What should you know about a growth scan at 27 weeks pregnant?

Measurements of the head, abdomen, and thigh bone help estimate size and compare it with earlier scans and your stated dates. The clinician may look at the placenta, amniotic fluid, heartbeat, movement, and blood flow if there is a reason to do so. The most useful information is often the change between scans, not one isolated estimate.

Check whether your clinic wants a full bladder or any other preparation, since instructions vary. Take your maternity notes and list any medicines or symptoms. Afterward, ask when the report will be explained and whether another scan or monitoring visit is needed. Images can be difficult to interpret without the written clinical assessment.

Do not wait for the scan if you have bleeding, fluid leaking from the vagina, strong ongoing pain, regular tightening, a severe headache, visual disturbance, sudden swelling, or movements that are clearly less than usual. Call the maternity service or emergency service recommended for your pregnancy.

Ask whether the scan is checking a previous measurement, a placental concern, your baby's movements, or another factor; whether growth is tracking over time; what the fluid and placenta findings mean; and which warning signs should prompt a same-day call.