3rd Trimester/Growth Scan
These scans are to assess the growth of your baby, the placenta and the fluid around baby.
Why they are done
The scan involves an assessment of the uterus and placenta and an assessment of some your baby’s anatomy. This includes the brain, heart and abdomen. We also measure your baby’s head, abdomen and leg (femur).
These measurements are used to assess the growth of your baby and are entered into a mathematical formula which will provide an estimate of the baby’s weight. We also check the amount of fluid around baby. Your midwife or obstetrician may enter these values into your customised GROW chart.
Sometimes we need to perform tests on the blood flow in the umbilical cord and in baby’s head. These are required in special circumstances and when baby is very small and not growing well.
We follow the protocols of the NZ Fetal Medicine Foundation.
When they are done
These scans can be ordered by your midwife at any stage from late second trimester.
If serial growth scans are required, we cannot measure baby less than 2 weeks after the last scan when measurements were obtained.
How long it takes
20 min
Price
$50 for the first growth scan, any further scans are free.
A live recording of the scan is available on a USB stick for an additional $25.00
How to prepare
No preparation is required. You must bring your referral with you. We cannot scan you without the referral from you doctor or midwife.
What to expect
The sonographer will discuss the results with you. These results will be with your referrer in 1 day.
If there are any concerns with your pregnancy the sonographer will phone your referrer and organise the report to be faxed urgently.
Why they are done
The scan involves an assessment of the uterus and placenta and an assessment of some your baby’s anatomy. This includes the brain, heart and abdomen. We also measure your baby’s head, abdomen and leg (femur).
These measurements are used to assess the growth of your baby and are entered into a mathematical formula which will provide an estimate of the baby’s weight. We also check the amount of fluid around baby. Your midwife or obstetrician may enter these values into your customised GROW chart.
Sometimes we need to perform tests on the blood flow in the umbilical cord and in baby’s head. These are required in special circumstances and when baby is very small and not growing well.
We follow the protocols of the NZ Fetal Medicine Foundation.
When they are done
These scans can be ordered by your midwife at any stage from late second trimester.
If serial growth scans are required, we cannot measure baby less than 2 weeks after the last scan when measurements were obtained.
How long it takes
20 min
Price
$50 for the first growth scan, any further scans are free.
A live recording of the scan is available on a USB stick for an additional $25.00
How to prepare
No preparation is required. You must bring your referral with you. We cannot scan you without the referral from you doctor or midwife.
What to expect
The sonographer will discuss the results with you. These results will be with your referrer in 1 day.
If there are any concerns with your pregnancy the sonographer will phone your referrer and organise the report to be faxed urgently.