Growth scan pregnancy

Overview

A growth scan is a special ultrasound that checks how well your baby is growing inside your womb. It estimates your baby's size and weight and looks at how the placenta is working.

Yes, many women have at least one growth scan during pregnancy. It is a routine part of care if your midwife or doctor wants extra reassurance.

A growth scan is for pregnant women. It is often offered if your bump measurement is outside the expected range, if you have a medical condition, or if you are expecting more than one baby.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Your midwife or doctor measures your bump and finds it smaller or larger than expected for your stage of pregnancy.
• You have a pregnancy complication such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or a low-lying placenta.
• You are carrying twins, triplets, or more.
• You have had a previous small or very large baby.
• You notice your baby's movements are less frequent or weaker than usual.

Causes

Main causes

• The placenta not working as well as it should to supply oxygen and nutrients.
• Genetic factors that influence how your baby grows.
• Some infections during pregnancy, though this is rare.
• Maternal health conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or autoimmune disorders.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you notice a marked slowdown in your baby's movements over a few hours.
• If you have sharp or constant tummy pain, bleeding, or fluid leaking.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If your bump measurement at a check-up is outside the normal range, your midwife will refer you for a growth scan.
• If you have any worries between appointments, always contact your maternity team for advice.

Diagnosis

A growth scan uses ultrasound waves to take detailed measurements of your baby's body. This estimates the fetal weight and compares it to expected ranges for that stage of pregnancy. The scan also checks the amount of amniotic fluid and the blood flow in the umbilical cord using a Doppler probe.

Tests that may be done

• Standard ultrasound scan (sonogram) to measure baby.
• Doppler ultrasound to check blood flow from the placenta.
• Sometimes a biophysical profile, which looks at baby's movements, breathing, and fluid volume.

What to expect at your appointment

You will lie on a couch, a cool gel will be put on your tummy, and a sonographer will move a handheld probe over your skin. It is painless and usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. You can see the images on a screen, and the sonographer will explain what they are measuring.

Treatment

If the scan shows that your baby is smaller or larger than expected, your pregnancy care will be tailored to keep both of you safe. Most babies with mild growth differences are born healthy at term. The main goal is close monitoring to decide the best time and way for birth.

Self-care at home

• Keep track of your baby's movements every day; a kick count chart can help.
• Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
• Attend all scheduled antenatal appointments and scans.
• Avoid smoking, alcohol, and any substances not approved by your doctor.
• Rest when you need to and stay hydrated.

Medical treatments

Your care team may recommend more frequent scans to check growth and blood flow. If an underlying condition like high blood pressure is present, your doctor will discuss safe ways to manage it. Sometimes, medication used in pregnancy can help. In cases where the baby is not thriving, the team might discuss early delivery — by induction of labour or caesarean section — to give your baby the best chance outside the womb.

When is surgery considered?

If the baby shows signs of distress or growth restriction is severe, a caesarean section may be planned to deliver the baby safely. This decision is made by your consultant after careful monitoring.

Living with this condition

You may have more hospital visits for scans and check-ups. This can be tiring, but it allows your team to keep a close eye on your baby. In between appointments, focus on taking care of yourself and resting.

Lifestyle tips

• Keep a daily log of movements, especially after meals and at the time of day your baby is usually active.
• Try to reduce stress by talking about your feelings with your partner, friend, or midwife.
• If you work, discuss with your employer whether you need some adjustments.

Diet and exercise

A healthy, nutrient-rich diet supports your baby's growth. Include iron-rich foods (like lean meat, beans, and leafy greens) and calcium. Gentle activities like walking or prenatal yoga are often encouraged, but always check with your midwife before starting any new exercise.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Worrying about your baby's wellbeing is completely natural. Many women feel increased anxiety during a pregnancy that needs extra monitoring. If you feel overwhelmed or persistently low, speak to your midwife, who can refer you to specialist mental health support for pregnant women.

Prevention

You cannot always prevent growth concerns, but a healthy lifestyle before and during pregnancy reduces the risks. Taking folic acid before conception and early in pregnancy also supports healthy development.

Vaccines

Getting vaccinated against flu and whooping cough (pertussis) during pregnancy helps protect you and your baby from infections that could affect growth or lead to premature birth.

Screening programmes

At each antenatal check, your midwife measures your bump (symphysis fundal height). If this measurement falls outside the expected range, a growth scan will be offered. This early screening helps pick up issues before they become serious.

Complications

If left untreated

• A baby with severe growth restriction might be born too small (small for gestational age), face a difficult labour, or need special care after birth.
• There may be a risk of low blood sugar or trouble maintaining body temperature after delivery.
• In rare cases, poor growth can be a sign that the placenta is failing, which can lead to stillbirth. This is why monitoring and timely delivery are so important.

Long-term outlook

The vast majority of babies with growth concerns are born healthy. When the issue is picked up early, you and your team have time to make a plan. With extra monitoring and the right timing for birth, the outlook is very good. Many small babies catch up in growth within the first two years.

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