Fetal Well-Being Scan (Growth Scan): Ensuring Optimal Fetal Health at Mayflower Fetal Medicine & High Risk Pregnancy Centre
Pregnancy is a remarkable journey that brings great joy and excitement, but it also comes with its own set of concerns and uncertainties. One of the most important aspects of ensuring a healthy pregnancy is monitoring the well-being and growth of the developing fetus. At Mayflower Fetal Medicine & High Risk Pregnancy Centre in Nagpur, Dr. Kunda Shahane and her expert team offer the highly effective Fetal Well-Being Scan, also known as the Growth Scan, to ensure that every stage of pregnancy is progressing as it should. This comprehensive scan is a crucial part of prenatal care and provides valuable insights into the health and development of the fetus.
What is a Fetal Well-Being Scan (Growth Scan)?
A Fetal Well-Being Scan, often referred to as a Growth Scan, is a specialized ultrasound that focuses on assessing the growth and overall health of the fetus. The primary purpose of this scan is to monitor the development of the baby, including the size, weight, and any potential complications related to fetal growth. Unlike routine ultrasounds, the Growth Scan provides a detailed evaluation of fetal well-being, ensuring that the baby is developing within the normal growth parameters.
The Growth Scan typically involves the use of advanced ultrasound technology to measure the fetal head, abdomen, and femur (thigh bone). These measurements help estimate the fetal weight, assess the amount of amniotic fluid, and monitor the placental function to ensure the fetus is receiving adequate nourishment and oxygen.
Why is a Fetal Well-Being Scan (Growth Scan) Important?
Monitoring fetal growth is essential during pregnancy, as it helps identify potential problems early and ensures that the baby is developing optimally. Here’s why the Fetal Well-Being Scan is a vital part of prenatal care:
- Assessing Fetal Growth: The Growth Scan helps determine whether the fetus is growing at a normal rate. Abnormal growth can be an early indicator of issues such as intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), which can increase the risk of complications during pregnancy and childbirth.
- Monitoring Amniotic Fluid Levels: Amniotic fluid is essential for the baby’s development, providing cushioning, nutrients, and room to move. The Fetal Well-Being Scan evaluates the levels of amniotic fluid to ensure they are within a healthy range. Abnormal fluid levels can indicate problems such as oligohydramnios (low fluid) or polyhydramnios (excessive fluid), which may require further investigation and intervention.
- Checking Placental Function: The placenta plays a vital role in supplying nutrients and oxygen to the fetus. The Growth Scan also evaluates the function of the placenta to ensure it is providing adequate nourishment. A poorly functioning placenta can lead to complications like pre-eclampsia or IUGR.
- Identifying Potential Complications Early: The Fetal Well-Being Scan can help detect potential issues early, such as fetal distress, abnormal fetal position, or placental issues, allowing healthcare providers to take the necessary steps to manage or address these complications before they become serious.
- Peace of Mind for Parents: For expectant parents, the Fetal Well-Being Scan provides reassurance by confirming that their baby is developing well. It allows parents to better understand the progression of their pregnancy and take proactive measures, if necessary, for a healthy delivery.
How Does a Fetal Well-Being Scan (Growth Scan) Work?
The Fetal Well-Being Scan is a non-invasive, painless procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to create detailed images of the fetus and its surroundings. Here’s what to expect during the scan:
- Preparation: The mother will be asked to lie comfortably on an examination table. In most cases, a full bladder is recommended to obtain clearer images, although this may vary depending on the stage of pregnancy.
- Ultrasound Gel: A special gel is applied to the abdomen to allow the ultrasound transducer to move smoothly over the skin and create accurate images. The gel also helps transmit sound waves more effectively.
- Ultrasound Probe: A small handheld device called a transducer is moved gently over the mother’s abdomen. The transducer sends out sound waves, which bounce off the fetus and create images on the ultrasound monitor.
- Measuring and Monitoring: The technician or doctor will focus on measuring key areas of the fetus, including the head, abdomen, and femur. These measurements are used to estimate the fetal weight and assess whether the baby is growing at a healthy rate. Additionally, the amount of amniotic fluid and placental function are evaluated.
- Analyzing the Results: The results of the Fetal Well-Being Scan will be carefully analyzed to ensure the fetus is developing properly. If any issues are detected, Dr. Kunda Shahane will discuss them with the parents and offer a plan for further monitoring or intervention if needed.
What Does the Fetal Well-Being Scan (Growth Scan) Show?
A Fetal Well-Being Scan provides detailed insights into various aspects of fetal health, including:
- Fetal Size and Weight: Accurate measurements of the head, abdomen, and femur help estimate the baby’s weight and determine whether it is growing at a healthy rate. If the fetus is growing too slowly or too quickly, this can indicate potential issues that may need further investigation.
- Amniotic Fluid Levels: The amount of amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus is assessed. Adequate amniotic fluid is essential for the baby’s movement, lung development, and protection. Abnormal fluid levels may suggest problems such as placental insufficiency or fetal distress.
- Placental Function: The health of the placenta is crucial for delivering nutrients and oxygen to the fetus. The scan can evaluate the position and function of the placenta, ensuring that it is properly attached and functioning optimally.
- Fetal Movement and Heart Rate: The scan also helps evaluate fetal movement and the heart rate, which are key indicators of the baby’s well-being. A healthy, active fetus with a strong heartbeat is a good sign of normal development.
- Fetal Position: In some cases, the scan can provide information about the position of the fetus in the uterus, which can help in preparing for the delivery process.
Conditions Detected by a Fetal Well-Being Scan (Growth Scan)
The Fetal Well-Being Scan can help detect a range of conditions related to fetal growth and development, including:
- Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR): When the fetus is not growing at the expected rate, it may be due to conditions like placental insufficiency or maternal health problems, such as hypertension or diabetes.
- Hydrops Fetalis: This condition involves the accumulation of fluid in the fetus’s body, which can be detected by abnormal fluid levels during the scan.
- Placental Abruption: The scan can detect signs of placental abruption, where the placenta separates from the uterine wall prematurely, which can be dangerous for both the mother and baby.
- Polyhydramnios or Oligohydramnios: Excessive or insufficient amniotic fluid can indicate underlying issues that need to be addressed.
- Fetal Distress: If the fetus is not receiving enough oxygen or nutrients, the scan can reveal signs of fetal distress, prompting immediate medical attention.
Why Choose Mayflower Fetal Medicine & High Risk Pregnancy Centre?
At Mayflower Fetal Medicine & High Risk Pregnancy Centre, Dr. Kunda Shahane is committed to providing the highest level of care for both mother and baby. With state-of-the-art ultrasound technology and years of experience in managing high-risk pregnancies, Dr. Shahane ensures that every
Fetal Well-Being Scan is thorough and accurate. The clinic’s compassionate approach provides parents with the support they need during this important time in their lives.
Conclusion
The Fetal Well-Being Scan (Growth Scan) is an essential tool for ensuring the health and development of the fetus during pregnancy. By monitoring fetal growth, amniotic fluid levels, and placental function, this scan provides critical insights that help detect potential problems early. At Mayflower Fetal Medicine & High Risk Pregnancy Centre, Dr. Kunda Shahane offers expert Fetal Well-Being Scans that give parents peace of mind and enable the best possible care for both mother and baby. If you are expecting and want to ensure that your pregnancy is progressing optimally, schedule a Fetal Well-Being Scan today at Mayflower Fetal Medicine & High Risk Pregnancy Centre.
