📈 Growth Scan in Pregnancy — A Comprehensive Guide
Pregnancy is one of life’s most beautiful journeys — but it’s also filled with questions, concerns, and a deep desire to ensure the health of both mother and baby. One essential way doctors care for you and your baby during the later stages of pregnancy is through a Growth Scan — a critical ultrasound assessment that reveals how your baby is growing in the womb.
At Nisarga Diagnostics, we understand that expectant parents want clarity, reassurance, and expert care during every step of this journey. That’s why we offer comprehensive growth scan services using advanced technology and dedicated specialists.
Watch our Video on : Growth scans Explained!!
🧠 What Is a Growth Scan?
A Growth Scan (also called a fetal biometry scan) is a non-invasive prenatal ultrasound performed usually in the third trimester (often between 28–36 weeks).
Unlike earlier scans that confirm pregnancy or check early development, a growth scan:
✅ Checks the baby’s size and weight
✅ Measures how well the fetus is growing
✅ Evaluates key fetal parameters
✅ Assesses amniotic fluid and placental function
✅ Helps your doctor plan for the safest delivery possible
It gives vital information that helps your doctor interpret whether your baby is growing at a healthy, expected pace inside the womb.
🧾 Key Measurements in a Growth Scan
During a growth scan, the sonographer measures several indicators:
1. Fetal Biometry
- Head Circumference (HC) – size of the baby’s head
- Biparietal Diameter (BPD) – width of the skull
- Abdominal Circumference (AC) – shows size of the abdomen
- Femur Length (FL) – length of the thigh bone
These are combined to estimate fetal weight — one of the strongest indicators of growth.
2. Amniotic Fluid Levels
This reflects how much protective fluid surrounds the baby — too little or too much could signal issues that need attention.
3. Placenta and Fetal Position
A growth scan also checks where the placenta is placed and how the baby is positioned — both relevant for delivery planning.
🕒 When Is a Growth Scan Done?
Most growth scans are done in the late second or third trimester, often between:
👉 28–36 weeks — the most informative period to monitor growth and estimate fetal weight accurately.
If you have conditions such as:
- Gestational diabetes
- High blood pressure
- History of growth problems
- Or suspect decreased fetal movements
your doctor may recommend repeated scans.
Why Growth Scans Matter?
Here’s why growth scans are considered an essential part of prenatal care:
✅ Early Detection of Growth Issues
A growth scan can reveal whether your baby is:
- Growing normally
- Smaller than expected (Small for Gestational Age — SGA)
- Larger than expected (macrosomia)
Each condition helps guide your clinician on the best course of action.
✅ Assess Overall Well-Being
Your clinician can review movement patterns, general health indicators, and placental efficiency — all crucial for a safe delivery. ✅ Peace of Mind
For parents, seeing your baby move and hearing the reassuring findings brings immense comfort — turning a routine medical test into a heartfelt milestone.
🌟 Growth Scan at Nisarga Diagnostics
At Nisarga Diagnostics, we combine clinical expertise, advanced imaging, and compassionate care to deliver one of the best growth scan experiences in Bangalore.
✅ What You Get With Us:
✅ State-of-the-art ultrasound equipment
✅ Experienced radiologists and sonographers
✅ Detailed reports and clear explanations
✅ Comfortable and supportive environment
✅ Fast appointment scheduling
Whether it’s your first pregnancy or you’ve been through this before, we ensure every scan gives you clarity — not confusion — about your baby’s health and development.
🧡 Final Thoughts
A growth scan is not just another prenatal appointment — it’s a powerful check-in on your baby’s well-being, giving both parents and doctors the confidence that everything is progressing as it should.
At Nisarga Diagnostics, we believe in early detection, expert interpretation, and providing peace of mind for every journey to parenthood.
Founder of Nisarga Diagnostics, is a renowned fetal ultrasound specialist with over 20 years of expertise. An alumnus of Government Medical Colleges in Mysore and Bangalore, he also holds a D.N.B. from the National Board of Examinations, Delhi, and certification from the Fetal Medicine Foundation, London. A former Professor and HOD, he has trained countless PG students and junior radiologists, shaping the future of fetal imaging in India.