What is a Growth and Wellbeing – Advance Scan (24–36 Weeks)?

The Growth and Wellbeing – Advance scan is a comprehensive third-trimester ultrasound designed to assess how your baby is growing and how well the pregnancy is progressing in the later stages.

The scan evaluates fetal size, growth patterns, movement, breathing activity and heart rate, alongside important pregnancy factors such as placental position and function, amniotic fluid volume, and umbilical cord blood flow. Advanced measurements help identify babies who may be smaller or larger than expected for gestational age.

This scan is commonly used for reassurance, monitoring higher-risk pregnancies, or follow-up after earlier scans.

When a Growth and Wellbeing – Advance scan is recommended

This scan is recommended when closer monitoring of pregnancy progress is needed in the second half of pregnancy.

You may be advised to have this scan if you:

• Want reassurance about baby’s growth in late pregnancy
• Have reduced or changed fetal movements
• Have diabetes, high blood pressure or thyroid conditions
• Have a history of growth-related pregnancy complications
• Have been advised of growth concerns on earlier scans
• Are carrying twins or have a higher-risk pregnancy
• Want detailed wellbeing assessment beyond routine scans
• Require monitoring of placental or fluid levels

What the Growth and Wellbeing – Advance scan assesses

The scan includes assessment of:

• Fetal head, abdomen and femur measurements
• Estimated fetal weight
• Growth trends for gestational age
• Fetal heart rate and movement
• Fetal breathing movements
• Placental position and appearance
• Amniotic fluid volume
• Umbilical cord blood flow (Doppler assessment)

Benefits of a Growth and Wellbeing – Advance Scan

• Detailed assessment of fetal growth
  Identifies growth restriction or accelerated growth.
• Advanced wellbeing monitoring
  Evaluates movement, tone and breathing activity.
• Placental and fluid assessment
  Supports late-pregnancy safety planning.
• Early detection of potential concerns
  Allows timely follow-up or intervention.
• Provides reassurance in later pregnancy
  Offers clarity and peace of mind.
• Supports personalised pregnancy care
  Helps guide obstetric management.
• Non-invasive and safe
  Uses ultrasound, not radiation.
• Suitable for follow-up monitoring
  Can be repeated if clinically required.

How the Growth and Wellbeing – Advance scan is performed

Home-Based Ultrasound Scans (UK-wide)

• Book your ultrasound appointment online or by phone
• A qualified clinician travels to your home or chosen location
• The scan is performed in the comfort and privacy of your home
• Scan duration varies by examination type (typically 10–30 minutes)
• Findings are explained during or shortly after the scan

Important:
All ultrasound scans are provided as home-visit services only. This service is available UK-wide, allowing you to access diagnostic imaging without attending a clinic.

Understanding your Growth and Wellbeing – Advance scan results

Normal growth and wellbeing

Measurements and observations match expected ranges for gestational age.

Typical report:

• Fetal growth and wellbeing within normal limits

Mild growth variation

Baby may be slightly smaller or larger than average but otherwise well.

Typical report:

• Growth variation noted, monitoring advised

Growth or wellbeing concerns

Measurements or Doppler findings suggest closer monitoring is needed.

Typical report:

• Further assessment or follow-up recommended

Results are always interpreted alongside gestational age, maternal health and clinical history.