During the third trimester, monitoring fetal development becomes crucial for a safe delivery. This can be achieved through a Growth and Doppler Scan, an essential test that measures fetal weight and evaluates blood flow to confirm your baby is receiving adequate oxygen. Doctors typically recommend this vital checkup late in the pregnancy, right, between 28 and 36 weeks. Ensure a safe pregnancy journey with a professional Growth & Doppler Scan in Siliguri, designed to closely evaluate fetal health. In Siliguri, these specialist scans are routinely performed at leading healthcare facilities and dedicated clinics managed by fetal medicine specialists like Dr. Sweta Bothra. Learn the vital role of a Growth & Doppler scan in pregnancy, from why obstetricians recommend it to how it monitors fetal development and placental health.
What is a Growth & Doppler Scan?
Performed during the third trimester, a growth and Doppler scan is a specialized ultrasound exam that assesses fetal development and blood flow in the final stages of pregnancy. It is conducted between 28 and 40 weeks of pregnancy and is done to measure the baby’s physical size and check the blood flow through the following.
- Umbilical cord
- Plancenta
- Fetal Organs
Both the Growth and the Doppler scans ensure that the baby is developing normally and receiving adequate oxygen and nutrients.
What is the Cost of Conducting Growth & Doppler Scans in Siliguri?
A Growth & Doppler Scan in Siliguri typically ranges from ₹2,000 to ₹4,000, depending on the clinic and whether a Fetal Medicine Specialist performs it. You can get these scans done at top-rated local facilities here, with the help of a fetal medicine specialist like Dr. Sweta Bothra. Dr. Bothra is a fetal medicine specialist and radiologist who has advanced training in prenatal diagnosis and pregnancy imaging. She also brings experience from leading institutions, including Tata Memorial Hospital, SION Hospital, and Neotia Multispeciality Hospital.
Growth Scan: What does it measure?
To estimate the baby’s weight, a fetal growth scan measures three key skeletal dimensions, which are as follows.
- Head Circumference, HC
- Abdominal Circumference, AC
- Femur Length, FL
It also evaluates the baby’s position, well-being, and amniotic fluid levels. A fetal growth scan evaluates the following specific parameters:
- It Measures Amniotic Fluid Volume: It also checks if the fluid levels around the baby are adequate, which is called amniotic fluid.
- It Measures an Estimated Fetal Weight: This scan uses the biometric measurements to calculate the baby's approximate weight, giving an estimated fetal weight to the parents.
- It Measures the Position of the Placenta: The growth scan measures the position of the placenta by locating and assessing its maturity and function.
- It Observes or Measures Fetal Activity: The growth scan observes the baby’s breathing, muscle tone, and movements.
Doppler Scan: What Does It Measure?
It specifically measures the rate and direction of blood flow in some of the main blood vessels. This ensures that the baby is receiving the required or adequate amount of oxygen and nutrients through the placenta.
The Doppler scan typically evaluates these specific vessels.
- The Umbilical Artery: The Doppler checks the flow of blood between the placenta and your baby, measuring placental function.
- Middle Cerebral Artery (MCA): It measures blood flow in the baby's brain to see how they are responding to stress or a lack of oxygen.
- Uterine Arteries: It also checks the blood flowing from the mother's body to the placenta.
Why do doctors order a fetal growth and Doppler scan during pregnancy?
A fetal growth & Doppler Scan is typically recommended during the third trimester of pregnancy, that is, between 28 and 40 weeks. It is done to evaluate how well the baby is growing and to ensure the placenta is safely delivering oxygen and nutrients required by the baby. This is specifically required and highly recommended for pregnancies with certain health risk factors. However, it can be offered as a routine check-in for low-risk pregnancies to plan for delivery. It is done for the following purposes.
Identifying Certain Indicators from Routine Prenatal Visits
Growth & Doppler scans also determine or detect certain indicators from regular, routine prenatal visits. Sometimes a routine midwife or doctor visit uncovers a physical measurement or symptom that triggers an unscheduled scan.
Detecting Low or High Amniotic Fluid:
It helps in determining whether the amniotic fluid is low or high. A previous basic ultrasound shows too little fluid, called oligohydramnios, or too much fluid, called polyhydramnios, surrounding the baby.
Detecting Abnormal Fundal Height:
This scan helps in detecting abnormal fundal height by spotting a mismatch in belly size. It is done when the doctor measures the pregnant belly with a tape measure and the size is either smaller or larger than expected for that week. And, if your belly measures significantly smaller or larger than expected for your week, it is a key trigger for an extra scan.
Detecting Reduced Fetal Movements:
If the mother notices a sudden dip or change in how frequently the baby is kicking or moving, this scan helps in detecting reduced fetal movements of the baby. A reduction in movement can sometimes indicate that the baby is trying to conserve their energy. Doctors will immediately order a Doppler scan to look inside, check the baby's comfort levels, and ensure they are getting all the oxygen and nutrients they need.
Detecting Low or High Amniotic Fluid:
It helps in determining whether the amniotic fluid is low or high. A previous basic ultrasound shows too little fluid, called oligohydramnios, or too much fluid, called polyhydramnios, surrounding the baby.
Detecting or Determining Multiple Pregnancies & History
Because if you are carrying twins or triplets, your body is naturally sharing its resources, your past pregnancy history heavily shapes your current care path. Doctors use frequent Growth and Doppler scans early on to ensure all babies are growing symmetrically.
Determining the History of Fetal Growth Restriction (FGR):
It helps in determining the history of fetal growth restriction. If a previous baby was born very small for their gestational age or experienced growth issues in the womb.
Detecting the History of Late Miscarriage or Stillbirth:
Ensuring full surveillance to give parents peace of mind and protect the baby, this scan helps in detecting a history of late miscarriage or stillbirth.
Determining Multiple Pregnancies, like Twins or Triplets:
Multiple pregnancies can be detected with the help of Growth & Doppler scans because the womb space and resources are shared, so these scans start earlier, around 24 weeks, and repeat more frequently.
Conclusion
A Growth & Doppler Scan is recommended during the later times of your pregnancy, particularly in the third trimester, between 28 and 36 weeks, or earlier for high-risk pregnancies. They are conducted to detect fetal weight, growth patterns, amniotic fluid levels, and placental blood flow, ensuring the baby receives adequate oxygen and nutrients. Assessing a reliable Growth & Doppler Scan in Siliguri is the easiest way to safely track and keep your pregnancy journey on the right track. Book your Growth & Doppler Scan appointment today to comfortably monitor your baby’s development and enjoy total peace of mind.
