Growth Scan: Advanced Fetal Ultrasound for Precise Pregnancy Monitoring

Description

Growth Scan – Comprehensive Fetal Development Monitoring

The Growth Scan is a detailed, high-resolution ultrasound performed during the third trimester (typically between 28–36 weeks) to assess your baby’s development, growth pattern, and overall well-being. This essential scan provides critical insights into fetal health by measuring key parameters such as head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC), femur length (FL), and estimated fetal weight, ensuring your baby is growing at a healthy rate.

Beyond growth, this scan evaluates:

• Amniotic fluid levels (too much or too little can signal complications)
• Placental position and function (to ensure optimal nutrient and oxygen delivery)
• Fetal position (head-down, breech, or transverse)
• Blood flow via Doppler ultrasound (umbilical artery, middle cerebral artery)

Performed by experienced maternal-fetal sonographers at Lab Tests Dubai, the Growth Scan is an invaluable tool for detecting fetal growth restriction (FGR), macrosomia (large baby), or other concerns, allowing timely interventions and informed birth planning.

It’s not just a medical check-up, it’s a reassuring window into your baby’s world, helping you bond, prepare, and face delivery with confidence.

Why You Need This Test

You need a Growth Scan if:

• You have a high-risk pregnancy (e.g., gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, hypertension)
• Your doctor suspects slow or excessive fetal growth
• You’ve had previous pregnancy complications
• You’re expecting twins or multiples
• You have low or high amniotic fluid on prior scans
• You want peace of mind about your baby’s development before delivery

This scan helps prevent last-minute surprises, giving you and your doctor time to plan for a safe and smooth birth.

Consider scheduling a Growth Scan if:

• You feel fewer than normal fetal movements
• Your fundal height measures smaller or larger than expected
• You have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes or preeclampsia
• You experience swelling, high blood pressure, or protein in urine
• You’re past 37 weeks and baby hasn’t dropped
• You’re carrying multiples (twins, triplets)

These signs may indicate growth issues, placental insufficiency, or fluid imbalances — all detectable through a detailed growth assessment.

How to Prepare for the Test

Preparation is simple:

• No fasting required
• Drink 1–2 glasses of water 30 minutes before (a partially full bladder improves image clarity)
• Wear loose, two-piece clothing
• Bring your obstetric records or previous scan reports
• Note any changes in fetal movement

The scan takes 30–45 minutes, and you’ll receive printed images and a video clip (optional) to cherish.

Test Overview

FAQs

Q: Is the Growth Scan mandatory?
A: Not always, but strongly recommended for high-risk pregnancies and when growth concerns arise.

Q: Can it predict my baby’s exact birth weight?
A: It provides an estimated fetal weight (EFW) with ~85–90% accuracy — helpful for delivery planning.

Q: Will I find out the gender if I didn’t already know?
A: Possibly — though gender is not the focus, visibility depends on baby’s position.

Q: Do I need a doctor’s referral?
A: Preferred for clinical context, but we accept self-referrals for reassurance purposes.

Q: Can my partner attend the scan?
A: Yes! We welcome partners and family members to share this meaningful moment.

Q: What if my baby is small or large?
A: Our team will guide you on next steps — including increased monitoring, dietary advice, or specialist referral.

Q: How often should I get a Growth Scan?
A: Typically once, but may be repeated every 2–4 weeks if growth concerns are detected.

Book Your Growth Scan Today! Is your baby growing just right? See for yourself. The Growth Scan gives you complete confidence that your little one is thriving and helps your doctor prepare for a safe delivery.