For many expectant mothers, few moments feel as nerve-wracking as waiting for the results of a pregnancy scan. A growth scan in pregnancy is meant to provide reassurance about your baby’s development, but the numbers and medical terms on the report can often leave you more confused than comforted. You may find yourself searching endlessly online, wondering what each measurement really means, or even questioning whether your pregnancy is progressing normally.
If you are reading this with worry in your heart, you are not alone. Growth scans can raise as many questions as they answer. The good news is that understanding your results—combined with the right medical guidance, can help you feel more secure about your baby’s health and your own journey. Let’s break down what growth scan results mean, why variations happen, and how you can find clarity and peace of mind.
What Is a Growth Scan in Pregnancy?
A growth scan, also known as a foetal growth ultrasound, is typically performed in the third trimester, usually between 28 and 32 weeks of pregnancy. It is designed to check your baby’s size, weight, movements, and overall wellbeing inside the womb. While the anomaly scan earlier in pregnancy looks for structural concerns, the growth scan focuses on ensuring your baby is developing as expected.
This scan uses key measurements such as head circumference, abdominal circumference, and femur length, to estimate foetal weight and growth pattern. It also assesses the amniotic fluid levels, placental health, and blood flow from the umbilical cord. These details allow doctors to see whether your baby is growing steadily or if additional care may be needed.
Understanding Normal Growth Scan Results
Hearing that your baby’s growth is “on track” is usually the reassurance every parent hopes for. In most cases, growth scan results fall within the expected range, showing steady weight gain and good blood flow. Normal results suggest that your baby is receiving the right amount of oxygen and nutrients through the placenta and that your pregnancy is progressing well.
It is also worth noting that babies, much like adults, grow at slightly different rates. A baby who is at the 40th percentile is just as healthy as one at the 60th percentile. What matters most is not the exact number on the chart but the consistency of your baby’s growth over time.
When Growth Scan Results Show Restriction
Sometimes, a growth scan may reveal that your baby is smaller than expected for their gestational age. This condition, often referred to as intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), means the baby is not growing at the usual pace.
There are several causes of growth restriction in pregnancy, including issues with the placenta, maternal health conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes, or lifestyle factors like smoking. While the term can sound frightening, it does not always indicate a serious problem. Many babies with IUGR do well with close monitoring and timely medical support.
If your scan suggests growth restriction, your doctor may recommend more frequent scans, lifestyle changes, or, in some cases, early delivery to ensure your baby’s safety.
When Growth Scan Results Show Larger-than-Average Growth
On the other hand, a growth scan might indicate that your baby is larger than average, a condition known as macrosomia. This can sometimes be linked to maternal diabetes, genetics, or excess weight gain during pregnancy.
While hearing that your baby is “too big” can feel overwhelming, it is important to remember that estimates from ultrasounds are not always exact. Some babies predicted to be large are born at an entirely average size. What matters is that your healthcare team uses this information to plan your delivery safely and reduce any potential risks.
Expert Insight
“At Milann, we believe that growth scans are not just about measurements and charts, but about giving mothers reassurance at a very vulnerable stage. Our role as specialists is to explain results clearly, to address fears compassionately, and to create a care plan that supports both mother and baby. When results fall outside the normal range, timely interventions and close monitoring can make a significant difference in outcomes.”
— Dr. Varini N, Consultant in Maternal-Foetal Medicine, Milann
What to Do After Receiving Your Growth Scan Results
If your growth scan raises concerns, the next steps will depend on the findings. In many cases, additional scans are recommended to monitor changes over time. Treatment after a growth scan might involve lifestyle adjustments, managing maternal health conditions, or planning the timing and mode of delivery with your healthcare provider.
It is natural to wonder:
Can you try again after growth scan challenges? The answer is yes. Most mothers who experience difficulties in one pregnancy go on to have healthy pregnancies later, especially with the right care and support. Doctors may also guide you on how to improve your chances after a growth scan that showed complications, whether through nutrition, medical treatment, or close surveillance.
Why Choose Milann for Your Pregnancy Scan
Understanding scan reports can feel daunting without professional guidance. At Milann, we combine advanced ultrasound technology with the expertise of highly trained specialists in maternal-foetal medicine. Our compassionate approach ensures that every scan is explained in a way that feels clear, not clinical.
We know that for mothers, scans are not just routine check-ups, they are milestones filled with both hope and worry. That is why our team provides both medical accuracy and emotional reassurance. Whether your results show steady growth or unexpected challenges, you can trust Milann to guide you with clarity, empathy, and expertise.
Book A Consultation With Milann
A growth scan in pregnancy is a window into your baby’s world, offering vital information about their health and development. While the results can sometimes feel confusing or even alarming, they are not a judgement but a guide. With the right medical support, most concerns can be managed effectively, helping you move forward with greater confidence.
Do not interpret growth scan results alone. If you are anxious or uncertain, seek expert guidance. At Milann, our specialists are here to help you understand, cope, and plan the safest path forward for both you and your baby!
Reviewed by
Dr. Varini N Sr. Consultant - Obestetrician & Gynaecologist, Kumara Park.
