Fetal Well Being Service

Growth scans in the third trimester, typically performed between 28 and 40 weeks of gestation, are used to assess the growth and development of the fetus, including its size, weight, and position in the uterus. These scans can be especially important for women who are at risk of having a small or large for gestational age baby, or who have experienced complications in previous pregnancies.

Some of the key benefits of growth scans in the third trimester include:

• Monitoring fetal growth: Growth scans can help healthcare providers monitor the growth of the fetus and ensure that it is developing appropriately. This is important for identifying potential problems, such as fetal growth restriction or macrosomia (large for gestational age).
• Assessing amniotic fluid levels: Growth scans can also measure the amount of amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus, which can provide important information about fetal well-being and detect potential complications, such as oligohydramnios (low amniotic fluid levels) or polyhydramnios (excess amniotic fluid levels).
• Checking fetal position: Growth scans can assess the position of the fetus in the uterus, which can be important for planning for delivery, especially if the baby is breech.
• Monitoring placenta function: Growth scans can evaluate the function of the placenta, which is responsible for delivering oxygen and nutrients to the developing fetus. This is important for identifying potential complications, such as placental insufficiency or placental abruption.

• Identifying potential complications: Growth scans can detect potential complications, such as anemia, congenital abnormalities, or multiple pregnancies.

The growth scans in the third trimester can provide valuable information about fetal growth and development, identify potential complications, and help healthcare providers make informed decisions about delivery and postnatal care. It is important to note that growth scans are not a perfect tool for predicting fetal size or identifying all potential problems, and additional testing or monitoring may be necessary if there are any concerns.