Biparietal Diameter
A measurement across the fetal head that may be included as part of biometric assessment.
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Book Growth Scan
Book Growth Scan — £199
Pregnancy ultrasound · 24–36 weeks · Growth + wellbeing
Growth & Wellbeing Pregnancy Scan
A later-pregnancy ultrasound from 24–36 weeks to assess fetal growth, estimated fetal weight and growth percentile, while also reviewing heartbeat, movement, placenta, amniotic fluid and fetal position.
- 24–36 weeks
- Estimated fetal weight
- Growth percentile + report
£199Growth & wellbeing scan
24–36 weeksLater pregnancy
EFW + percentileFetal growth assessment
Placenta + fluidWellbeing review
Report includedFor your maternity records
What does a Growth & Wellbeing Scan assess?
The scan measures the baby’s head, abdominal circumference and femur length to calculate an estimated fetal weight and growth percentile. It also assesses fetal heartbeat and movement, amniotic fluid, placenta and fetal position. Umbilical artery Doppler may be added where clinically indicated to provide additional information about fetal-placental circulation.
Fetal biometry
Measurements used to assess your baby’s growth
Ultrasound biometry provides an estimate of fetal size and allows growth to be compared with expected values for gestational age.
Head Circumference
Measures the circumference of the fetal head and contributes to growth assessment.
Abdominal Circumference
A key measurement for assessing fetal growth and calculating estimated fetal weight.
Femur Length
Measures the length of the fetal thigh bone as part of standard fetal biometry.
Estimated Fetal Weight
Biometric measurements are combined mathematically to estimate the baby’s current weight.
Growth Percentile
Estimated size is interpreted against gestational age to show where growth sits on an expected reference range.
Wellbeing assessment
Growth is only one part of the later-pregnancy review
The scan also reviews several ultrasound markers that help put the fetal measurements into a broader pregnancy context.
Fetal heartbeat
Cardiac activity is confirmed during the examination.
Fetal movements
Movements seen during the scan are observed as part of the wellbeing review.
Amniotic fluid
Fluid volume is assessed to identify whether it appears appropriate or warrants follow-up.
Placenta
Placental position and visible appearance are reviewed within the limitations of ultrasound.
Fetal position
The sonographer records whether the baby appears cephalic, breech, transverse or in another lie.
Umbilical artery Doppler
Doppler may be performed when clinically indicated to assess resistance within the placental circulation.
Reasons to book
When a private Growth & Wellbeing Scan may be useful
The scan can provide additional information between routine maternity appointments or support follow-up of a growth-related question.
Fundal height concern
Your midwife or GP may have noted that the uterus is measuring larger or smaller than expected.
Previous small or large baby
Previous pregnancy history may make additional growth assessment useful.
Gestational diabetes
Diabetes can influence fetal growth and may lead to additional maternity growth surveillance.
High blood pressure
Maternal hypertension can sometimes affect placental function and fetal growth.
Additional reassurance
You may simply want an additional review of your baby’s growth and wellbeing during the third trimester.
Previous growth scan
Serial measurements may help assess whether the baby appears to be following an expected growth trajectory.
Doppler assessment
Umbilical artery Doppler when clinically indicated
Doppler ultrasound can provide additional information about placental resistance and fetal-placental circulation when there is a clinical reason to assess it.
Umbilical artery waveform
The blood-flow waveform can be sampled from the umbilical artery.
Pulsatility Index
PI may be measured and interpreted against gestational age where Doppler assessment is indicated.
Placental resistance
Abnormal Doppler findings can be associated with increased placental vascular resistance.
Follow-up pathway
Abnormal Doppler or growth findings may require maternity-unit or fetal-medicine assessment.
Not a home-monitoring substitute
A private Doppler measurement does not replace clinically scheduled NHS growth or fetal surveillance.
Used when appropriate
Doppler is applied according to clinical indication and accepted obstetric ultrasound practice.
Urgent maternity symptoms
Do not wait for a private Growth Scan if you have an urgent pregnancy concern
Contact your maternity unit promptly when symptoms could need same-day clinical assessment.
Reduced fetal movements
Contact your maternity unit or obstetric triage promptly if your baby’s movements are reduced or different from normal.
Vaginal bleeding
New or significant bleeding later in pregnancy requires clinical assessment.
Fluid loss
Possible rupture of membranes or persistent fluid leakage should be assessed by your maternity team.
Severe headache or visual symptoms
Severe headache, flashing lights, visual disturbance, sudden swelling or severe upper-abdominal pain may require urgent assessment for hypertensive pregnancy complications.
Before your scan
How to prepare
Growth scans are usually straightforward and need little preparation.
No fasting
You can eat and drink normally unless another clinician has given you different instructions.
No full bladder usually needed
Later-pregnancy scans are generally performed without bladder preparation.
Bring maternity notes
Bring your handheld maternity record or relevant NHS/obstetric information if available.
Bring previous scans
Earlier growth reports are particularly useful when assessing interval growth and percentile trends.
Know your EDD
The established estimated due date should normally be used for later-pregnancy growth interpretation rather than redating from a third-trimester scan.
Wear comfortable clothing
Two-piece clothing makes it easy to expose the abdomen while remaining comfortable.
Your appointment
What happens during the Growth & Wellbeing Scan?
The appointment combines fetal biometry with a focused later-pregnancy wellbeing review.
- 1
Review pregnancy dates
Your gestational age, established EDD, previous scans and relevant pregnancy history are reviewed.
- 2
Fetal biometry
Head, abdominal and femur measurements are taken and used to calculate estimated fetal weight.
- 3
Wellbeing assessment
Heartbeat, movement, amniotic fluid, placenta and fetal position are reviewed, with Doppler where clinically indicated.
- 4
Results & report
The findings are explained and a written report with growth-percentile information is provided for your records and maternity team.
Clinic locations
Growth & Wellbeing Scan in London and St Albans
Use the PrivateSono booking link to choose your preferred clinic and appointment.
●
Central London
27 Welbeck Street
London, W1G 8EN — close to Harley Street, Marylebone and Mayfair.
Book Central London●
St Albans
54–56 Victoria Street
St Albans, AL1 3HZ — convenient for Hertfordshire and surrounding areas.
Book St AlbansPatient questions
Growth & Wellbeing Scan FAQs
Answers about fetal measurements, estimated fetal weight, percentiles, Doppler, placenta, fluid and urgent maternity symptoms.
Need help before booking? Call 020 7101 3377What is a Growth & Wellbeing Pregnancy Scan?
A Growth & Wellbeing Scan is a later-pregnancy ultrasound designed to assess your baby’s growth and general wellbeing. It measures key fetal biometric parameters, estimates fetal weight and growth percentile, and reviews heartbeat, movement, amniotic fluid, placenta and fetal position.
When can I have the Growth & Wellbeing Scan?
PrivateSono lists this service from 24 to 36 weeks. If you need a later scan specifically to confirm presentation before birth, a dedicated presentation scan may be more appropriate from around 36 weeks.
How much does the Growth & Wellbeing Scan cost?
The current LondonSono Growth & Wellbeing pathway is £199. Use the PrivateSono booking link on this page to confirm the current fee and appointment availability before booking.
Which fetal measurements are taken?
The sonographer typically measures the fetal head, abdominal circumference and femur length, and may also record biparietal diameter where appropriate. These measurements are used to estimate fetal weight and assess how growth compares with the expected range for gestational age.
Will I receive an estimated fetal weight and growth percentile?
Yes. The biometric measurements are used to calculate an estimated fetal weight, and the result is interpreted against gestational age to provide growth-percentile information. Estimated weight is an ultrasound calculation and has a recognised margin of error.
Is umbilical artery Doppler included?
Umbilical artery Doppler may be performed where clinically indicated to assess placental resistance and fetal-placental circulation. It is not a substitute for hospital fetal surveillance when there is a significant clinical concern.
Does the scan assess the placenta and amniotic fluid?
Yes. Placenta location and appearance are reviewed within ultrasound limits, and amniotic fluid is assessed. Fetal position, heartbeat and movement are also included in the wellbeing review.
Does a Growth Scan replace the Anomaly Scan?
No. The Growth & Wellbeing Scan focuses mainly on fetal growth and later-pregnancy wellbeing. It does not replace the structured mid-pregnancy Anomaly Scan, which is designed to assess fetal anatomy in greater detail.
Do I need any preparation?
No fasting is required and a full bladder is usually not necessary in later pregnancy. Wear comfortable two-piece clothing and bring your maternity notes or previous pregnancy scan reports if available.
What should I do if I have reduced fetal movements?
Do not wait for a private growth scan if your baby’s movements are reduced or different from the normal pattern for your pregnancy. Contact your NHS maternity unit, midwife or obstetric triage service promptly for assessment.
Book online
Book your Growth & Wellbeing Pregnancy Scan
Use the PrivateSono booking route below for the 24–36 week Growth & Wellbeing Scan.
Later-pregnancy growth assessment · 24–36 weeks
Check fetal growth, estimated weight, percentile and wellbeing in one focused scan
£199 • London & St Albans • Report included