Growth Scan: Monitoring Your Baby Through the Third Trimester
As pregnancy enters its final stretch, the focus of care shifts from structural assessment to ongoing monitoring of the baby's wellbeing and development. The growth scan — also known as the third-trimester scan or biometric assessment — is a dedicated ultrasound examination that tracks the baby's size, growth rate, amniotic fluid volume, and general condition through the weeks leading up to delivery. At Fetocare, growth scans are performed with the same attention to detail that characterises every examination we offer — never rushed, always explained, and always interpreted within the full context of your pregnancy.
What Is a Growth Scan?
A growth scan is a targeted ultrasound examination typically performed in the third trimester — most commonly from twenty-eight weeks onwards, and repeated at intervals of three to four weeks when serial monitoring is required. Its primary purpose is to assess fetal biometry: the measurement of specific fetal dimensions, including head circumference, abdominal circumference, femur length, and head-to-abdomen ratio. These measurements are plotted on standardised growth charts and compared to the expected values for that gestational age, providing a reliable picture of how the baby is growing relative to its peers.
What Does the Scan Assess?
A thorough growth scan at Fetocare covers several key areas of fetal and maternal assessment:
- Fetal biometry — head circumference (HC), biparietal diameter (BPD), abdominal circumference (AC), and femur length (FL) are measured and used to estimate fetal weight and track growth velocity
- Amniotic fluid assessment — the volume of fluid surrounding the baby is evaluated; too little (oligohydramnios) or too much (polyhydramnios) can have significant clinical implications
- Placental position and maturation — the location and appearance of the placenta are reassessed, including checking for placenta praevia and evaluating placental maturity grading
- Fetal presentation — confirming whether the baby is in a head-down (cephalic), breech, or transverse position, which is important for delivery planning
- Fetal movements and behaviour — observation of fetal breathing movements, gross body movements, and tone provides a functional picture of the baby's wellbeing at the time of the scan
- Biophysical profile (BPP) — when indicated, a more formal biophysical assessment combining the above elements into a scored wellbeing evaluation can be performed
What to Expect
Growth scans are conducted transabdominally and are entirely comfortable for the vast majority of patients. The scan typically takes thirty to forty-five minutes. Our team will guide you through each measurement as it is taken, explain what is within the expected range and what, if anything, warrants further attention. Where a Doppler study is also indicated — either routinely or because of specific concerns such as suspected growth restriction — this will be performed during the same visit. Following the scan, all findings are discussed with you by Dr. Gupta before you leave, and a clear, readable report is provided for your records and for your obstetric team.
Why Growth Monitoring Matters
Growth restriction — where the baby is not gaining weight or growing at the expected rate — is one of the most important pregnancy complications to identify in a timely manner. Left undetected, it is associated with an increased risk of stillbirth, preterm birth, and neonatal complications. Regular growth scanning, particularly in pregnancies where risk factors are present, allows the clinical team to detect growth restriction early, monitor its severity, and plan the safest and most appropriate timing of delivery. For many families with no specific risk factors, the growth scan also provides the welcome reassurance that the baby is thriving, growing well, and on track for a healthy arrival.