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Category: Prenatal Testing

Asked by Kitten90

Q: Is it routine to have a "growth ultrasound" ?

I'm sure this varies depending on where you live, but I'm just wondering because I haven't had an ultrasound since 18 weeks when they did the anatomy scan, and they told me they don't plan on doing another one unless something is wrong. They already know baby has been head down since 28 weeks and she dropped around 31 just from feeling my belly. There was a couple times that my FH measurement was ahead by 3 or 4cm and they said it's just from baby's position, which I believe is true because now at 36 weeks I'm right on track =)

This question was asked Oct. 30, 2014 1:27pm
Category: Prenatal Testing

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Answers (16)

Answered by hopejosh - Oct. 31, 2014 4:06pm

I have been getting done every 4 weeks since 20 weeks to check growth and fluid levels, but only because I have gestational diabetes and a history of previous preeclampsia. Most doctors won't oder more than necessary and some insurance companies won't cover more.

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Answered by Quartz3 - Oct. 30, 2014 4:29pm

I'm in Eastern Canada and it's supposedly not routine here. When I was pregnant with my first, my doctor told me she's only supposed to request a growth scan if there seemed to be a problem. I had one because my baby seemed behind at the anomaly scan at 18 weeks. However, I hear most doctors will request a growth scan for all their patients anyway.

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Answered by Kitten90 - Oct. 30, 2014 6:52pm

I guess what I don't get is why they won't do one? Just because she's head down and dropped doesn't mean there won't be complications with a natural birth. Why not just do a scan to check her size at least? I know she could very well change her positioning during labor so there's no guarantee there but it'd be nice to have some peace of mind knowing she won't be too big =/

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Answered by hopejosh - Oct. 31, 2014 9:36pm

Just don't dwell on it, it can make a difference in the outcome, at least in my opinion and experience lol. Good luck to you :)

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Answered by aprilluvsmoz - Oct. 30, 2014 3:39pm

I completely understand. I would ask for one, my boyfriends nephew was large and he actually had shoulder dystocia and I want to prevent any of those type of complications from arising. I cant imagine them only going by her 18 week ultrasound.

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Answered by Kitten90 - Oct. 31, 2014 6:42pm

It's definitely not an insurance issue. I'm about 99% positive now that it's just how that particular practice operates lol. It's a little frustrating for me but as there's nothing I can do about it I'll just have to hope for the best and prepare for the worst (the worst being that I may end up needing an emergency c-section)

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Answered by aprilluvsmoz - Oct. 30, 2014 3:01pm

It is normal. I am having one on the 11th because like you my fundal heights been measuring ahead 4 weeks and the baby on ultrasound has been measuring 2 weeks ahead on my 20 week anatomy ultrasound and my 28 week ultrasound for my placenta previa check. They want to ensure that he isnt over a certain amount of weight because it could make for a harder delivery for me.

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Answered by Kitten90 - Oct. 30, 2014 3:27pm

In my hometown it was a normal thing too. Now that I've moved away though it seems like nobody does it down here. As long as baby is head down they don't seem to care about size. I'd kind of like to know though so I know she's not gonna get stuck. For all I know she could have an arm up by her head

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Answered by Kitten90 - Oct. 31, 2014 2:21pm

I measure ahead too but they won't order a scan lol. My first appointment in the third trimester my FH measurement was 4 cm ahead. The next couple were 2cm ahead and 3cm ahead. They said that is all "within range" and doesn't necessarily mean anything. I would really just like to know for my own curiosity's sake lol! There's no other place around here for me to go though.

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Answered by eag923 - Nov. 1, 2014 4:36pm

PS- and it's not just Medicaid, even though I do think they are the worst for restricting ultrasounds in my state. Most insurances will only pay for 3 unless there is valid medical need.

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