Growth Scan & Color Doppler
A Growth Scan, a gentle ultrasound study, is usually performed in the third trimester (between 28 and 38 weeks of pregnancy). It offers a tender glimpse into how beautifully your baby is growing and thriving within the womb, allowing doctors to ensure that every heartbeat, movement, and measure reflects healthy development and well-being.
A Color Doppler is a specialized ultrasound that paints the rhythm of life in motion, revealing how blood gracefully flows through the body’s arteries and veins in real time. Using gentle sound waves and vibrant color mapping, it transforms invisible currents into vivid visuals, helping doctors understand the speed, direction, and harmony of circulation within.
What does Growth Scan measure?
- Head Circumference (HC): It assesses brain and skull development.
- Abdominal Circumference (AC): It evaluates the baby’s nutrition and overall growth.
- Baby’s Position and Movement: It confirms the baby’s posture, activity, and readiness for birth.
- Estimated Fetal Weight (EFW): It understands if the baby’s weight is appropriate for gestational age.
Why is Color Doppler important?
- Assesses Placental Function: It evaluates if the placenta is supplying enough oxygen and nutrition.
- Monitors Growth Issues: It detects signs of growth restriction (when the baby is smaller than expected).
- Supports Timely Decisions: It helps doctors decide the right time for delivery if the baby’s well-being is at risk.
- Guides High-Risk Pregnancies: It is crucial for mothers with high blood pressure, diabetes, twins, or previous pregnancy complications.