Growth scan at Dr. Essa Lab

Growth scan at Dr. Essa Lab

A Growth scan, also widely referred to as a fetal well-being or third-trimester ultrasound, is a specialized diagnostic imaging procedure designed to monitor the development, size, and health of a growing fetus. Typically performed during the late second or third trimester of pregnancy—most commonly between 28 and 32 weeks—this non-invasive scan plays a pivotal role in modern obstetric care. At Dr. Essa Lab, a premier diagnostic institution in Karachi, Pakistan, this examination is conducted by highly experienced consultant radiologists and sonologists using state-of-the-art ultrasound technology. By utilizing high-frequency sound waves rather than ionizing radiation, the Growth scan provides a completely safe, painless, and highly accurate method for evaluating the intrauterine environment, ensuring peace of mind for expectant parents and vital clinical data for obstetricians.

The primary clinical objective of a Growth scan is to ensure that the fetus is growing at an appropriate and healthy rate. To achieve this, the ultrasound system measures key anatomical structures of the fetus. These measurements are then compared against standardized gestational growth charts to determine if the fetus is developing within the expected percentiles. Beyond mere measurements, the scan provides a comprehensive assessment of the maternal-fetal support system, including the placenta, the amniotic fluid volume, and the blood flow dynamics within the umbilical cord. This holistic evaluation is crucial for identifying potential complications early, allowing for timely medical interventions that can significantly improve neonatal outcomes.

Anatomy Evaluated During the Scan

During a Growth scan at Dr. Essa Lab, several critical fetal anatomical parameters are meticulously measured to assess overall development. These include the Biparietal Diameter (BPD), which measures the width of the fetal skull from one parietal bone to the other, and the Head Circumference (HC), which provides a complete measurement around the outer perimeter of the fetal head. These cranial measurements are essential for assessing brain development and identifying potential head size abnormalities. Additionally, the Abdominal Circumference (AC) is measured; this is a highly sensitive indicator of fetal nutrition and glycogen storage in the liver, making it a key parameter for detecting growth restriction or macrosomia. The Femur Length (FL), which measures the length of the thigh bone, is also recorded to evaluate skeletal growth. By combining these parameters, the ultrasound software calculates the Estimated Fetal Weight (EFW), which is plotted on a growth curve to determine the exact percentile of the baby’s weight relative to gestational age.

Clinical Procedure: What to Expect

Patient Preparation

Preparing for a Growth scan at Dr. Essa Lab is simple and straightforward, designed to ensure maximum comfort for the expectant mother. Patients are advised to follow these guidelines:

• Clothing: Wear comfortable, loose-fitting, two-piece clothing. A separate top and skirt or trousers are ideal, as this allows easy access to the abdomen without the need to undress completely.
• Diet and Hydration: There are no dietary restrictions, and fasting is not required. You may eat and drink normally before the procedure. It is highly recommended to drink 1 to 2 glasses of water approximately 30 to 45 minutes before your appointment. While a completely full bladder is not strictly necessary in the third trimester, a partially full bladder helps to elevate the uterus out of the pelvis, optimizing the acoustic window for clearer imaging.
• Documentation: Please bring all previous ultrasound reports, laboratory results, and your obstetrician’s referral letter. Comparing current findings with previous scans is vital for assessing the velocity of fetal growth over time.

During the Procedure

When you arrive at Dr. Essa Lab for your Growth scan, you will be guided to a private, comfortable ultrasound suite. The procedure follows a highly professional and standardized clinical protocol:

• Positioning: You will be asked to lie comfortably on your back (supine position) on an examination table. The upper abdomen and pelvic region will be exposed, and paper towels will be placed to protect your clothing. If you experience dizziness or shortness of breath while lying flat (supine hypotensive syndrome), the sonologist will adjust your position to a semi-recumbent or side-lying angle.
• Acoustic Gel Application: A warm, hypoallergenic, water-soluble ultrasound gel will be applied to your abdomen. This gel is essential because it eliminates air pockets between the transducer probe and your skin, allowing the high-frequency sound waves to transmit smoothly into the uterus and return as clear echoes.
• Imaging Process: The consultant radiologist or sonologist will gently glide the transducer probe across your abdomen. As the probe moves, real-time images of your baby will appear on the ultrasound monitor. The specialist will freeze images to take precise measurements of the fetal head, abdomen, and femur, and will also evaluate the placenta and amniotic fluid.
• Doppler Evaluation: If clinically indicated, the specialist will activate Doppler ultrasound mode to assess blood flow through the umbilical artery, fetal middle cerebral artery, or maternal uterine arteries. This produces a distinct pulsing sound, which is completely normal and represents the baby’s blood circulation.
• Duration and Comfort: The entire scan typically takes between 20 to 30 minutes. The procedure is entirely non-invasive, painless, and safe, with no known risks or side effects. Once the scan is complete, the gel is easily wiped away, and you can immediately resume your normal daily activities.

When is a Growth scan Performed?

Monitoring Fetal Growth and Development (SGA/LGA)

A Growth scan is primarily performed to monitor the velocity of fetal growth, helping clinicians identify babies that are Small for Gestational Age (SGA) or Large for Gestational Age (LGA). If a fetus’s estimated weight falls below the 10th percentile, it may indicate Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR), a condition where the baby is not receiving adequate nutrients and oxygen. Conversely, an estimated weight above the 90th percentile suggests fetal macrosomia, often associated with maternal gestational diabetes. Detecting these deviations early allows obstetricians to tailor prenatal care, schedule appropriate monitoring, and plan a safe delivery strategy.

Assessing Amniotic Fluid Volume (Oligohydramnios/Polyhydramnios)

The volume of amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus is a direct indicator of fetal well-being and placental function. A Growth scan measures the Amniotic Fluid Index (AFI) or the Single Deepest Pocket (SDP). A low volume of fluid, known as oligohydramnios, can indicate placental insufficiency, fetal renal abnormalities, or ruptured membranes, which can compromise fetal safety. An excessive volume of fluid, known as polyhydramnios, may be linked to maternal diabetes, fetal swallowing difficulties, or congenital anomalies. Monitoring fluid levels is critical for preventing complications during late pregnancy and labor.

Evaluating Placental Position and Health (Placenta Previa)

The position and health of the placenta are vital for a successful term pregnancy. A Growth scan evaluates the exact location of the placenta relative to the maternal cervix. If the placenta is positioned low in the uterus, partially or completely covering the internal cervical os, it is diagnosed as placenta previa. This condition poses a significant risk of severe bleeding during labor and typically necessitates a planned cesarean delivery. The scan also assesses placental maturity (grading) and checks for signs of premature aging or calcification, which could impact nutrient delivery to the fetus.

High-Risk Pregnancy Surveillance (Maternal Hypertension/Diabetes)

Expectant mothers with pre-existing medical conditions or pregnancy-induced complications require close monitoring. Conditions such as chronic hypertension, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, pre-gestational diabetes, thyroid disorders, or advanced maternal age can adversely affect placental perfusion and fetal development. In these high-risk pregnancies, serial Growth scans are scheduled at regular intervals (typically every 2 to 4 weeks) to assess fetal health, monitor blood flow via Doppler, and ensure that the pregnancy can safely continue to term.

Investigating Reduced Fetal Movements

A sudden or gradual decrease in fetal movements is a critical clinical symptom that requires immediate medical evaluation. When a patient reports reduced fetal activity, obstetricians frequently request an urgent Growth scan. The scan allows the radiologist to confirm fetal cardiac activity, assess fetal breathing and body movements (components of the biophysical profile), and evaluate umbilical artery blood flow. This immediate assessment helps determine if the fetus is experiencing acute distress, enabling life-saving clinical decisions regarding emergency delivery or close inpatient monitoring.

What Does a Growth scan Detect?

A comprehensive Growth scan at Dr. Essa Lab is highly sensitive and capable of detecting a wide range of fetal, placental, and uterine conditions. Key clinical findings include:

• Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR) or Fetal Growth Restriction (FGR)
• Fetal macrosomia (excessive fetal weight relative to gestational age)
• Oligohydramnios (abnormally low amniotic fluid volume)
• Polyhydramnios (abnormally high amniotic fluid volume)
• Placenta previa (low-lying placenta covering the internal cervical os)
• Placental abruption (signs of premature separation of the placenta)
• Premature placental calcification or advanced placental senescence
• Abnormal umbilical artery Doppler indices (elevated resistance, absent or reversed end-diastolic flow)
• Breech presentation (fetal buttocks or feet positioned to deliver first)
• Transverse or oblique fetal lie (non-axial fetal positioning)
• Cephalic presentation (normal head-down positioning)
• Nuchal cord (umbilical cord wrapped around the fetal neck)
• Late-onset structural anomalies (such as mild ventriculomegaly or hydronephrosis)
• Decreased fetal biophysical profile score (indicating potential fetal hypoxia)
• Absence or reduction of fetal breathing movements
• Reduced gross body movements or poor fetal tone
• Shortened or incompetent maternal cervix (risk factor for preterm labor)
• Uterine fibroids (leiomyomas) that may obstruct the birth canal or cause pain
• Fetal cardiac arrhythmias (tachycardia or bradycardia)
• Single umbilical artery (two-vessel cord instead of the normal three-vessel cord)
• Fetal ascites, pleural effusion, or generalized hydrops fetalis
• Discrepancies between physical fundal height measurements and actual ultrasound gestational age

Turnaround Time and Report Access at Dr. Essa Lab

At Dr. Essa Lab, we prioritize efficiency alongside diagnostic accuracy, understanding that timely results are crucial for managing pregnancies. Once your Growth scan is completed, the high-resolution images and comprehensive measurements are thoroughly analyzed by our consultant radiologist. A detailed, professional diagnostic report is typically compiled and verified within a few hours of the procedure. Patients can conveniently access and download their digital reports and view key ultrasound images online through the secure Dr. Essa Lab patient portal. Additionally, high-quality printed reports and ultrasound films can be collected directly from the diagnostic center where the scan was performed, ensuring seamless communication with your referring obstetrician.

Growth scan Findings Overview

Structure / Parameter Evaluated	Normal Findings	Possible Abnormal Findings
Biparietal Diameter (BPD) & Head Circumference (HC)	Measurements consistent with the established gestational age, falling within normal percentiles.	Microcephaly (abnormally small head) or macrocephaly (abnormally large head); growth lag indicating asymmetric growth restriction.
Abdominal Circumference (AC)	Proportional to gestational age, reflecting healthy fetal liver size and glycogen stores.	Significantly reduced AC (indicative of asymmetric IUGR) or elevated AC (suggestive of fetal macrosomia).
Femur Length (FL)	Skeletal growth matching gestational age, indicating normal long bone development.	Abnormally short femur length, which may suggest skeletal dysplasia or overall growth restriction.
Estimated Fetal Weight (EFW)	Calculated weight falling between the 10th and 90th percentiles on standardized growth curves.	EFW below the 10th percentile (SGA/IUGR) or above the 90th percentile (LGA/Macrosomia).
Amniotic Fluid Volume (AFI / SDP)	Amniotic Fluid Index (AFI) between 5 cm and 25 cm, or Single Deepest Pocket (SDP) between 2 cm and 8 cm.	Oligohydramnios (AFI less than 5 cm) or Polyhydramnios (AFI greater than 25 cm).
Placental Position & Grade	Placenta located in the upper uterine segment, clear of the internal cervical os; appropriate grade for gestational age.	Placenta previa (covering the cervix), low-lying placenta, or premature placental aging (Grade III early in the third trimester).
Umbilical Artery Doppler	Low-resistance blood flow with robust diastolic flow, normal S/D ratio, and normal Pulsatility Index (PI).	High-resistance flow, Absent End-Diastolic Flow (AEDF), or Reversed End-Diastolic Flow (REDF) indicating placental insufficiency.
Fetal Presentation & Lie	Cephalic (head-down) presentation with a longitudinal lie, especially as the pregnancy approaches term.	Breech presentation, transverse lie, or oblique lie, which may impact delivery planning.

Note: Diagnostic findings should always be interpreted by a qualified healthcare professional together with the patient’s symptoms, medical history, physical examination, laboratory investigations, previous imaging studies, and other relevant clinical information. Additional investigations or specialist consultation may be recommended depending on the findings.

Why Choose Dr. Essa Lab for Growth scan?

• Experienced Healthcare Professionals: Our scans are performed and interpreted by highly qualified consultant radiologists and sonologists specializing in maternal-fetal imaging.
• State-of-the-Art Technology: We utilize advanced, high-resolution ultrasound machines that deliver exceptional image clarity for precise fetal measurements.
• ISO-Certified Quality: Dr. Essa Lab adheres to rigorous international quality control standards, ensuring highly accurate and reliable diagnostic reports.
• Patient-Focused Care: We prioritize maternal comfort, privacy, and safety, providing a warm and supportive environment during your examination.
• Convenient Locations: With multiple branches across Karachi and other major cities, accessing premium diagnostic services is highly convenient.
• Secure Online Reports: Patients can easily view, download, and share their diagnostic reports and ultrasound images through our secure online portal.
• Timely Reporting: We ensure rapid turnaround times, with detailed reports typically available within a few hours of the scan.
• Comprehensive Diagnostic Approach: We offer a full spectrum of prenatal laboratory and imaging services, supporting your entire healthcare journey under one roof.