Having a baby is an exciting time for parents – but it can also be filled with uncertainty. One of the best ways to ease this feeling of uncertainty is to have a Wellbeing and Growth Scan. This type of scan is an important part of antenatal care and can provide valuable reassurance to expectant parents. In this blog, we’ll explain what a Wellbeing and Growth Scan is, what it can tell you, and how it can provide reassurance throughout your pregnancy.
What is a Wellbeing and Growth Scan?
A Wellbeing and Growth Scan is a type of ultrasound scan that is usually performed between 18-21 weeks of pregnancy. It is often referred to as an Anomaly Scan or a 20-week Scan, and is carried out to check the baby’s physical development and wellbeing. The scan looks at the baby’s major organs, such as the heart, kidneys and brain, as well as their size and position. It can also detect any major physical abnormalities that may be present.
What can a Wellbeing and Growth Scan tell you?
A Wellbeing and Growth Scan can provide valuable information about the baby’s development and wellbeing. It can tell you if the baby is growing normally and check that the major organs are functioning correctly. It can also detect any physical abnormalities, such as cleft lip or spina bifida, that may be present. The scan can also help to rule out any major problems with the placenta, and can give an estimate of the baby’s weight.
How can a Wellbeing and Growth Scan provide reassurance?
Having a Wellbeing and Growth Scan can provide reassurance to expectant parents, as it can show that the baby is developing normally and that there are no major physical abnormalities present. The scan can also provide peace of mind by ruling out any major problems with the placenta. It can also give an estimate of the baby’s weight, which can help to identify any potential problems early on in the pregnancy.
What other tests are available during pregnancy?
In addition to a Wellbeing and Growth Scan, there are several other tests that can be carried out during pregnancy to provide reassurance and check the baby’s development. These include a nuchal translucency scan (which can help to detect Down’s Syndrome), a fetal Non-Stress Test (which checks the baby’s heart rate), an amniocentesis (which can help to diagnose abnormalities in the baby’s chromosomes), and a CVS (which can diagnose certain genetic conditions).
What other information can be obtained from a Wellbeing and Growth Scan?
A Wellbeing and Growth Scan can also provide information about the baby’s gender and can pick up on any major structural abnormalities that may be present. It can also give an estimate of the due date, and can detect multiple pregnancies.
What are the advantages of having a Wellbeing and Growth Scan?
Having a Wellbeing and Growth Scan can provide reassurance to expectant parents that their baby is developing normally and that there are no major physical abnormalities present. It can also help to identify any potential problems early on in the pregnancy, which can help to make sure that the baby receives any treatment or monitoring that they may need.
Are there any risks involved with having a Wellbeing and Growth Scan?
Although there are no known risks associated with having a Wellbeing and Growth Scan, it is important to note that ultrasound scans are not 100% accurate and may not be able to detect all abnormalities. For this reason, it is important to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.
What should I expect when I have a Wellbeing and Growth Scan?
When you have a Wellbeing and Growth Scan, you will be asked to lie down on a bed and the sonographer will apply a gel to your abdomen. They will then use a transducer to take images of the baby, which will be displayed on a monitor. The scan usually takes around 20-30 minutes.
Conclusion
Having a Wellbeing and Growth Scan can provide valuable reassurance to expectant parents that their baby is developing normally and that there are no major physical abnormalities present. It can also help to identify any potential problems early on in the pregnancy, which can help to make sure that the baby receives any treatment or monitoring that they may need. The scan is usually performed between 18-21 weeks of pregnancy and usually takes around 20-30 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is a Wellbeing and Growth Scan?
A. A Wellbeing and Growth Scan is a type of ultrasound scan that is usually performed between 18-21 weeks of pregnancy. It is often referred to as an Anomaly Scan or a 20-week Scan, and is carried out to check the baby’s physical development and wellbeing.
Q. What can a Wellbeing and Growth Scan tell you?
A. A Wellbeing and Growth Scan can provide valuable information about the baby’s development and wellbeing. It can tell you if the baby is growing normally and check that the major organs are functioning correctly. It can also detect any physical abnormalities, such as cleft lip or spina bifida, that may be present.
Q. How can a Wellbeing and Growth Scan provide reassurance?
A. Having a Wellbeing and Growth Scan can provide reassurance to expectant parents, as it can show that the baby is developing normally and that there are no major physical abnormalities present. The scan can also provide peace of mind by ruling out any major problems with the placenta. It can also give an estimate of the baby’s weight, which can help to identify any potential problems early on in the pregnancy.
Q. What other tests are available during pregnancy?
A. In addition to a Wellbeing and Growth Scan, there are several other tests that can be carried out during pregnancy to provide reassurance and check the baby’s development. These include a nuchal translucency scan, a fetal Non-Stress Test, an amniocentesis, and a CVS.
Q. What other information can be obtained from a Wellbeing and Growth Scan?
A. A Wellbeing and Growth Scan can also provide information about the baby’s gender and can pick up on any major structural abnormalities that may be present. It can also give an estimate of the due date, and can detect multiple pregnancies.
Q. What are the advantages of having a Wellbeing and Growth Scan?
A. Having a Wellbeing and Growth Scan can provide reassurance to expectant parents that their baby is developing normally and that there are no major physical abnormalities present. It can also help to identify any potential problems early on in the pregnancy, which can help to make sure that the baby receives any treatment or monitoring that they may need.
Q. Are there any risks involved with having a Wellbeing and Growth Scan?
A. Although there are no known risks associated with having a Wellbeing and Growth Scan, it is important to note that ultrasound scans are not 100% accurate and may not be able to detect all abnormalities. For this reason, it is important to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.
Q. What should I expect when I have a Wellbeing and Growth Scan?
A. When you have a Wellbeing and Growth Scan, you will be asked to lie down on a bed and the sonographer will apply a gel to your abdomen. They will then use a transducer to take images of the baby, which will be displayed on a monitor. The scan usually takes around 20-30 minutes.