growth ultrasound explained

Overview

A growth ultrasound is a safe imaging test during pregnancy that uses sound waves to check your baby's size, growth, and development. It is also called a 'growth scan' or 'fetal growth ultrasound.'

Yes, growth ultrasounds are a common part of pregnancy care when doctors want to check that your baby is growing well.

It affects pregnant people, usually in the later stages of pregnancy. Your health care provider may recommend one if you are having twins, have high blood pressure, or if your baby feels small or large.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Your health care provider may suggest a growth ultrasound if your belly measures ahead or behind the expected size.
• If you don't feel your baby moving as much as usual, this may be a reason to check.

Causes

Main causes

• Growth ultrasounds are not caused by anything—they are performed to check on your baby's size.
• A growth concern can happen due to genetics, placenta issues, high blood pressure, diabetes, or infection.

Risk factors

• Multiple pregnancy (twins or more)
• High blood pressure or diabetes
• Previous small or large baby
• Viral infection during pregnancy
• Substance use during pregnancy

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you feel your baby moving much less than usual, or not at all.
• If you have heavy bleeding, severe stomach pain, or fluid leaking.

Book a routine appointment if:

• Attend all your routine pregnancy appointments, including recommended ultrasounds.
• If your provider advises a growth scan, it's best to attend it.

Diagnosis

A growth ultrasound is not a diagnosis—it is a way to measure your baby's growth. You will lie down on a couch, gel is put on your belly, and a handheld device (transducer) is moved over your skin. Sound waves create a picture of your baby on a screen.

Tests that may be done

• Ultrasound scan (abdominal)
• Fundal height measurement (measuring your belly with a tape measure)
• Doppler ultrasound to check blood flow in the umbilical cord, if needed

What to expect at your appointment

The scan is painless and usually takes about 30 minutes. The sonographer or doctor will measure your baby's head, abdomen, and thigh bone. They may also check the amount of amniotic fluid and the position of the baby. You may feel some pressure but it should not hurt.

Treatment

A growth ultrasound itself does not need 'treatment.' The results help your healthcare team decide if your baby needs any extra care. If everything looks good, you will continue your normal pregnancy care.

Self-care at home

• Eat a balanced, healthy diet
• Get regular, gentle exercise like walking (check with your provider first)
• Drink plenty of water and get enough rest
• Pay attention to your baby’s movements and report changes

Medical treatments

If a growth ultrasound shows a baby is very small or very large, your provider may recommend extra monitoring, like more frequent ultrasounds or heart-rate tests. If there are serious concerns, they may plan for an earlier delivery. Any decisions will be made with you, using the best available evidence.

When is surgery considered?

Not usually applicable. In rare cases, if a baby is not getting enough oxygen or nutrients, a planned caesarean section may be recommended, but this is not always needed.

Living with this condition

For most people, a growth ultrasound changes very little about your day-to-day routine. If your provider finds a growth issue, you may need more frequent check-ups, but you can still live your normal life.

Lifestyle tips

• Try to manage stress with relaxation techniques like deep breathing
• Avoid smoking, alcohol, and illegal drugs during pregnancy
• Get enough rest and sleep

Diet and exercise

Eat a range of foods with protein, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats. Stay active if your provider agrees—gentle walking or prenatal yoga are often suitable.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Waiting for scan results can cause worry. It is normal to feel anxious. Talk to your midwife or doctor about your feelings, and bring your partner or a friend to appointments for support.

Prevention

You cannot prevent the need for a growth ultrasound—it is a screening test, not something you catch. However, attending your prenatal appointments and taking care of your health can help you have the best possible pregnancy outcome.

Vaccines

Not applicable.

Screening programmes

Growth ultrasounds themselves are a type of screening. If you have risk factors, your provider may suggest extra scans to monitor growth.

Complications

If left untreated

• If a growth issue is not picked up, there is a higher chance of low birth weight or difficulties during labour.
• Placental problems that are not monitored can cause distress for the baby.

Long-term outlook

Most growth ultrasounds show normal growth, and even if there are concerns, close monitoring helps health teams act in time. The majority of babies born after a growth scan are healthy.

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