The scan reveals the position of your baby in the womb which usually stabilises from around 36 weeks into your pregnancy. Your sonographer will be able to see whether your baby is in the normal position (head down), breech position (feet first) or lying sideways (transverse position). A growth scan helps your doctor determine if there is a problem with your pregnancy due to gestational diabetes. Your baby can suffer from excess birth weight, which may mean a C-section delivery for you. Your child can have respiratory problems, a preterm birth and low sugar at birth.
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Is a growth scan anything to worry about?
Should I worry/do anything differently if I’m sent for a growth scan? Please don’t worry if you’ve been asked to go for a growth scan. More often than not, the scans will show nothing wrong, and it’s just being done as a precaution.
How long does a growth ultrasound take?
Growth scans are medical scans and should last no more than 30 minutes. In this scan we check for the following: Check fetal growth. Assess placental position (low lying placenta at 20 weeks)
Why do I need a growth ultrasound?
Common reasons to have a fetal growth scan in pregnancy include the following: Your abdomen measures smaller or larger than expected. Previous pregnancy complications. Maternal diabetes or high blood pressure.
When is the best time to have a growth scan?
You can choose how many ultrasounds you want to have and when they will take place. We can perform growth scans at any time between 23 and 40 weeks. If you want to arrange some extra scans earlier in the pregnancy, we also offer early ultrasounds and reassurance scans between 14 and 24 weeks.
Why do I need a growth scan?
Some hospitals may offer a growth scan as routine for certain pregnancies such as a raised Body Mass Index (BMI), or if there are concerns that the baby is smaller or larger than expected based on measuring your bump. The scan will show your sonographer: If your baby is smaller than expected If your baby is larger than expected
What is a growth scan and does it measure baby’s size?
These scans DO measure your baby’s size, though. Think of it as the next level up from your midwife measuring the size of your bump (your ‘fundal height’). Why might I be sent for a growth scan?
How long does a growth scan take?
A growth scan will take anywhere between 10 minutes to 30 minutes, depending on your baby’s position at the time of the scan. It might also take 10 or so minutes for any results to be written up and shared with you.
Why has my midwife suggested a growth scan?
Why has my midwife suggested a growth scan? If you have an ultrasound scan in your third trimester, it will probably be to check your baby’s growth. Your midwife may suggest that you have a scan if they think your baby is smaller or larger than expected for your stage of pregnancy.
