How Growth Scan Shows Baby’s Health and Development
During pregnancy, every parent’s biggest question is, “Is my baby growing well?” A Growth Scan in Pregnancy (often called an Interval Growth Scan or Fetal Growth Ultrasound) is the medical answer to that question. Unlike earlier scans that focus on dates or anomalies, this scan is all about your baby’s well-being in the third trimester.
Dr. Deepti Mittal, a renowned Fetal Medicine Specialist in Pune with over 12+ years of experience, explains that this scan serves as a vital checkpoint. It measures your baby’s size, weight, amniotic fluid, and blood flow to ensure they are thriving inside the womb. Currently serving as a Consultant at Cloudnine Hospital (SB Road) and Motherhood Hospital (Kharadi), Dr. Deepti combines advanced Doppler technology with compassionate care to detect growth issues early. Whether you need a routine check or are managing a high-risk condition, a Growth Scan in Pune under her expert guidance ensures the safest outcome for both mother and child.
What is a Growth Scan in Pregnancy?
A growth scan in pregnancy is a specialized ultrasound performed typically in the third trimester. While early scans confirm the due date or check for structural defects, the primary goal of this scan is to track how the baby is developing over time.
It is often referred to as a growth scan vs anatomy scan. The anatomy scan (20 weeks) looks at organ structure, whereas the growth scan assesses:
- Fetal Biometry: Measuring the head (BPD/HC), abdomen (AC), and thigh bone (FL) to estimate fetal weight (EFW).
- Amniotic Fluid Index (AFI): Checking if there is enough fluid around the baby.
- Doppler Studies: Evaluating blood flow in the umbilical cord and brain to ensure the placenta is functioning correctly.
Many parents ask, “what is a growth scan in pregnancy going to tell me?” Simply put, it tells you if the baby is getting enough nutrition and oxygen to reach their full potential before birth.
Why Is It an Important Scan?
The growth scan pregnancy third trimester is crucial because fetal growth is not always linear. Some babies might start growing normally but slow down later due to placental issues.
- Detecting IUGR (Intrauterine Growth Restriction): If a baby is smaller than expected, early detection allows doctors to intervene before the baby becomes distressed.
- Managing Macrosomia: A growth scan report might show the baby is larger than average, often seen in mothers with gestational diabetes. This helps in planning a safe delivery.
- Doppler Assessment: This is the “safety net.” Even if a baby is small, normal Doppler readings indicate the baby is healthy. Abnormal readings might require early delivery.
- Checking Position: It confirms if the baby is head-down (cephalic) or breech, influencing birth planning.
When Do You Get a Growth Scan in Pregnancy?
The timing depends on your specific pregnancy needs.
- Low-Risk Pregnancies: A single growth scan in third trimester is usually done between 28 to 32 weeks.
- High-Risk Pregnancies: If you have diabetes, hypertension, or twins, you may need serial growth scans. These are often scheduled every 3-4 weeks (e.g., at 28, 32, and 36 weeks) to track the growth curve accurately.
Common Queries on Timing:
- “Growth scan in pregnancy which week?” The most common window is 28-32 weeks.
- “Growth scan at 36 weeks?” This is often done to check the final position and estimated birth weight.
- “Growth scan at 24 weeks?” This is early for a standard growth scan but may be done if the belly measures small or for high-risk monitoring.
Here's How Growth Scans Assess Your Baby's Well-Being:
Fetal Growth and Size:
Growth scans use ultrasound measurements (like head circumference, abdominal circumference, and femur length) to:
- Estimate fetal weight.
- Track growth trends over time.
- Detect growth restriction or excessive growth, which may signal underlying health concerns.
Amniotic Fluid Levels:
This scan assesses the amniotic fluid index (AFI), indicating if there’s:
- Too little fluid (oligohydramnios)—linked to placental issues or fetal urinary problems.
- Too much fluid (polyhydramnios)—associated with maternal diabetes or fetal swallowing difficulties.
Placental Function and Position
It evaluates:
- Placental placement (anterior, posterior, or low-lying).
- Any signs of placental insufficiency.
- The blood flow from mother to baby, often through Doppler studies, which can signal potential complications.
Fetal Activity and Movement:
During the scan, the fetal heartbeat, breathing movements, and physical activities (like limb movements) are observed, indicating fetal well-being and neurological status.
Other Important Information:
Growth scans can also:
- Detect structural abnormalities that manifest late in pregnancy.
- Guide the management of twins or multiple pregnancies through individual assessment.
- Offer reassurance and allow for advance planning in case of detected anomalies.
Other Issues or Red Flags Detected:
A growth scan may identify issues such as:
- Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR): Baby is not growing as expected.
- Reduced or excessive amniotic fluid.
- Abnormal umbilical cord blood flow.
- Unusual fetal positioning or movement patterns.
- Structural issues in organs or limbs.
If the Scan Reveals Concerning Findings…If anything abnormal is detected, your doctor may:
- Recommend additional scans for closer monitoring.
- Suggest specialized tests (like Doppler ultrasounds or fetal echocardiography).
- Initiate interventions, adjust your care plan, or refer to a fetal medicine specialist.
For expert guidance and a personalized approach, schedule a visit with Dr. Deepti Mittal—an experienced Fetal Medicine Specialist in Pune, dedicated to ensuring the best outcomes for mother and baby.
How Many Growth Scans During Pregnancy?
There is no fixed number for everyone—”does everyone get a growth scan?” Not necessarily, but it is highly recommended.
- Standard Protocol: Usually one or two scans in the third trimester.
- Medical Necessity: If a growth scan report at 30 weeks shows the baby is small, your doctor might order a follow-up growth scan at 34 weeks.
- Serial Scans: For twins or growth-restricted babies, you might have scans every 2 weeks.
How long does a growth scan take? Typically, the scan takes about 20 to 30 minutes. If the baby is in a difficult position or if detailed Doppler studies are needed, it might take a bit longer.
What Happens at a Growth Scan?
During the growth ultrasound, the sonographer or Fetal Medicine Doctor in Pune will apply gel to your belly and use a probe to visualize the baby. Here is what they look for:
- Measurements: They measure the baby’s head, tummy, and leg bone. These numbers are plotted on a graph to see if the baby is growing along their personal curve.
- Amniotic Fluid Check: They measure pockets of fluid. Low fluid (Oligohydramnios) or high fluid (Polyhydramnios) can signal issues.
- Fetal Activity: They observe the baby’s movement, breathing tone, and posture (part of a Biophysical Profile or BPP).
- Placenta Check: Ensuring the placenta hasn’t moved down (Placenta Previa) and assessing its maturity.
Understanding the Results: A normal growth scan report will show the baby’s weight falling within the 10th to 90th percentile.
- < 10th Percentile: Small for Gestational Age (SGA).
- > 90th Percentile: Large for Gestational Age (LGA).
Conclusion: Expert Care for Your Baby’s Growth
A Growth Scan in Pregnancy is more than just a picture; it is a vital health check that ensures your baby is safe as you approach delivery. Whether you are worried about a 32 week growth scan report or need a routine check, the expertise of the person performing the scan matters.
Dr. Deepti Mittal is a trusted Fetal Medicine Consultant in Pune who goes beyond the numbers. She interprets your growth scan results in the context of your entire pregnancy history. If issues like growth restriction are found, her expertise in Doppler scans helps determine the exact right time for delivery to ensure a healthy baby.
Don’t leave your third trimester to chance. For the most accurate Growth Scan in Pune, schedule your appointment with Dr. Deepti Mittal today.
Hospitals: Cloudnine Hospital (SB Road) & Motherhood Hospital (Kharadi). Call: +91 93113 13022