What Is a Growth Scan?
A growth scan is a type of prenatal ultrasound. It helps doctors check your baby’s growth and health before delivery. During pregnancy, your doctor may suggest a growth scan to see how your baby is developing. This scan uses sound waves to create pictures of your baby inside the womb. Because it is safe and painless, many parents feel reassured by this test. Growth scans are an important part of baby health monitoring before delivery.
Why Is a Growth Scan Important Before Delivery?
Growth scans play a key role in pregnancy care. For example, they help doctors spot problems early. If your baby is growing too slowly or too quickly, a growth scan can show this. As a result, your doctor can plan the best care for you and your baby. In addition, growth scans help check the amount of amniotic fluid and the position of the baby. This information is very useful for a safe delivery. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), regular prenatal checks, including growth scans, improve pregnancy outcomes.
When and How Is a Growth Scan Performed?
Most often, doctors recommend a growth scan in the third trimester. Usually, this means between 28 and 32 weeks of pregnancy. However, your doctor may suggest more scans if needed. During the scan, you will lie on a bed, and a gel will be spread on your belly. Then, a small device called a transducer moves over your skin. This device sends sound waves to create images of your baby. The process is quick and does not hurt. Many clinics offer a prenatal ultrasound growth scan as part of routine care.
What Does a Growth Scan Measure?
Growth scans check several important things about your baby’s health. For example, they measure:
Each of these checks helps your doctor understand your baby’s development. In many cases, a fetal growth assessment can spot issues early.
Interpreting Growth Scan Results
After the scan, your doctor will explain the results. Sometimes, the scan shows that your baby is growing as expected. Other times, it may show slow or fast growth. If there are concerns, your doctor may suggest more tests or extra care. However, not all unusual results mean something is wrong. Often, babies grow at their own pace. Your doctor will guide you on what to do next. For local parents, you can ask about a growth scan in your city or region for more details.
Safety and Risks of Growth Scans
Growth scans are very safe for both mother and baby. Because they use sound waves, there is no radiation. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that prenatal ultrasounds have no known risks when used properly. Still, doctors only suggest scans when needed. This helps avoid unnecessary tests. If you have questions about safety, always talk to your healthcare provider.
Frequently Asked Questions About Growth Scans
Tips for Expectant Parents
Remember, growth scans are a helpful way to keep track of your baby’s health before delivery. They give you and your doctor important information for a safe pregnancy.
Consult Dr. Debraj Saha, your obstetrician, or a radiology specialist at Sonoscan Healthcare Private Limited for personalized advice about growth scans during pregnancy.