Fetal Wellbeing scan
(23 weeks onwards)
Undergoing a fetal wellbeing scan at The Edinburgh Clinic from 23 weeks of pregnancy provides another opportunity for your baby's growth and wellbeing to be assessed and can also be used to obtain an indication of your baby’s final birth weight.
This scan usually takes about 45 minutes, enabling you to get to know your baby whilst we undertake all the checks we possibly can to ensure the continued good health of you and your unborn baby. Fetal wellbeing scans are particularly helpful if you have any concerns about your baby, if you, the mum-to-be, has a pre-existing medical condition or if you just want another look at your baby before he or she arrives in the world.
The fetal wellbeing scan aims to determine the growth and health of your baby by estimating his or her weight; watching his or her movements; checking the placenta and the amount of fluid around it; and by assessing the blood flow to your baby with colour Doppler ultrasound, which indicates how well the placenta is performing and how good the baby’s blood supply is.
At the fetal wellbeing scan, Dr Calderwood will:
- Measure the circumference and diameter of your baby’s head.
- Measure the size of your baby's waist.
- Measure the length of your baby's femur (leg bone).
- Examine your placenta.
- Check the amount of fluid around your baby.
- Check your baby’s movements.
- Measure blood flow in your umbilical artery and other places in your baby’s circulation.
- Input all the measurements to chart your baby's growth.
During a fetal wellbeing scan, we will try to create a 3D image of your baby. However, this is highly-dependent upon your baby's position and cannot be guaranteed.
Continuing care for you and your baby
If any issues arise during your fetal wellbeing scan, Dr Calderwood will personally provide a referral back to your own NHS consultant or liaise directly with your GP to ensure you get the best possible continuing care for you and your family.