When is a growth scan recommended for fetal growth restriction?

A growth scan is an ultrasound assessment during pregnancy. It estimates the baby's size and checks measurements such as the head, abdomen, and thigh bone. It can also assess amniotic fluid and blood flow through the placenta and umbilical cord.

The scan does not by itself explain why growth is restricted or decide the time of birth. Clinicians combine its findings with your dates, blood pressure, symptoms, baby's movements, and other monitoring. Because ultrasound estimates are not exact, the pattern across follow-up assessments can be more useful than a single measurement.

Attend the appointment arranged by your maternity team and take any previous scan reports if requested. Ask how often monitoring is needed and which results would change the plan. Keep track of your baby's usual movements and follow instructions about blood pressure checks or additional fetal monitoring. A growth scan is not a substitute for contacting the maternity unit about reduced movements.

Contact your maternity unit immediately if your baby's movements are reduced or changed, or if you have vaginal bleeding, leaking fluid, regular painful contractions, severe headache, visual changes, or sudden swelling. Do not wait for the next growth scan when these symptoms occur.

Ask your clinician: What finding led to the concern about growth? What will this scan measure? Will Doppler blood-flow testing be included? When is the next assessment? Which results might lead to closer monitoring, hospital review, or planning birth?