancy scans include:
- Early Pregnancy Scan (6–10 Weeks): Confirms pregnancy and estimates the due date.
- NT Scan (11–14 Weeks): Assesses the risk of chromosomal abnormalities.
- Anomaly Scan (18–22 Weeks): Examines the baby’s anatomy and detects structural abnormalities.
- Doppler Scan (Late Pregnancy): Doppler Scans measures blood flow to ensure the baby is receiving adequate nutrients and oxygen.
