Growth Scan
What Is A Fetal Growth Scan?
The fetal growth scan is usually done in third trimester ( between 28 weeks and 32 weeks). It checks how well the baby is growing and to check which part of the fetus is present in relation to the lower portion of the mother’s uterus.
The growth scan in pregnancy, checks for the baby’s position as this decides the mode of delivery. This is monitored by studying the head position of the baby. Apart from this, the doctor,
The growth scan in pregnancy, checks for the baby’s position as this decides the mode of delivery. This is monitored by studying the head position of the baby. Apart from this, the doctor,
- Records the position of the placenta
- Assesses the amount of amniotic fluid surrounding the baby
- Estimate the weight of the fetus
- Observes the baby’s activity
- Measures the blood flow in the umbilical cord using doppler ultrasound
All the measurements are plotted on a chart against the normal range to assess the fetal growth in your third-trimester scan. Because babies grow at different rates from week to week, a series of scans can be more helpful than just one.
Fetal Growth Scan In Salem
Mediplus scans and labs in fairlands is the top choice for Fetal Growth scans in Salem by many moms-to-be. Our scan center is a highly professionalized and well-equipped pregnancy scan center in Salem that functions under the guidance of Dr Nivethitha Mediplus, who got trained under the pioneers of fetal medicine Dr. Suresh S., Dr. Indrani Suresh and Dr. Sudarshan Suresh – Mediscan systems, Chennai.
How Accurate Are Fetal Growth Scans?
Scans are usually accurate for assessing the baby’s size in the first half of the pregnancy. By the time the mother is in the later stages of pregnancy, scans remain accurate, as long as the baby is small or of average size.
The closer it gets to the due date, the bigger the baby is, the harder it will be to record measurements. The weight estimation can be influenced by position of the baby and fluid around the baby. The baby’s head may be too low in the pelvis in late pregnancy to get a measurement.
The closer it gets to the due date, the bigger the baby is, the harder it will be to record measurements. The weight estimation can be influenced by position of the baby and fluid around the baby. The baby’s head may be too low in the pelvis in late pregnancy to get a measurement.
What Is Fetal Growth Restriction (FGR)?
Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a term used to describe a fetus not growing adequately before birth. Or if the baby has a drop in the growth pattern during the later phases of your pregnancy.
It is also called Fetal growth restriction (FGR), and the babies are called Growth restricted babies.
FGR may only become evident after two or more ultrasounds have been performed. Due to the variation of ultrasound measurements, a minimum of two weeks is required between fetal growth scans. Other signs that may indicate FGR are umbilical cord blood flow changes and reduced amniotic fluid volume.
It is also called Fetal growth restriction (FGR), and the babies are called Growth restricted babies.
FGR may only become evident after two or more ultrasounds have been performed. Due to the variation of ultrasound measurements, a minimum of two weeks is required between fetal growth scans. Other signs that may indicate FGR are umbilical cord blood flow changes and reduced amniotic fluid volume.
What Causes Fetal Growth Restriction?
- Placental insufficiency when the placenta fails to provide adequate nutrition to the developing fetus.
- Fetal abnormality some fetal abnormalities are associated with delayed Growth.
- Multiple pregnancy can affect one or more of the fetuses.
- Infection of the mother, for instance, cytomegalovirus (CMV).
- Poor nutrition.
- Smoking, alcohol, illicit drugs and some medications.
- Medical conditions affecting the mother such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
When Does A Mother Get Additional Scans In The Third Trimester?
- When the mother complains of reduced fetal movements
- The baby is in the breech, oblique or transverse position. To be precise, if the baby’s head isn’t down positioned when close to the delivery time.
- The mother is carrying twins or more.
- The amount of amniotic fluid is more or less than it should be
- The baby feels smaller or larger than expected for the pregnancy weeks in the fetal growth scan.
- Low-lying placenta.
- Mother is having medical conditions like High Blood pressure / Diabetes
How Long Does A Fetal Growth Scan Take?
A fetal growth scan takes around 15-20minutes depending on the baby’s position.
What Happens If The Baby Is Small During A Fetal Growth Scan?
Such babies may have a low birth weight. For such cases, the amniotic fluid level is checked, which might be less or normal. The doctor might recommend a Doppler(To assess baby’s blood flow pattern ) scan to find out why the baby is small.
Can growth scan able to detect all anomalies which can detect by Midtrimester Target (Anomaly ) Scan?
No. Due to advancement of gestational age , the size of the baby gets bigger than available uterine space. Hence the baby can’t turn frequently to show every parts. Hence only limited anatomical examination is possible for the baby in growth scan.
