A growth ultrasound is not part of routine pregnancy follow-up. It is performed only when there is a medical indication to assess fetal growth more accurately, for example when the fundal height measurement deviates. The symphysis–fundal height (SF measurement) is the measurement from the upper border of the pubic bone to the top of the uterus, used to monitor pregnancy progression over time. If this measurement does not follow the expected pattern for gestational age, a growth ultrasound can help provide a more precise estimation of fetal weight.

During a growth ultrasound, measurements such as head circumference, abdominal circumference and femur length are taken. These are used to calculate an estimated fetal weight, which is compared with gestational age. The result is usually presented in percentiles, showing how the estimated weight relates to expected growth. A fetus may be somewhat above or below average without this necessarily being abnormal.

The examination may also include an overview of amniotic fluid volume or placenta location, but only if relevant to the medical question. A growth ultrasound does not assess organ function or detailed anatomy, but focuses on weight and growth relative to gestational age.

The aim is to provide a medical snapshot of fetal growth at the time of examination, not to predict future development.

Alma’s tips 🌿

• A growth ultrasound is used to estimate fetal weight, not to assess all anatomy.

• Fundal height gives an overall indication, but ultrasound gives a more precise view of growth.

• Results are presented in percentiles and compared with gestational age, not with other fetuses.

• It is a targeted examination, used only when medically indicated.