The Importance of Growth Scan In Pregnancy –  Monitoring Fetal Development and Ensuring a Healthy Pregnancy

​As your little one blossoms, their demand for adequate nourishment burgeons, making it imperative to undergo periodic growth scans throughout pregnancy. These scans, scheduled every 4 weeks from 28 to 36 weeks, allow doctors to assess the progression of your baby’s size, weight, and the amount of amniotic fluid surrounding them. In some cases, a growth scan at 36 weeks may be recommended to ensure final preparations for childbirth.

Regular Growth Scans Identify Pregnancy Issues, Including Sluggish Fetal Growth, Placental Complications, Structural Abnormalities, and Multiple Pregnancies (Twins). Note: Minimal (<1%) Chance of Inducing Labor. In essence, growth scans serve as a pivotal tool in monitoring fetal development and promoting a healthy pregnancy. If any concerns arise, it is crucial to confer with your healthcare provider for guidance and reassurance.

What Is a Growth Scan?

A growth scan is an ultrasound examination conducted to evaluate the development and progress of a fetus, typically performed around the 36th week of pregnancy or earlier if concerns arise regarding the baby’s growth. These scans serve various purposes, including monitoring the growth of multiple babies simultaneously in expectant mothers carrying twins or triplets, as well as assessing the progress of the current pregnancy in women who previously had a small-for-gestational-age (SGA) baby.

A growth scan measures the fetus’s size and estimates its weight. The ultrasound technician measures the head, abdomen, and femur (thigh bone) to determine the estimated weight. Overall, a growth scan serves as a valuable tool, providing healthcare providers and parents with crucial information about the well-being and development of the fetus.

Benefits of a Growth Scan

A growth scan ultrasound assesses the baby’s development and size during pregnancy. It helps identify issues like intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and estimates the baby’s birth weight, aiding in delivery planning.

A growth scan serves the additional purpose of assisting in the detection of potential birth defects. It can identify defects before the baby is born or diagnose problems that may not be immediately apparent but could manifest after birth. Furthermore, the scan provides valuable information about the position of the placenta and the umbilical cord, which is crucial for planning the delivery process.

Discover the wonders of a growth scan ultrasound as it unveils precious insights into your baby’s growth and development. Unlock its power to diagnose issues and assist in planning the perfect delivery process.

When to Have a Growth Scan

Pregnancy is a remarkable period filled with transformative changes in your body to accommodate the arrival of your precious little one. It is crucial to closely monitor your pregnancy and ensure that everything progresses as expected, with ultrasounds playing a vital role in this regard. Among the various types of ultrasounds performed during pregnancy, the growth ultrasound, often referred to as the 36-week ultrasound, is a commonly conducted examination.

The purpose of a growth ultrasound is to evaluate the baby’s development and assess their growth, including weight, length, and head circumference. The doctor also analyzes the condition of the placenta and the levels of amniotic fluid during this procedure. Typically scheduled around the 36-week mark, the growth ultrasound can be performed earlier or later if required. In the case of multiple pregnancies, such as carrying twins, the need for multiple growth ultrasounds may arise.

Consult your doctor to determine if a growth ultrasound is necessary for your pregnancy. A positive outcome ensures a healthy pregnancy and delivery, while any concerns will be addressed promptly.

How Is a Growth Scan Performed?

A growth scan, typically performed around the 36-week mark, is an ultrasound scan that focuses on evaluating the improvement and growth of the baby throughout pregnancy. This specialized scan involves measuring the baby’s head, abdomen, and thigh, which are used to predict the baby’s weight. Furthermore, the healthcare professional may also examine the baby’s organs, such as the heart and kidneys, to ensure they are developing properly.

If you have been advised to undergo a growth scan during pregnancy, it is important to understand the procedure and its significance in promoting a healthy pregnancy. Overall, growth scans are considered safe for both the mother and the baby, with minimal risks associated with ultrasound usage. These risks are extremely low and are outweighed by the numerous benefits provided by the scan. By staying informed about the procedure, you can make well-informed decisions to support the well-being of both you and your baby.

Risks of a Growth Scan

Regular monitoring of your baby’s size by your healthcare provider is essential during pregnancy to ensure optimal growth. However, if concerns arise regarding your baby’s growth, a growth scan, also known as fetal biometry or fetal size survey, may be recommended. Typically conducted between 28 and 40 weeks of pregnancy, this scan involves assuming a supine position on an examination table while the application of gel facilitates the capture of images using a handheld transducer. Utilizing sound waves that interact with your baby’s bones, a black-and-white image is generated and displayed on a screen for analysis.

While growth scans are generally considered safe, it is important to be aware of potential risks associated with any medical procedure, including the heating effect of ultrasound waves on body tissues. This effect might cause a temporary increase in your baby’s body temperature but is not believed to result in any lasting harm. Another risk is the possibility of an inaccurate measurement due to factors such as the position of your baby during the scan, which may require a follow-up scan for more accurate assessment.

In rare instances, ultrasound waves used in the scan can potentially cause tissue damage if the transducer is used for an extended period or placed incorrectly on your body. If you have any concerns regarding the risks associated with a growth scan, it is essential to discuss them with your healthcare provider.

Interpreting the Results of a Growth Scan

A growth scan is a specialized ultrasound performed to evaluate the progress of a baby’s growth. Typically, this scan is conducted around the 36-week mark of pregnancy, although it may be scheduled earlier or later if there are concerns regarding the baby’s growth. During the scan, the ultrasound technician will carefully measure the baby’s head, abdomen, and thigh, utilizing these measurements to estimate the baby’s weight. It is important to note that while the estimated weight provides valuable information, it may not always be entirely accurate. However, it does offer insights into the baby’s growth pattern.

Interpreting the results of a growth scan can be complex, as the baby’s weight is just one aspect considered alongside the baby’s gestational age. For instance, a baby born at 36 weeks is expected to weigh fewer than a baby born at 40 weeks. It’s important to recognize that a growth scan is just a component of assessing a baby’s growth and well-being. alternative factors, such as the mother’s weight gain during pregnancy and the position of the baby in the uterus, also contribute to the overall evaluation of the pregnancy’s well-being.

What You Should Know About Growth Scans

As your precious little one continues to grow in size and weight, your healthcare provider may recommend a growth scan to monitor their progress. This scan utilizes ultrasound technology to measure your baby’s growth and can be performed anytime after 24 weeks of pregnancy. There are several reasons why your provider may suggest a growth scan, such as if you previously had a small baby, if you are expecting twins, if there is a family history of small babies, if you have diabetes, if you have experienced significant weight changes, if you have high blood pressure, or if you notice reduced fetal movement.

Additionally, your provider may also want to assess your baby’s position during the scan. This information helps determine if your baby is in a head-down position (ideal for vaginal delivery), breech position (bottom down), or transverse position (lying sideways). Before the scan, you will be instructed to drink 32 ounces of water one hour prior to your appointment. This helps to fill your bladder, facilitating the passage of ultrasound waves during the scan.

During the procedure, lie on the exam table while gel is applied to your belly. A handheld transducer captures measurements using ultrasound waves to generate black and white images on a screen. The scan typically lasts 30 to 60 minutes, after which you can resume your normal activities. If you’re at or beyond 36 weeks, your provider may recommend an ultrasound to assess your baby’s growth due to the final weeks’ growth spurt. If you have questions or concerns, consult your healthcare provider.

Potential Insights Gained From a Growth Scan

During your pregnancy, as you approach its final stages, your healthcare provider may suggest a 36-week ultrasound examination to monitor your baby’s growth and ensure their healthy development.

By providing valuable insights into your baby’s growth, the ultrasound becomes a crucial tool in detecting potential issues. For example, a lower-than-expected estimated weight may signal problems with the placenta or inadequate caloric intake, while a higher-than-expected estimated weight could be linked to familial factors like obesity or diabetes.

The 36-week ultrasound examination plays a pivotal role in providing important insights into your baby’s growth and development. Its ability to identify potential issues in a timely manner allows for appropriate management or interventions before the onset of childbirth.

What to Do After Your Growth Scan

Once you’ve had a growth scan, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the results. By understanding what they mean, you can make informed determination to ensure the perfect care for you and your baby’s well-being.

In the event that the growth scan reveals inadequate growth, it is important to consider potential medical factors. Birth defects or maternal conditions like diabetes can impact your baby’s growth. To determine the cause, your healthcare provider may recommend additional tests such as a heart ultrasound for the baby or a blood test for you, aimed at evaluating any underlying conditions.

If you have any concerns or inquiries about the findings of your growth scan, it is essential to engage in an open conversation with your healthcare provider. They possess the expertise to address your concerns, offer clarifications, and provide guidance on the subsequent steps of your care.

When to Follow Up With Your Doctor After a Growth Scan

To ensure a healthy pregnancy, it is vital to attend regular doctor appointments and undergo necessary ultrasounds, particularly during the second and third trimesters. One important ultrasound is the growth scan, performed around the 28th week or earlier if there are concerns about fetal growth.

After a growth scan, your doctor will have a detailed discussion with you about the results. They will inform you about any concerns and whether everything appears normal. If the results are normal, another ultrasound will be scheduled around the 36th week to reassess the baby’s growth. However, if there are any concerns, your doctor may recommend a follow-up growth scan in a few weeks. Additionally, they may order further tests, such as a biophysical profile, to assess the well-being of the baby.

We would like to highlight that the information provided on this platform is intended solely for educational targeted. We strongly recommend seeking the expert opinion and personalized advice of your healthcare provider to ensure accurate guidance and support tailored to your unique circumstances.