A wellbeing and growth scan is a third-trimester ultrasound that checks how your baby is growing, how the placenta is performing, and how much amniotic fluid is around the baby. For many women it is a regular part of antenatal care from around 28 weeks; for others it is booked when something specific needs to be reviewed, such as concerns about size or movement.
When the wellbeing and growth scan happens
The wellbeing and growth scan is performed at 24-42 weeks of pregnancy. Most patients have a series of these scans across the third trimester, with the timing depending on the pregnancy and any specific concerns.
What the wellbeing and growth scan is for
The purpose of a wellbeing and growth scan is to:
- Determine the growth and health of the baby by taking body measurements and estimating his or her weight
- Measure the amount of amniotic fluid surrounding your baby
- Assess the blood flow from the placenta to your baby by Doppler ultrasound
- Assess the position in which your baby is lying in the womb, such as cephalic, breech, or transverse
- Check the placental position and appearance
- Examine the movements of the baby
The scan picks up trends across pregnancy. Most parents find it reassuring; where the scan suggests the baby may be growing more slowly than expected, or that there is a placental concern, it gives Dr Duncan the information needed to act early.
What happens during your appointment
The scan is painless. Ultrasound uses sound waves only, with no radiation, and is safe for both you and your baby.
You will lie comfortably on the examination couch, and a small amount of water-based gel is applied to your abdomen so the probe can move smoothly across the skin. You will see the live images on the screen as the scan progresses, and Dr Duncan talks through what he is looking at as he goes.
What happens if the scan picks up something unexpected
Where the scan suggests the baby may be growing more slowly than expected, or that the amniotic fluid or placental Doppler readings are outside the normal range, Dr Duncan will discuss the findings with you fully at the same appointment. Because he is sub-specialist accredited in maternal and fetal medicine (2001), most third-trimester findings can be assessed and explained on the spot, and any further monitoring or delivery planning is arranged from there.
How often should I have a growth scan?
How often you have a growth scan in the third trimester depends on your pregnancy. For low-risk pregnancies, growth scans are usually scheduled at least every 4 weeks from 28 weeks. For higher-risk pregnancies, Dr Duncan may recommend scanning more frequently, often every 2-3 weeks depending on risk stratification.
For patients on Dr Duncan’s antenatal care package at The Portland Hospital, a reassurance scan is performed at every visit during the third trimester, regardless of whether a growth scan is also booked.
Booking your wellbeing and growth scan
To book a wellbeing and growth scan, please contact the practice. The growth scan is available at all Dr Duncan locations. Package scans are included for patients on the antenatal care package; standalone scan fees apply.
For a fuller picture of all the scans available through pregnancy, see Ultrasound Baby Scans.
If you are considering consultant-led private maternity care, see Private Obstetric Care.
