Growth Scan (24+ Weeks)

A 24+ Week Growth Scan can provide vital information about the health of your baby and the conditions inside your uterus.

Your doctor may recommend an ultrasound scan in the second half of your pregnancy for several important reasons. 

Fetal growth

A primary goal of this ultrasound is to assess the growth of your baby. The sonographer will measure parts of your baby’s body, including the head, abdomen, and femur (thigh bone). These measurements will be compared to average measurements for babies of the same gestational age to ensure your baby is growing appropriately. If your baby measures significantly larger or smaller than average, it could indicate potential issues like gestational diabetes or intrauterine growth restriction, respectively.

Abdominal circumference for growth assessment

Placental function

An important aspect of the scan is assessing the function of the placenta, the organ that provides your baby with nutrients and oxygen. By looking at the blood flow in the umbilical cord and around the placenta, the ultrasound can help determine whether your baby is receiving an adequate supply of nutrients and oxygen. Reduced blood flow could indicate problems like placental insufficiency, which might require close monitoring or early delivery.

Umbilical artery Doppler assessment for placental and fetal wellbeing

Placental position

The ultrasound will also confirm the position of the placenta in your uterus. It’s essential for the placenta to be in the right location for a safe delivery. If the placenta is low-lying or covering the cervix (a condition known as placenta previa), it could cause complications during vaginal delivery, and a caesarean section might be necessary.

Fetal structures

The sonographer will also take a close look at your baby’s organs and body structures to ensure everything is developing correctly. While many abnormalities are usually detected during the mid-pregnancy anatomy scan, this later scan can identify any conditions that may have developed or become apparent since then.

Ultrasound does not travel through dense structures like air or bones easily. As the baby’s bones become stronger and harder, it may be difficult to assess certain structures later towards the end of the third trimester. These structures can include the fetal heart and brain due to the density of the bone in the ribs and cranium.

The amount of amniotic fluid around the baby

Finally, the ultrasound can assess the amount of amniotic fluid surrounding your baby in the womb. The amniotic fluid helps protect your baby, aids in lung development, and allows your baby to move around. Too much or too little fluid can be a sign of potential problems. 

The information from this scan will help your doctor to provide the best possible care for you and your baby in the latter stages of your pregnancy, and to plan for a safe delivery.

Assessment of estimated fetal weight can be made but this can vary +/-10-15%. Sometimes the baby maybe in a good position for images but at other times it may be very uncooperative.

Results

After the sonographer has completed the scan, your images will be reviewed by one of our consultant specialist doctors. It may be necessary at times for the doctor to scan you as well if they need to check something or provide you with reassurance or more details regarding your ultrasound. You will receive a copy of the report and a copy will also be sent to your referring Doctor.

Preparation

You are not required to drink water for your third trimester growth scan from 28 weeks onwards, however we suggest that you are hydrated. Please do not allow yourself to feel uncomfortable. You are welcome to bring your family members or a close friend to your scan. Children are welcome but their attention span may be limited for the duration of the ultrasound.

Please bring with you:

• A referral from your Doctor
• Any previous results such as NIPT results, dating scans, Combined First Trimester/Early anatomy scans (if performed elsewhere)