Third Trimester Scan

Occurs from 24 weeks

Reasons

This scan is particularly important in women who have had previous complications of pregnancy such as pre-eclampsia, growth restriction, diabetes, or stillbirth, and for those women who develop a problem during the course of their current pregnancy. If the placenta was found to be low at the time of the 18 - 20 week scan we would recommend a check in the third trimester.

This scan allows us to

• reassess as much of the baby's anatomy as we can see. Some things are harder to see as the baby gets bigger.
• calculate baby's weight by measuring the head, abdomen and femur
• evaluate the appearance and position of the placenta in relation to the cervix
• measure the amount of amniotic fluid around the baby
• assess the blood flow to the placenta and baby using colour doppler ultrasound  if indicated

Preparation

No specific preparation is necessary.

 

What to expect

This scan is usually performed transabdominally.