Third Trimester Ultrasound
Third Trimester Ultrasounds are performed to assess the growth and health of the baby these are also called a biophysical profile or a growth scan
In the third trimester of your pregnancy, your doctor or midwife often recommends a fetal growth scan. This valuable procedure monitors the growth and well-being of your developing baby. You've been referred to Melbourne Ultrasound for Women, where our team of skilled obstetricians and sonographers specialize in pregnancy ultrasound.
Why have I been referred for a Third Trimester Ultrasound?
Ultrasounds in late pregnancy are performed to assess the growth and health of the baby these are also called a biophysical profile or a growth scan.
Some doctors will order this routinely at around 32-36 weeks. Others only if there are medical complications such as bleeding or where there is a suspicion that the baby is smaller or larger than expected. The weight of the baby can be estimated from the measurements taken at this time and the health is assessed by measurement of the amount of fluid around the baby (amniotic fluid index), the movements of the baby and measurements of blood flow between the placenta and baby (umbilical artery blood flow studies).
The lie of the baby is assessed (either head up or head down) and the anatomy is checked again. The placenta position is also assessed at this scan.
What can be seen?
A third-trimester ultrasound is a medical imaging assessment conducted during the latter part of pregnancy, typically around the 32 - 36 weeks and beyond. Also known as a growth scan or a well-being scan, this ultrasound aims to assess the baby's growth, position, and overall health in more detail as the pregnancy approaches its conclusion. Here's what you can expect from a third-trimester ultrasound:
Growth Assessment: One of the primary objectives of a third-trimester ultrasound is to evaluate the baby's growth and weight gain. This helps healthcare providers ensure that the baby is developing within a healthy range and adjusting well to the intrauterine environment.
Amniotic Fluid Levels: The ultrasound can measure the levels of amniotic fluid surrounding the baby. Adequate amniotic fluid is crucial for protecting the baby and enabling proper fetal movement.
Position of the Baby: The ultrasound provides information about the baby's position within the womb. Determining whether the baby is head down (in the cephalic presentation) or in another position can be crucial for planning the delivery.
Placental Position and Function: The ultrasound assesses the location and condition of the placenta, which plays a vital role in providing nutrients and oxygen to the baby. An abnormal placental position might impact the delivery plan.
Umbilical Cord Assessment: The ultrasound can examine the umbilical cord and its blood flow. A healthy umbilical cord ensures proper nutrient and oxygen transfer between the mother and the baby.
Checking for Anomalies: While major structural abnormalities are typically identified in earlier scans, the third-trimester ultrasound might pick up on any late-developing issues or concerns.
Fetal Well-being: The ultrasound provides insights into the overall well-being of the baby, including their heart rate and movement. These factors contribute to understanding the baby's health and vitality.
FAQs
Is a fetal growth scan safe?
Yes, fetal growth scans are considered safe and non-invasive. They use ultrasound technology, which utilizes sound waves to create images, without exposing the mother or the baby to harmful radiation.
What happens if the scan shows a growth concern?
If any growth-related concerns are identified, your healthcare provider will discuss the findings with you and recommend appropriate steps, which might include additional tests or close monitoring.
As always, consult with your primary healthcare provider if you have any specific questions or concerns about fetal growth scans, as they can provide personalized information based on your individual pregnancy circumstances.
Will I need additional growth scans after this one?
The information gathered from the ultrasound can help healthcare providers and parents make informed decisions about the birth plan. For example, a breech position might prompt discussions about potential methods for turning the baby or planning for a cesarean section.
Depending on the results of the growth scan and your overall pregnancy progress, your healthcare provider might recommend additional scans to monitor growth and well-being as the due date approaches.
How long does the scan usually take?
The scan typically takes around 30 minutes, depending on various factors such as the position of the fetus and the quality of the images obtained.
Anticipate around 90 minutes for the duration of your visit, although the actual duration is usually shorter. Unforeseen delays can occasionally occur.
If an issue arises during the routine ultrasound, it will be addressed immediately with the patient. Depending on the complexity and individual requirements, additional examination and assessment might extend the process by over an hour. We apologize for these unpredictable delays and strive to minimize inconvenience.
Can I get 3D/4D images at this scan?
Yes, you can often get 3D/4D images in your third trimester but often in late pregnancy images of the baby are not as clear as the 13 and 20 week scan images.
It's important to note that the quality of the images can still depend on factors such as the baby's position and the amount of amniotic fluid.
Can I bring someone with me to the scan?
We allow one adult support person, partner, or family member to accompany you during the scan.
For various reasons, we have policies in place that restrict children from attending ultrasound appointments. While it might be disappointing for families, Ultrasound appointments require a focused environment to obtain accurate diagnostic images, and having children present can sometimes cause distractions that might affect the quality of the examination.