Fetal Growth Scan in Nagpur
A fetal growth scan monitors your baby's size, weight, and wellbeing at key points through pregnancy — detecting growth restriction (IUGR) before it becomes an emergency, and ensuring babies that are growing well are confirmed as such. At Mayflower Clinic, every growth scan is performed by Dr. Kunda Shahane or under her direct supervision, using the GE Voluson Signature Expert with AI-assisted biometry.
| Also called | Growth scan, obstetric ultrasound, serial growth scan |
| Timing | From 24 weeks; routine: 28–30 and 34–36 weeks |
| High-risk | Every 2–4 weeks from 24 weeks |
| Duration | 20–30 minutes |
| Machine | GE Voluson Signature Expert |
| Measures | BPD, HC, AC, FL, EFW, AFI, placenta |
| PCPNDT | Fully compliant |
What is a Fetal Growth Scan?
A fetal growth scan is an ultrasound examination that measures the baby's physical dimensions at a given point in pregnancy and uses those measurements to calculate an estimated fetal weight (EFW). This is compared to standardised growth curves to determine whether the baby is growing appropriately for its gestational age.
Beyond measurements, the growth scan also assesses amniotic fluid volume, placental location and appearance, and fetal presentation — providing a composite picture of fetal wellbeing. When combined with Doppler blood flow assessment, it becomes the standard monitoring tool for all high-risk pregnancies.
What Does Dr. Kunda Shahane Measure?
Every fetal growth scan at Mayflower Clinic measures the following parameters systematically. Each measurement serves a specific clinical purpose and, together, they form a complete picture of fetal growth and wellbeing.
| Code | Full Name | What It Measures & Why It Matters | IUGR Clue | If Abnormal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BPD | Biparietal Diameter | Width of the baby's head across the temples. One of the earliest and most reliable measurements for gestational age confirmation. | May be relatively preserved in early IUGR (head-sparing pattern) | Microcephaly if very small; macrocephaly if very large |
| HC | Head Circumference | Full circumference of the fetal head. More accurate than BPD alone as it accounts for head shape variation (dolichocephaly, brachycephaly). | Preserved in head-sparing IUGR; reduced in severe brain growth restriction | Asymmetric growth pattern suggests IUGR; symmetric restriction may indicate early-onset or chromosomal cause |
| AC | Abdominal Circumference | Circumference of the baby's abdomen at the level of the liver. The most sensitive measurement for detecting IUGR — reflects liver glycogen stores and nutritional status. | The first measurement to fall in IUGR. Liver shrinks as glycogen is depleted when the placenta under-supplies nutrients. | Reduced AC with normal HC = classic asymmetric IUGR (brain-sparing pattern) |
| FL | Femur Length | Length of the thigh bone. Used as a proxy for overall skeletal growth and long-bone development. | May be short in chromosomal anomalies (Down syndrome) or skeletal dysplasia | Disproportionate short FL triggers further assessment for skeletal dysplasia or chromosomal cause |
| EFW | Estimated Fetal Weight | Calculated from BPD, HC, AC, and FL using Hadlock or other validated formula. The primary summary measurement for assessing growth status. Compared to growth centile charts. | EFW <10th percentile = small for gestational age (SGA). Combined with Doppler to determine if this is true IUGR. | EFW <3rd percentile = severe IUGR / significant risk. EFW >90th percentile = macrosomia (large baby — risk in diabetes) |
| AFI | Amniotic Fluid Index | Sum of the deepest fluid pockets in four uterine quadrants. Reflects fetal kidney perfusion and overall fetoplacental wellbeing. Indirect marker of placental function. | Oligohydramnios (low AFI) in IUGR = kidneys under-perfused due to placental insufficiency | Polyhydramnios → fetal swallowing problem, GI anomaly, or diabetes. Oligohydramnios → renal issue, IUGR, or PPROM |
| Placenta | Placental Assessment | Location, appearance, and grading (0–III). Grade III placenta before 36 weeks may indicate accelerated placental aging and potential insufficiency. | Early Grade III placentation + abnormal Doppler = significant placental insufficiency | Low-lying placenta may require re-assessment near delivery for placenta praevia |
When Should You Get a Growth Scan?
The timing and frequency of growth scans depends on whether your pregnancy is low-risk or high-risk. The schedule below is what Dr. Kunda Shahane recommends for different clinical situations.
| Gestational Age | Scan Type | Who Needs It | What is Assessed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24–26 weeks | Baseline growth scan | High-risk pregnancies: GDM, hypertension, twins, IUGR history, thrombophilia | Biometry, AFI, placenta, baseline EFW for serial comparison; often combined with Doppler |
| 28–30 weeks | Second/third trimester scan | All pregnancies (recommended); essential for high-risk cases | Growth velocity check from previous scan, AFI, presentation, EFW centile trend |
| 32–34 weeks | Third trimester assessment | All pregnancies (routine); every 2–4 weeks for IUGR, GDM, hypertension | Growth centile, AC velocity, AFI, placental grade, Doppler if indicated, presentation |
| 36–38 weeks | Pre-delivery assessment | High-risk pregnancies; those with prior small baby, placenta praevia, or planned early delivery | Final EFW, presentation, cervical assessment, placental location confirmation |
| Every 2–3 weeks | Serial growth surveillance | Confirmed IUGR (EFW <10th percentile), abnormal Doppler, severe GDM, pre-eclampsia, twin IUGR | Serial biometry to track growth velocity, AFI trend, Doppler escalation monitoring, delivery timing |
| Every 1–2 weeks | Intensive surveillance | Absent end-diastolic flow on Doppler, BPP indicated, imminent delivery decisions | Biometric trend, ductus venosus Doppler, biophysical profile scoring, admission timing |
Detecting and Managing IUGR
IUGR (Intrauterine Growth Restriction) — also called Fetal Growth Restriction (FGR) — is one of the most important conditions monitored by serial growth scans. A baby with IUGR is small because the placenta is not providing adequate nutrition and oxygen, not simply because it is constitutionally small.
Before 32 Weeks
Often severe. Strongly associated with pre-eclampsia and placental insufficiency. Doppler abnormalities appear early and progress rapidly. Requires intensive surveillance — weekly or more frequent. Delivery timing is a critical decision balancing prematurity risks against fetal compromise.
At or After 32 Weeks
More common; often milder. Placenta aging or gradual insufficiency. Doppler may be normal initially — brain-sparing (reduced MCA resistance) is the key early marker. Growth deceleration across centiles on serial scans is the characteristic finding. Delivery usually at 37–38 weeks or earlier if Doppler deteriorates.
A small baby is not always IUGR. The critical question is: is the placenta working adequately? A constitutionally small baby with normal Doppler, normal fluid, and normal growth velocity is a healthy small baby. True IUGR is diagnosed when growth restriction is combined with evidence of placental insufficiency on Doppler. Dr. Kunda Shahane will make this distinction based on your complete clinical picture.
Who Needs Serial Growth Scans?
While a single growth scan is recommended for all pregnancies in the third trimester, serial growth scans are specifically indicated in higher-risk situations:
GE Voluson Signature Expert — Precision Growth Assessment
Every growth scan at Mayflower Clinic uses the GE Voluson Signature Expert — which offers significantly higher resolution and AI-assisted measurement accuracy compared to standard obstetric ultrasound machines used in general hospitals and diagnostic centres.
GE Voluson Signature Expert — Growth Scan Advantages
The same platform used at India's top fetal medicine centres — now in Nagpur at Mayflower Clinic.
Preparation & Safety
How to prepare for a growth scan
- No fasting required. Eat and drink normally — a light meal is fine.
- Bladder: A comfortably full bladder is helpful. Drink 2–3 glasses of water 30 minutes before.
- Bring your records: Previous scan reports and your antenatal card so growth velocity can be calculated from prior measurements. This is essential for serial monitoring.
- Allow 30 minutes. A growth scan combined with Doppler takes approximately 30–40 minutes.
- Come on time for serial scans. The interval between scans is clinically calculated. Coming significantly early or late affects the reliability of growth velocity assessment.
Is a growth scan safe?
Yes. Growth scans use diagnostic ultrasound — sound waves, not radiation. They are completely safe for both mother and baby and can be repeated as many times as clinically required throughout the pregnancy.
Frequently Asked Questions
My baby's weight is on the 8th percentile — is that dangerous?
Being on the 8th percentile means the baby is small compared to the average, but the critical question is: is the baby growing at a consistent rate along its own growth curve? A baby that has been consistently on the 8th percentile throughout pregnancy, with normal Doppler and normal fluid, is likely constitutionally small and healthy.
The concern arises when the baby crosses centile lines downward (was 30th percentile and is now 8th), when Doppler is abnormal, or when fluid is reduced. Dr. Kunda Shahane will interpret your specific measurements in context and determine whether your baby needs closer monitoring or is growing normally for its genetic potential.
How accurate is the estimated fetal weight (EFW)?
EFW from ultrasound has an inherent margin of error of approximately ±10–15% compared to actual birth weight. This means a baby estimated at 2.5 kg may actually weigh anywhere from about 2.1 to 2.9 kg. Despite this, EFW is clinically very useful for identifying babies who are significantly small or large, and for tracking growth trends over time. Serial measurements on the same machine by the same operator give the most reliable comparison.
My growth scan is normal — do I still need a Doppler scan?
It depends on your clinical situation. A normal growth scan in a low-risk pregnancy without any Doppler indication is usually sufficient. However, in high-risk pregnancies — with hypertension, diabetes, IUGR history, or abnormal uterine artery Doppler — a Doppler scan complements the growth scan by confirming that placental blood supply is adequate even when measurements are currently normal. Dr. Kunda Shahane will advise whether Doppler is indicated alongside your growth assessment.
My baby was small on the growth scan — will I need to deliver early?
Not necessarily. A single small measurement does not automatically mean early delivery. The decision depends on: how small the baby is (which centile), whether growth velocity is adequate over serial scans, Doppler findings, amniotic fluid volume, gestational age, and the overall clinical picture. Many small babies are safely delivered at term with careful monitoring. Dr. Kunda Shahane will use all available information to create an individualised monitoring and delivery plan.
Why do I need serial growth scans — can't one scan tell everything?
A single growth scan gives a snapshot. Serial scans give the story. The most valuable piece of information in managing IUGR is the growth velocity — how much the baby has grown between two measurements. A baby measuring on the 12th percentile at 28 weeks, on the 10th percentile at 32 weeks, and on the 6th percentile at 36 weeks is a very different situation from a baby consistently on the 10th percentile throughout. The trend across serial scans is what guides management decisions.
"I ask every high-risk patient I see: when was your last growth scan? The answer is sometimes 'my doctor didn't ask for one.' Growth restriction is one of the leading causes of stillbirth — and it is largely preventable with proper surveillance. The abdominal circumference is the earliest measurement to show restriction, often weeks before any clinical sign. When we catch IUGR early, we can monitor the baby safely and deliver at the right moment — not too early, not too late. That window is what serial growth scans give us."
Book a Fetal Growth Scan in Nagpur
AI-assisted biometry + Doppler monitoring by Dr. Kunda Shahane — Central India's first fetal medicine specialist — using GE Voluson Signature Expert. Available for all pregnancies from 24 weeks.
Mayflower Fetal Medicine & High-Risk Pregnancy Centre strictly complies with the PCPNDT Act 1994. All growth scan and ultrasound services are performed exclusively for lawful medical indications. Disclosure of fetal sex is illegal and is not performed at this centre.
Medical Disclaimer: This page is for patient education only and does not constitute medical advice or treatment. All growth scan findings must be interpreted in the full clinical context by a qualified doctor. Consult Dr. Kunda Shahane for advice specific to your pregnancy. In an emergency, contact your nearest hospital immediately.
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