A growth scan (also called a fetal growth scan or biophysical profile) monitors your baby's size, weight, and position in the third trimester. A Doppler scan measures blood flow through the umbilical cord and fetal blood vessels. At Mother Hospitals, Boduppal, growth and Doppler scans are part of our third-trimester monitoring and are included in the Mother 9 antenatal package (₹500). Call 97059 93366.
Monitoring your baby's growth and blood flow in the third trimester is one of the most important parts of antenatal care — especially for high-risk pregnancies. At Mother Hospitals, Boduppal, growth and Doppler scans are performed by experienced specialists with 20+ years in obstetrics.
MBBS, DGO, PG Diploma in ART – Kiel University, Germany | 20+ Years Experience | TGMC Reg: 50624
A growth scan is an ultrasound performed from 28 weeks onwards to check how well your baby is growing inside the womb. Unlike earlier scans that look for structural abnormalities, the growth scan focuses on measuring your baby's size, estimating weight, and checking amniotic fluid — giving a clear picture of fetal wellbeing in the later stages of pregnancy.
The growth scan uses standard measurements to estimate your baby's size and growth rate:
Many women confuse the growth scan with the anomaly scan. They are very different:
| Feature | Anomaly Scan (18–22 wks) | Growth Scan (28–40 wks) |
|---|---|---|
| When done | 18–22 weeks | 28 weeks onwards |
| Purpose | Check baby's organs & structure | Check growth rate & wellbeing |
| Looks for | Structural defects | IUGR, fluid issues, presentation |
| Includes Doppler? | Rarely | Often (especially high-risk) |
A Doppler scan is a special type of ultrasound that measures the speed and direction of blood flow through blood vessels — in the umbilical cord, the fetal brain, and other fetal vessels. It is the most accurate non-invasive way to assess whether the placenta is delivering enough oxygen and nutrients to your baby.
The most important Doppler measurement. It checks resistance to blood flow between the placenta and baby. Abnormal UA Doppler (absent or reversed end-diastolic flow) is a sign of severe placental insufficiency and may indicate the baby needs early delivery.
Measures blood flow to the baby's brain. In IUGR, the baby compensates by increasing blood flow to the brain (brain-sparing effect) — this shows as reduced resistance on MCA Doppler and indicates the baby is under stress.
A more advanced measurement used when UA Doppler is severely abnormal. Ductus venosus Doppler reflects venous blood flow to the fetal heart. Absent or reversed 'a-wave' in DV Doppler is an indication for urgent delivery.
Doppler scan is routinely added to growth scans in the following situations:
When the baby measures small on growth scan (below 10th centile), Doppler assesses whether blood flow is compromised.
Hypertension can impair placental function. Doppler monitors this closely.
Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) and selective IUGR in twins require regular Doppler surveillance.
Poorly controlled diabetes can affect fetal growth and placental blood flow.
When a mother notices less baby movement, Doppler + biophysical profile is used to assess fetal condition urgently.
IVF pregnancies carry a slightly higher risk of placental insufficiency and growth restriction — regular growth + Doppler monitoring is recommended.
The frequency of growth and Doppler scans depends on your pregnancy risk level. Here is a general guide — your doctor at Mother Hospitals will advise the exact schedule for your pregnancy.
Growth scan reports can be confusing. Here is what the key measurements and terms mean, explained clearly.
EFW is plotted on a centile chart against the normal range for that gestational week. This tells you where your baby falls compared to other babies of the same age:
The average weight for the gestational week. Exactly half of babies weigh more, half weigh less. This is the ideal mid-point.
Normal range. Your baby's weight falls within the expected range for their age. No action typically needed if growth velocity is maintained.
Small for gestational age (SGA). May indicate IUGR or constitutional smallness. Requires Doppler and further monitoring to assess cause.
Severe growth restriction. Requires urgent specialist review, Doppler assessment, and decision about timing of delivery.
IUGR (Intrauterine Growth Restriction) means the baby is not growing at the expected rate. It is different from a naturally small baby — IUGR usually indicates a problem with placental blood supply. There are two types:
Usually caused by placental insufficiency or chromosomal problems. More severe and requires intensive monitoring with Doppler. Risk of premature delivery.
More common. Often associated with hypertension or placental aging. Doppler changes may be subtle. Regular growth scans every 2 weeks with close monitoring.
Amniotic fluid is the liquid surrounding your baby. Growth scans measure this in two ways:
Total fluid measurement across 4 quadrants. Normal range: 8–24 cm. AFI below 5 (oligohydramnios) or above 24 (polyhydramnios) needs investigation.
Measurement of the deepest fluid pocket. Normal: 2–8 cm. Now preferred over AFI in many guidelines for accuracy in predicting poor outcomes.
The Biophysical Profile (BPP) combines ultrasound observations with a cardiotocography (CTG) reading to score your baby's wellbeing out of 10. Each of 5 parameters scores 0 or 2 points:
Score 8–10: Normal. Score 6: Borderline — repeat in 24 hours. Score ≤4: Abnormal — urgent management needed.
Doppler results use waveform patterns to describe blood flow. Your doctor will explain what these mean for your specific pregnancy.
In a normal Doppler result:
Normal Doppler in an IUGR baby is reassuring — it means the placenta is still coping adequately and immediate delivery is not required.
This is the most serious Doppler finding:
If you have been told your Doppler is severely abnormal, do not leave hospital without a clear management plan. Call 97059 93366 immediately.
Growth and Doppler scans are a core part of high-risk pregnancy management at Mother Hospitals. If you have been identified as high-risk — whether due to twins, IUGR, hypertension, gestational diabetes, previous pregnancy loss, or an IVF pregnancy — you will receive a structured growth scan schedule with Doppler monitoring at every visit.
For comprehensive information about high-risk pregnancy care at Mother Hospitals, see our High-Risk Pregnancy page.
The Mother 9 Card is Mother Hospitals' comprehensive antenatal care package — available for just ₹500. It covers 9 months of maternity care including antenatal consultations, routine growth scans in the third trimester, and access to our specialist team throughout pregnancy.
When your growth scans, antenatal consultations, and delivery planning are all under one roof with the same doctor, communication is seamless. Dr. E. Prashanthi Reddy personally reviews all scan results and makes clinical decisions — there is no delay between scan finding and management plan.
This integrated approach is especially important for high-risk pregnancies where timely action can make all the difference to mother and baby outcomes.
View full antenatal care details →Growth scan and Doppler scan costs in Hyderabad vary by centre, equipment quality, and whether Doppler is included. At Mother Hospitals, our pricing is transparent and affordable.
Growth biometry scan — EFW, AFI, fetal presentation, and placental assessment. Performed from 28 weeks onwards. Contact us for current pricing.
Growth scan combined with umbilical artery, MCA, and ductus venosus Doppler. Recommended for all high-risk pregnancies. Contact us for current pricing.
Full BPP including growth scan, Doppler, and CTG assessment. Usually performed in high-risk monitoring or when reduced fetal movements are reported.
Growth scans included as part of the comprehensive Mother 9 antenatal package. Best value for complete third-trimester monitoring.
View Mother 9 Package →For current scan pricing, please call 97059 93366 or WhatsApp us.
In a normal low-risk pregnancy, growth scans are typically done at 28, 32, and 36 weeks. In high-risk pregnancies (IUGR, hypertension, twins, diabetes), growth scans may be done every 2–4 weeks from 28 weeks. Your doctor at Mother Hospitals will recommend the right schedule for you based on your specific risk factors.
Yes, completely. Doppler ultrasound uses the same safe sound waves as standard pregnancy ultrasound — there is no radiation involved. It has been used safely in obstetric practice for decades and is recommended by international guidelines for high-risk pregnancy monitoring. There are no known harmful effects to the mother or baby.
A small measurement on growth scan does not automatically mean something is wrong. Some babies are constitutionally small (genetically small parents, for example). What matters is the growth velocity (whether the baby is continuing to grow) and the Doppler findings. If Doppler is normal and growth is continuing — even below the 10th centile — close monitoring may be all that is needed. If Doppler is abnormal, further intervention may be required. Dr. Prashanthi will discuss the specific findings and plan with you.
Growth scan is very good at detecting growth restriction, fluid abnormalities, and placental issues, but it cannot detect all fetal problems. Structural abnormalities are better assessed at the anomaly scan (18–22 weeks). Chromosomal conditions are screened for separately. Growth scan is one component of overall antenatal monitoring — it works best alongside Doppler, CTG, and clinical assessment.
At 32 weeks, the average estimated fetal weight (50th centile) is approximately 1.7–1.8 kg (1,700–1,800 grams). The normal range at 32 weeks is roughly 1,300–2,200 grams (10th to 90th centile). Your scan report will show the centile for your baby's specific measurements. A single weight estimate is less important than whether the baby has been growing consistently over time.
Reduced fetal movements (RFM) — fewer or weaker movements than usual — can be a sign that the baby is under stress and needs assessment. Any episode of reduced movements should be reported to your doctor or hospital the same day — do not wait. At Mother Hospitals, we assess RFM with a growth scan, Doppler, and CTG on the same visit. Do not hesitate to call 97059 93366 if you notice less movement.
Yes — you can eat and drink normally before a growth scan. Unlike early pregnancy scans (dating scan) which may require a full bladder, third-trimester growth scans do not require any special preparation regarding food or drink. Eating before the scan may actually increase fetal activity, making the scan easier to perform.
No. Growth scans in the third trimester are performed through the abdomen (transabdominal ultrasound) and do not require a full bladder. By 28 weeks, there is enough amniotic fluid to visualise the baby clearly without a full bladder. You may be asked to empty your bladder before the scan for comfort.
Dr. E. Prashanthi Reddy · TGMC Reg: 50624