14 - 36 weeks of Pregnancy

What is a Welfare Scan?

When can I have a Welfare Scan?

Why is the Welfare Scan important?

How accurate is a Welfare Scan?

What will I see at the Welfare Scan?

How does the Welfare Scan work?

Are there any other reasons to have a Welfare Scan?

Is there anything else I should know about the Welfare Scan?

Why should I have my Welfare Scan at The London Ultrasound Centre?

What is my next scan after the Welfare Scan?

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What is a Welfare Scan?
Also known as a Well Being Scan, Fetal Welfare Scan, a Fetal Growth Scan or simply a Growth Scan a Welfare Scan is uiusually performed to check on the growth progress of your baby and is often performed at the latter stages of pregnancy from 24 weeks onwards.

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When can I have a Welfare Scan?
You can have a Welfare Scan at any time from 14 weeks gestation to full term.

Before 14 weeks your pregnancy is in the window for a Nuchal Scan. Earlier than 11 weeks you should book an Early Pregnancy Scan.

From 20 - 24 weeks gestation your pregnancy is in the window for an Anomaly Scan. A Welfare Scan does not entail the same detailed anatomical examination as an Anomaly Scan. If you are seeking anatomical information about your baby and are 20 - 24 weeks pregnant please book an Anomaly Scan.

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Why is the Welfare Scan important?
Welfare Scans are important because they allow the sonographer or consultant to accurately track the growth of your baby.

By performing several Welfare Scans at regular intervals your Midwife or Consultant is able to monitor the growth of of your baby by observing data plotted on various graphs.

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How accurate is the Welfare Scan?
A Welfare Scan is a highly accurate way to track the progress of your baby's growth.

All measurements are indicated on a scale that shows the upper and lower limits of the normal growth range. As long as your baby's measurements fall within this window this is considered normal growth and should be very reassuring for the parents and their Midwife or Obstetrician.

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What will I see at the Welfare Scan?
A Welfare Scan is performed in conventional 2D ultrasound so many of the images may not be readily identified to the untrained eye.

It is not possible to perform the scan in 3D or 4D, nor would it offer any greater accuracy or detail.

During a Welfare Scan you will see the operator making several vital anatomical measurements of your baby to be plotted against accurate charts. These charts predict the size of your baby's growth at any particular stage in your pregnancy.

You may add a 4D Sneaky Peek to a Welfare Scan appointment if you wish to see your baby in 3D.

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How does the Welfare Scan work?
A Welfare Scan works by the sonographer or consultant taking various measurements of your baby and comparing them to an accurate set of growth charts.

• 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 and the amount of fluid around your baby
• Check the baby’s movements
• Measure blood flow in your umbilical artery and other places in your baby’s circulation
• Input all the measurements and data into our Fetal Database to compare and chart your baby's growth

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Are there any other reasons to have a Welfare Scan?
You may want to have a Welfare Scan if you have had unusual pains in the tummy, spot bleeding, if your baby has been moving less, or if have had a fall or been involved in a traffic accident.

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Is there anything else I should know about the Welfare Scan?
We are happy to provide gender identification during this appointment at no extra cost.

You may add a 4D Sneaky Peek to a Welfare Scan appointment if you wish to see your baby in 3D.

Even though your baby is fully formed from 12 weeks we do not perform detailed anatomical checks until after 18 weeks because your baby's internal organs are not fully formed until then. Such meticulous examinations are usually only perfomed during an Anomaly Scan.

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Why should I have my Welfare Scan at The London Ultrasound Centre?
Having a Welfare Scan at The London Ultrasound Centre ensures you will receive an accurate and detailed scan performed by an accredited expert.

Our medical staff are happy to explain the results of your Welfare Scan and if necessary liaise with your Midwife or Consultant should there be any areas of concern regarding your baby's growth.

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What is my next scan after the Welfare Scan?
If you are having private maternity care you may expect to have more Welfare Scans in your pregnancy, often every 4 weeks.

If you are having twins you may have Welfare scans performed more frequently, sometimes every week.

You may also consider having a 4D Baby Scan from 24 weeks (from 20 weeks for twins).

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How do I book a Welfare Scan?
For prices and to make a booking please see our online booking website.