What is an Internal Growth Scan?

The idea of a scan that measures your baby’s growth can feel daunting, especially for first-time moms. You may wonder: Will it hurt? Is it safe? What will it reveal? These questions are completely normal. The good news is that internal growth scans are safe, painless, and extremely valuable.

Understanding what to expect can ease a lot of that nervousness. Think of this scan as a progress report, one that ensures your baby is growing well and that your pregnancy is moving in the right direction.

How Is It Different from a Regular Ultrasound?

An internal growth scan is a type of detailed ultrasound, but it differs in focus. While early ultrasounds confirm the pregnancy and anatomy scans assess organ structure, growth scans measure how well the baby is developing over time.

The growth scan typically involves the same external abdominal probe used in regular scans. In some cases, especially in the early second trimester or for specific measurements, a transvaginal probe may be used, but this is less common after 28 weeks.

Is It Painful or Risky?

Not at all! Internal growth scans are completely non-invasive and safe for both mother and baby. The sonographer applies a warm gel to your belly and uses the ultrasound probe to capture images. Some gentle pressure may be applied to get better visuals, but it should not be painful. If you experience discomfort, always let your provider know.

Step-by-Step Walkthrough of the Scan

Preparation: No fasting or special prep is required. A moderately full bladder may be requested.
Positioning: You’ll lie on your back, slightly propped up.
Gel Application: A warm, water-based gel is applied to the abdomen.
Ultrasound Imaging: The probe moves across your belly to capture fetal measurements, check fluid levels, and assess blood flow.
Image Review: The sonographer or fetal specialist may explain the findings during or after the scan.

The whole process typically takes 20 to 40 minutes depending on fetal position and visibility.

What the Results Might Reveal

Is your baby’s growth on track for gestational age?
Are amniotic fluid levels normal?
Is the placenta functioning optimally?
Is blood flow through the umbilical cord within safe limits?

The scan may also provide early clues about potential complications. In most cases, results will be reassuring. If anything concerning is found, your doctor will recommend additional tests or monitoring.

Can You See Your Baby?

Yes, especially in the third trimester when the baby is more developed. You might see defined features, body movements, and even facial expressions. While internal growth scans are more clinical than emotional, many parents cherish the images and videos they receive.

What If The Baby Isn’t in a Good Position?

Sometimes, the baby’s position makes it hard to capture clear images. You may be asked to change positions, walk around briefly, or return for a repeat scan. This is perfectly normal and not a cause for concern.

Key Objectives of a Growth Scan

The primary goal is to ensure the baby is growing at a healthy and expected rate for its gestational age. Specifically, the sonographer will measure and assess:

Baby’s Size and Weight:
- Head Circumference (HC): Measures the size of the baby’s head.
- Abdominal Circumference (AC): This is a crucial measurement as it reflects the baby’s nutritional state and liver size.
- Femur Length (FL): Measures the length of the thigh bone, an indicator of skeletal growth.
- These measurements are plotted on a growth chart to estimate the baby’s weight and see which percentile it falls into (e.g., 50th percentile for average size, 10th percentile for smaller than average).
Amniotic Fluid Levels: The scan checks the volume of amniotic fluid (the liquid surrounding the baby). Too much fluid (polyhydramnios) or too little (oligohydramnios) can be associated with complications.
Placental Health and Position: The sonographer examines the placenta:
- Location: To confirm it is not covering the cervix (placenta previa).
- Grade: To see if it is aging appropriately for the stage of pregnancy.
Blood Flow (Doppler Ultrasound): This is a critical part of a detailed growth scan. It measures blood flow through:
- Umbilical Cord: To check how well the placenta is delivering oxygen and nutrients to the baby.
- Baby’s Brain (Middle Cerebral Artery – MCA): Provides information on how the baby is compensating in cases of potential stress.
- Mother’s Uterine Arteries: Can indicate risk of pre-eclampsia or placental problems.
Fetal Movements, Tone, and Breathing: As part of a general well-being check.

When is a Growth Scan Recommended?

A growth scan is not a standard part of every pregnancy but is ordered when there is a medical indication. Common reasons include:

Measuring “Large for Dates” or “Small for Dates”: If the fundal height (the measurement from the pubic bone to the top of the uterus) is larger or smaller than expected for the weeks of pregnancy.
Previous Pregnancy Complications: A history of a small baby (fetal growth restriction), stillbirth, or pre-eclampsia.
Maternal Health Conditions: Such as high blood pressure, pre-eclampsia, diabetes (gestational or pre-existing), kidney disease, or autoimmune disorders.
Suspected Fetal Growth Issues: If there’s a concern the baby is not growing properly (Fetal Growth Restriction – FGR) or is growing too large (macrosomia), often due to diabetes.
Multiple Pregnancy: Twins, triplets, etc., are monitored more closely as they are at higher risk of growth problems.
Decreased Fetal Movements: If the mother feels the baby is moving less.

What to Expect During the Scan

Procedure: It is very similar to a standard mid-pregnancy anomaly scan. You will lie on a bed, and a sonographer will move a transducer over your abdomen with some gel.
Duration: It typically takes about 20-30 minutes.
Results: The sonographer will take the measurements, and the report will usually be discussed with you by your doctor or midwife. They will explain what the percentiles and Doppler results mean for your pregnancy.

Difference Between a Growth Scan and an Anomaly Scan

Feature	Anomaly Scan (20-week scan)	Growth Scan (3rd Trimester)
Primary Purpose	To check for physical structural abnormalities in the baby.	To measure the baby’s size, well-being, and placental function.
When it’s Done	Usually around 18-21 weeks.	Usually in the third trimester (after 28 weeks), often repeated serially.
Key Measurements	Detailed anatomy of the heart, brain, spine, limbs, organs, etc.	Head, Abdomen, Femur length, Amniotic Fluid, and Doppler blood flow.
Focus	What the baby looks like (structure).	How the baby is growing and functioning (well-being).

In summary, an Internal Growth Scan is a vital diagnostic tool used in the third trimester to ensure your baby is thriving inside the uterus. It provides crucial information for your healthcare team to manage your pregnancy and make decisions about the timing and type of delivery to ensure the best possible outcome for both mother and baby.

Talk to Mcarefertility Fetal Medicine Experts Today

At Mcarefertility, we understand how important each scan is to you and your baby. Our expert team takes the time to explain every step, answer all your questions, and provide clarity without causing alarm. We believe in transparency, reassurance, and above all, ethical, patient-centered care.

If you’re scheduled for an internal growth scan mcurehealth or have concerns about your baby’s development, don’t hesitate to reach out. With advanced ultrasound technology and a team trained in high-risk pregnancies, Mcarefertility is here to ensure that your pregnancy is not just progressing, but thriving.

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