Home 5 Medical Scan 5 Growth Scan

GROWTH ULTRASOUND

Also known as the third trimester scan or well-being scan, a growth ultrasound is an important examination requested by your GP or specialist to assess and monitor your baby’s development during the later stages of pregnancy. This scan provides valuable information about fetal growth, helping to ensure that your baby is thriving inside the womb.

A growth scan may be recommended if:

  • You are at high risk for preterm birth
  • You have gestational diabetes or pre-existing diabetes
  • You’ve previously had a baby affected by intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR)
  • You are pregnant with twins, triplets, or other multiples

During the growth ultrasound, we will carefully evaluate your baby’s estimated weight, measure the size and proportions, and check for any structural abnormalities. We’ll also examine the position of the placenta—particularly if it’s low-lying—and address any outstanding questions or findings from your morphology scan.

This ensures you and your healthcare team have a comprehensive view of your baby’s well-being, enabling informed decisions as you approach the final stages of your pregnancy.

Book your appointment with us today.

When to have it: anytime, and possibly multiple times, from 22 weeks

Cost: $350 (weekends $385) and then a rebate of ~$97.65

Duration: 40 minutes

What’s included:

Medical report (up to 2 business days)
1 (4 x 6″) glossy photo
3 black and white photos
All digital images captured on the day and sent to your email

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Growth Scan safe?
Growth scans are safe for both mother and baby. They use ultrasound waves, which are harmless to you and your baby. If you have any concerns about the safety of this procedure, please speak to your doctor or midwife.
When can I have my Growth Scan?
Your doctor or midwife will usually offer you a growth scan from 22 weeks of pregnancy. If you are considered to be at high risk of having a baby with a low birth weight, you may be offered a growth scan earlier in your pregnancy.
What are the benefits of having a Growth Scan?
A growth scan can help to give you and your doctor or midwife peace of mind that your baby is growing as they should be. If there are any concerns about your baby’s growth, you will be offered further tests and monitoring.
How should I prepare for my Growth Scan?

You do not need to do anything special to prepare for a growth scan. You may be asked to drink some water before the scan, as this can help to fill up your bladder. A full bladder helps to push your uterus up and out of the way, making it easier to see your baby.

What happens during a Growth Scan?
The scan usually takes around 30-40 minutes. During this time, the sonographer will take some measurements of your baby. They will measure the circumference of their head (head circumference or HC), the length of their body from their head to their buttocks (abdominal circumference or AC) and the length of their thigh bone (femur length or FL). The sonographer may also look at how much amniotic fluid there is around your baby (amniotic fluid index or AFI).
Loading...