What should you know about a growth scan during pregnancy?

A growth scan can provide a closer look when your clinician wants to follow the baby's size over time, check fluid or the placenta, assess a pregnancy-related condition, or review an earlier finding. Measurements usually include the head, abdomen, and thigh bone. Doppler assessment may be added when blood flow information is relevant. The scan supports decisions about monitoring; it does not replace your symptoms or routine maternity care.

Follow the imaging centre's preparation instructions, wear comfortable clothing, and bring prior reports. Tell the sonographer or midwife about new symptoms and ask when the clinician will explain the findings. A scan may be reassuring, may lead to closer monitoring, or may need repeating because the view or measurements require confirmation.

Call your maternity team promptly for bleeding, fluid leakage, severe pain, regular painful tightenings, severe headache, changes in vision, or reduced fetal movements. Do not wait for a scheduled scan to report a concerning change.

Ask why this scan is needed, which part of the pregnancy it is monitoring, how the current measurements compare with earlier ones, whether blood flow will be checked, when results are available, and what follow-up plan applies to your situation.