Wellbeing or Fetal Growth Scan including Doppler

23-40 weeks

This is also called a ‘fetal growth scan’ or a ’wellbeing scan’. During this scan we measure the baby's head, abdomen and limbs, and estimate the baby’s weight. This gives a guide to how big your baby will be at birth. We also look at how the baby is moving, the amount of amniotic fluid, and where the placenta is. We will also assess the Doppler blood flow in the umbilical cord blood vessels. It is possible to tell the sex of your baby from this scan, but this becomes more difficult as you approach the end of your pregnancy.

Time needed for the scan: About 30 minutes.

We believe it is very useful to have such a scan at about 36 weeks. This scan is usually only offered by the NHS if there is a complication with the pregnancy.

Wellbeing or Fetal Growth Scan including Doppler