All Packages include a Growth Scan & Report

A Growth Scan is a series of measurements and checks performed on your baby much like the scans that you have already had at 12 and 20 weeks.

It is performed using a conventional 2D scan on the same leading edge technology ultrasound machine that we use for your 4D scan.

WHY DO A GROWTH SCAN?
As a professional private medical practice we believe that whenever a mother has a scan the health and well being of her baby should always be checked.

Whilst it is a truly unique experience to see your unborn child moving in 3D the opportunity to make these checks, analyse the data and correctly report it should not be missed.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?
Providing your baby is in a good position collecting the measurements and performing the checks takes less than 5 minutes.

Your 4D scanning time will not be lessened by inclusion of a Growth Scan.

WHAT DOES A GROWTH SCAN INCLUDE?
During a Growth Scan our sonographer will:

• Listen to your baby's heartbeat
• Record the position of your baby
• Check your baby’s movements
• Examine your placenta for position and quality
• Check and the amount of fluid around your baby
• Measure the length of your baby's leg bone (femur)
• Measure the size of your baby's waist
• Measure the circumference and diameter of your baby’s head

All these measurements will be transferred to our Fetal Database to prepare the Growth Report.

WHAT IS ON THE GROWTH REPORT?
The Growth Report is prepared to the highest medical standards and accepted by NHS midwifes, Obstetricians and GPs.

All measurements are plotted on charts which outline normal growth patterns for a baby.

The report will also estimate the weight of your baby at the time of the scan.

The sonographer will write a summary of the findings of your ultrasound examination.

WILL THE GROWTH SCAN DETECT ANY ANOMALIES?
Not usually. At the later stages of pregnancy when 4D scans are performed the sonographer is not looking at your baby's anatomy in any great detail.

These checks will have already been performed at your 20 Week Anomaly Scan.

However on the odd occasion our policy of checking every baby that we scan has revealed abnormalities that weren't detected in earlier scans.

Thankfully these are rare occurrences, but it does prove that our procedure can be beneficial for parents and their baby.

WILL THE GROWTH SCAN DETECT DOWN SYNDROME?
No. Your baby will already have been screened for Down Syndrome at the 12 Week Nuchal Scan and checked again for markers at the 20 Week Anomaly Scan.

We will not be able to tell if you baby has Down Syndrome by looking at the face in 4D.

I AM CONCERNED ABOUT MY BABY. SHOULD I HAVE A 4D + GROWTH SCAN?
No. The Growth Scan and Report is included for reassurance and as a progress report on your previously healthy baby exhibiting normal growth in a routine pregnancy.

If you have any concerns about your baby, have had any tummy pain, spot bleeding, your baby hasn't been moving as much as normal or if you have had a fall or been involved in an accident we strongly recommend that you book a Fetal Welfare Scan instead.

A Fetal Welfare Scan is a much more comprehensive check on the health and well being of your baby.

I WAS SCANNED RECENTLY, DO I NEED A GROWTH SCAN?
Maybe yes, maybe no. It depends on how recently you were scanned, how many babies you are carrying and whether there are current or previous concerns with your baby.

Because you choose your package before your 4D scan booking starts we are happy to advise on the day of your appointment.

If you decide not to have Growth Scan and Report you can always create your own package of individual media items.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I DON'T HAVE A GROWTH SCAN & SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH MY BABY?
We check and measure every baby that we scan - even if you don't request a Growth Scan - but we don't prepare the report if you haven't ordered one.

In the unlikely situation that an anomaly is discovered the sonographer would stop the scan, discuss what has been found and suggest a management plan.

You will then be asked if you would like to proceed with your 4D Scan or stop and convert the appointment to a medical scan.

Because we are a professional private medical practice any anomaly must be properly reported and there will be a charge levied for preparing the report.

I JUST WANT TO KNOW THE WEIGHT OF MY BABY?
SHOULD I REQUEST A GROWTH SCAN AND REPORT?
Yes. We are only able to supply clinical data on your baby after the measurements have been transferred to our Fetal Database and our software has analysed it to produce the Growth Report

IF YOU ARE COMPARING 4D BABY SCANNING SERVICES ASK IF THEY PERFORM A MEDICAL GROWTH SCAN & REPORT WITH EVERY 4D SCAN
Then ask yourself; is it worth the difference not to have your baby properly checked during your 4D scan?