Growth Ultrasounds? Please explain!

tjmtjm · May 2011

What are growth ultrasounds...and why don't I get them!?!?!?!

I asked my Dr a while ago if I will have another u/s and she said "no, unless you have complications". My dr just does the one at 10 weeks for viability and a 3D/4D "anatomy" scan one at 20 weeks. And thats it. All done.

So what are these growth ultrasounds you all are getting?

I'm so jealous.

Epiphany27 · May 2011

It's to check on abnormal growth. So, no you wouldn't have one unless you have complications. Some docs obviously do ultrasounds more often and for other reasons, but really with most docs you shouldn't expect more ultrasounds. Just wait another 10 weeks and be glad you didn't have complications. And then take a zillion pictures

MuseumMaven · May 2011

Don't be jealous - growth ultrasounds are only done for high risk pregnancies or if there is a problem detected. I have them because of potential twin to twin transfusion and intrauterine growth restriction. I would rather have a low-risk pregnancy than the extra ultrasounds!

eiriene · May 2011

I have them because my OB is paranoid that I'm going to develop GD because I have PCOS. No GD yet. (Passed all tests.)

I think of it as extra baby picture time.

katie4253 · May 2011

Uhhh...nothing to be jealous of. Growth ultrasounds mean the doctor suspects something may be wrong. Generally there isn't anything wrong, but they do it because they have a concern. Be glad you don't have one.

My doctor won't do anymore u/s or even internals unless they see a need to do them.

dairygirl19 · May 2011

Yeah, don't be jealous.

I had 5 in my first pregnancy. It sucked and as much as I loved seeing Hope, it was a PITA that made me sad and frustrated every time.

I will get one MAYBE at 36 weeks now if dr. can't tell position, but other than that, I'm done and so happy about that!

carriebklyn · May 2011

yeah, i have them because i have a kidney issue and they want to make sure the baby is growing. luckily everything is fine, so we feel like the technicians are kinda "over" us -- they sometimes spend only two or three minutes measuring bones, maybe do a profile shot for us, then send us on our way. I can totally understand wanting to see LO more, but be happy everything is ok!

lisamoe · May 2011

I had one because I was expiriencing alot of pressure and pelvic discomfort for a few days, so my OB just wanted to make sure all was OK. It is, so no more u/s for me. I was actually surprised he ordered one, because my pregnancy has been complication free.

staticgirl77 · May 2011

I have them because I had gastric bypass 7 years ago and bc of all the extra skin I carry as a result, my doctor can't get an accurate measurement of how baby is growing by measuring my stomach.

lacey321 · May 2011

My OB does them for all her patients, I had a dating US at 7w, anatomy scan at 19w, and will have a growth US around 32-34w. Every practice is different.

jdm7 · May 2011

I'm not sure if my doctor normally does a growth u/s, but she did one with us to make sure that the baby is growing fine and we're okay inducing a week ahead of my actual due date.

hcdekarske · May 2011

I definitly agree with PP, don't be jealous. I have to get one every four weeks starting two weeks ago because of GD, so it isn't really a "good thing".

Plus, to be honest, it wasn't as exciting as the 20 week one, not to be a debbie-downer, but I didn't really get to see cool pics of her or anything, they were just very focused on getting measurements, etc. Even my hubby was disappointed.

Trust me...its a good thing you aren't getting them. Big Smile

damabo80 · May 2011

Don't be jealous. It means that there is a potential problem.

Baby girl was in the 10th percentile at her anatomy scan (and she was measuring on target since 5w5d), which is not good.

Thankfully, as of yesterday, she's evened out a bit (now in the 38th percentile), but since I'm on Lovenox injections (which can cause stunted growth), I start going for weekly growth scans starting in two weeks, and if they see there's an issue, they'll yank her out of the ute.

And, they're not much fun. The purpose isn't for me to "see the baby". Rather, they take a still picture, measure, measure again, take another still picture, measure, rinse, repeat. Half the time, I couldn't tell if the baby is dead or alive because they are all still photos of something which they tell me is a leg, or something like that.

So yeah, not much to be jealous of there.

miller4285 · May 2011

I've always only had one US. With this pregnancy I had two (one at my first visit only to verify that my LMP and size of fetus were showing same ballpark figure) and the usual at 20 weeks.

I have only known people to get more if they are monitoring something that isn't normal, or high risk or if it's multiples.

marchbride32407 · May 2011

damabo80:

And, they're not much fun. The purpose isn't for me to "see the baby". Rather, they take a still picture, measure, measure again, take another still picture, measure, rinse, repeat. Half the time, I couldn't tell if the baby is dead or alive because they are all still photos of something which they tell me is a leg, or something like that.

So yeah, not much to be jealous of there.

I agree, please don't be jealous. I've had to have extra ultrasounds from the beginning due to an SCH (blood clot basically), and then having potential problems detected at the anatomy scan. We ended up being told the baby could have a chromosome problem, having to do an amnio, and having to go back at least every 4 weeks to check her growth due to a two-vessel cord. To be honest, ultrasounds bring more nervousness than excitement now, because most times we go, it seems like we've had less than good news. Luckily yesterday's appointment was good, but having more ultrasounds certainly isn't a good thing since it usually means they are monitoring a potential problem. We will have had over 10 ultrasounds when she's born, and I'd much rather have only had 1 or 2 because it would mean she's healthy and the pregnancy has no complications.

mnmgirl078 · May 2011

lacey321:
My OB does them for all her patients, I had a dating US at 7w, anatomy scan at 19w, and will have a growth US around 32-34w. Every practice is different.

So glad to see this. I have one scheduled for Tuesday and I have had no complications/issues with this pregnancy. I was starting to wonder why my doc requested it. I guess she's one of those who does it for all patients.

CMM05 · May 2011

Actually, every office is different.

They aren't always done just because they think something might be wrong.

My office has EVERY patient do a growth u/s to check on positioning of baby and size (in case a c-section needs to be scheduled.).

Also, they do it to check on amniotic fluid levels, which I think is really important because there can be complications from low/high levels and not all "high risk" patients experience this-anyone can develop these issues.

tjmtjm · May 2011

Geez, with all the "growth ultrasound" posts I see on here it must mean there are quite a few high risk mommas on this board! I got so used to seeing those posts it seemed like EVERYONE but me gets them! But I will count my blessings now.

Hope you all have healthy babies and no complications. Thanks for the info

alesia_lee · May 2011

lacey321:
My OB does them for all her patients, I had a dating US at 7w, anatomy scan at 19w, and will have a growth US around 32-34w. Every practice is different.

This is what my OB does too! I'm excited to get to see the little guy one more time here in the next week or two.

Heather&Ben · May 2011

I am a diabetic, that's why I have to have one on Monday...thankfully so far baby seems to be right on track in the 50% percentile of growth so praying he or she stays that way & doesn't grow too fast/too big!!

jesss1022 · May 2011

I get them due to high risk...I had pre-eclampsia and HELLP last pregnancy and my baby was IUGR. I have them every 4 weeks until week 32, where I have them once a week along with twice weekly NSTs. I agree with PPs, they aren't great pics, just a lot of measuring:(

pixiegirl131415 · May 2011

hcdekarske:

I definitly agree with PP, don't be jealous. I have to get one every four weeks starting two weeks ago because of GD, so it isn't really a "good thing".

Plus, to be honest, it wasn't as exciting as the 20 week one, not to be a debbie-downer, but I didn't really get to see cool pics of her or anything, they were just very focused on getting measurements, etc. Even my hubby was disappointed.

Trust me...its a good thing you aren't getting them.

This is what I have heard. I have GD too, but starting in 2 weeks I have to go in once a week for a Non-Stress Test and ultrasound to make sure baby is ok, because they had to start me on meds to control my blood sugars.

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