Growth and Doppler

What is the ultrasound growth and dopplers meant for?

This scan is meant to assess the fetal weight, the fluid around the baby, the placental localisation and the blood flows to the baby.

What do we mean by fetal dopplers?

Fetal dopplers mean assessment of baby’s blood flows. Maternal blood flows to the uterus are assessed by uterine artery Dopplers. Blood flow through cord is called as umbilical artery blood flow. Blood through baby’s brain is called as middle cerebral artery Dopplers and through tummy is referred to as ductus venosus Dopplers.

What is the significance of growth and dopplers scan?

The aim is to assess the fetal growth disorders and the well being of the unborn baby. The main fetal measurements taken for a growth scan include:

• Biparietal diameter (BPD) measures across the head
• Head Circumference (HC) – measures around the head
• Abdominal Circumference (AC) – measures around the abdomen
• Femur Length (FL) – measures the length of the thigh bone

An estimate of fetal weight (EFW) can be calculated by combining the above measurements. The EFW is plotted on a graph to help determine whether the fetus is average, larger or smaller in size for its gestational age.

• If the growth is appropriate for the weeks, then it is normal.
• If the growth is small, then it is a weak baby, also called as fetal growth restriction.
• If the growth is high, then it is a big baby, also called as macrosomia.

Besides fetal weight, maternal history and symptoms, fluid assessment and baby’s blood flows helps us to further identify the babies at risk of adverse outcome. Depending on the above factors, appropriately delivery can be timed.

When the growth and dopplers scan is done?

Usually, the growth and Doppler assessment start from 28 weeks onwards. Most of the times, two scans are done for the growth assessment- one around 28 weeks and other between 34-37 weeks. Sometimes, depending on the growth and blood flows or specific history, more scans may also be required. This will be explained to you by the fetal medicine specialist.

What Is Fetal Growth Restriction (FGR)?

Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a term used to describe a fetus not growing adequately before birth. Or if the baby has a drop in the growth pattern during the later phases of your pregnancy. It is also called intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), and the babies are called Growth restricted babies.

FGR may only become evident after two or more ultrasounds have been performed. Due to the variation of ultrasound measurements, a minimum of two weeks is required between fetal growth scans.

Other signs that may indicate FGR are umbilical cord blood flow changes and reduced amniotic fluid volume.

What Causes Fetal Growth Restriction?

Some of the underlying causes of FGR include the following:

• Placental insufficiency—when the placenta fails to provide adequate nutrition to the developing fetus.
• Fetal abnormality—some fetal abnormalities are associated with delayed GrowthGrowth.
• Multiple pregnancy—can affect one or more of the fetuses.
• Infection of the mother, for instance, cytomegalovirus (CMV).
• Poor nutrition.
• Smoking, alcohol, illicit drugs and some medications.
• Medical conditions affecting the mother such as high blood pressure and diabetes.

How long does growth scan take:

A fetal growth scan takes around 10-15minutes depending on the baby’s position.