About ANTENATAL GROWTH SCAN

An antenatal growth scan, also known as a third trimester scan, is an ultrasound that measures the growth of a fetus between 24 and 41 weeks of pregnancy. It can help determine if the baby is growing normally and may require further intervention.

During the scan, a specialist will:

• Ask the patient to lie on a couch and uncover their abdomen

• Apply gel to the abdomen

• Pass a handheld probe over the skin of the abdomen

• Take measurements of the fetus, such as the circumference of the head and abdomen, the length of the thigh bone, and the amount of amniotic fluid

• Plot the measurements on a growth chart

• Estimate the fetal weight

• Check the baby's position and movements in the womb

• Check the position and maturity of the placenta 

A growth scan is usually painless and safe for both the mother and baby, and takes about 30–45 minutes to complete. A doctor may recommend a growth scan if the patient is considered "moderate" or "high" risk, or if there are other reasons, such as: Reduced fetal movements, A medical condition diagnosis, and Slow or small symphysis fundal height measurement. 

Some women may have additional scans later in their pregnancy to check the baby's growth. For example, a doctor may recommend a scan between 28–32 weeks to ensure normal growth, and another scan between 36–40 weeks to examine the baby's position and determine the type of delivery.