Key Takeaways
- A growth scan is a third-trimester ultrasound that measures your baby's size, weight, amniotic fluid, and placental health — typically performed between 28 and 36 weeks
- Growth scan cost in Dubai ranges from AED 300-800 depending on the type; at DCDC, prenatal ultrasound is accessible and often covered by maternity insurance
- The scan estimates fetal weight using head circumference, abdominal circumference, and femur length — plotted on a percentile chart to compare against population norms
- A baby measuring below the 10th percentile may be classified as Small for Gestational Age (SGA), requiring closer monitoring for potential fetal growth restriction
- Growth scans differ from anomaly scans — the 20-week anomaly scan checks organ structure while the growth scan tracks size progression in the third trimester
- Most pregnancies need one growth scan, but high-risk pregnancies (twins, pre-eclampsia, diabetes, IVF) may require serial scans every 2-4 weeks
- DCDC offers growth scans with experienced OB-GYN specialists, same-week appointments, and direct insurance billing with 20+ providers
A growth scan is one of the most important ultrasounds during the third trimester of pregnancy. Performed between 28 and 36 weeks, this scan measures your baby's estimated weight, head and abdominal size, limb length, amniotic fluid levels, and placental health — providing your obstetrician with critical data to ensure your baby is growing on track. In Dubai, growth scans are a routine part of antenatal care, and understanding what they measure, when they are needed, and what the results mean can help you feel confident and informed throughout your pregnancy.
Whether you are having a straightforward pregnancy or your doctor has flagged concerns about your baby's size, this guide explains everything you need to know about growth scans in Dubai — from timing and cost to understanding percentile charts, the difference between growth scans and anomaly scans, when follow-up scans are needed, and what happens if your baby measures small or large for gestational age.
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What Is a Growth Scan and Why Is It Important?
A growth scan — also called a third-trimester growth ultrasound or fetal biometry scan — is a targeted prenatal ultrasound that assesses how well your baby is growing inside the womb. While earlier scans focus on confirming pregnancy viability and checking for structural abnormalities, the growth scan specifically tracks whether your baby's size and weight are appropriate for the stage of pregnancy.
The scan is clinically important because it can identify two potentially serious conditions: Fetal Growth Restriction (FGR), where the baby is not growing adequately due to placental insufficiency or other causes, and macrosomia, where the baby is significantly larger than expected (often associated with gestational diabetes). Both conditions carry delivery risks and may require changes to the birth plan, including earlier delivery or caesarean section. Identifying these issues before labour gives your medical team time to plan the safest delivery approach.
What Does a Growth Scan Measure?
During a growth scan, the sonographer takes several precise measurements and observations. These measurements are combined using validated formulas (such as the Hadlock formula) to calculate the Estimated Fetal Weight (EFW), which is then plotted on a growth percentile chart.
| Measurement | What It Assesses | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Head Circumference (HC) | Brain and skull growth | Reflects neurological development; used in weight estimation |
| Biparietal Diameter (BPD) | Width of the skull | Cross-checked with HC for consistency; helps date pregnancy |
| Abdominal Circumference (AC) | Liver size and nutritional status | Most sensitive single indicator of fetal growth problems |
| Femur Length (FL) | Thigh bone length | Reflects skeletal growth; used in weight calculation |
| Estimated Fetal Weight (EFW) | Calculated from HC, AC, and FL | Plotted on percentile chart; identifies SGA or LGA babies |
| Amniotic Fluid Index (AFI) | Volume of amniotic fluid | Low fluid (oligohydramnios) or high fluid (polyhydramnios) can signal complications |
| Placental Position & Grade | Placenta health and maturity | Identifies placenta praevia, calcification, or insufficiency |
| Umbilical Artery Doppler | Blood flow to baby | Abnormal flow suggests placental insufficiency requiring closer monitoring |
Key measurements taken during a standard growth scan. Your obstetrician interprets these together to form a complete picture of fetal wellbeing.
The Abdominal Circumference (AC) is the single most important measurement for detecting growth problems. A small AC relative to gestational age suggests the baby is not receiving adequate nutrition — typically due to placental insufficiency. The AC reflects the size of the fetal liver, which is the first organ to reduce in size when blood flow is redirected to protect the brain and heart in growth-restricted babies.
When Is a Growth Scan Done During Pregnancy?
Growth scans are typically performed in the third trimester, most commonly between 28 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. The exact timing depends on your clinical situation, risk factors, and whether serial monitoring is needed.
| Gestational Age | Scan Type | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 6-10 weeks | Dating/viability scan | Confirms pregnancy, heartbeat, and due date |
| 11-14 weeks | NT scan (nuchal translucency) | Screens for chromosomal abnormalities (Down syndrome risk) |
| 18-22 weeks | Anomaly scan (anatomy scan) | Checks baby's organs, spine, brain, heart for structural defects |
| 28-32 weeks | First growth scan | Baseline assessment of fetal size, weight, and growth trajectory |
| 34-36 weeks | Follow-up growth scan | Tracks growth trend; guides delivery planning |
| 36-40 weeks | Late growth scan (if indicated) | Final size estimate before delivery; checks presentation and fluid |
Typical pregnancy scan schedule in Dubai. Most pregnancies require a minimum of 3-4 ultrasounds; high-risk pregnancies may need significantly more.
For a low-risk, uncomplicated pregnancy, many guidelines recommend at least one growth scan around 32-36 weeks. However, in practice, most obstetricians in Dubai will recommend scans at both 28-30 weeks and 34-36 weeks to establish a growth trend — a single measurement is less informative than two measurements taken 3-4 weeks apart. For a complete breakdown of all recommended pregnancy ultrasounds, see our guide to the pregnancy scan schedule in Dubai.
Growth Scan vs Anomaly Scan: Key Differences
One of the most common questions expectant mothers ask is how a growth scan differs from the anomaly scan (also called the anatomy scan or 20-week scan). While both use ultrasound technology, they serve fundamentally different purposes.
| Feature | Growth Scan (28-36 weeks) | Anomaly Scan (18-22 weeks) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary purpose | Assess baby's size and growth rate | Check organs and structures for abnormalities |
| When performed | Third trimester (28-36 weeks) | Second trimester (18-22 weeks) |
| Key measurements | EFW, AC, HC, FL, AFI, Doppler | Brain, heart, spine, kidneys, limbs, face, placenta |
| Detects | Growth restriction (SGA), macrosomia (LGA), fluid issues | Structural abnormalities (spina bifida, heart defects, cleft lip) |
| Duration | 15-20 minutes | 20-45 minutes |
| May be repeated | Yes — serial scans every 2-4 weeks if indicated | Usually performed once unless findings need follow-up |
The anomaly scan checks what the baby looks like (structure). The growth scan checks how big the baby is (size and weight). Both are essential components of comprehensive prenatal care.
Think of the anomaly scan as a detailed structural inspection and the growth scan as a progress check. The anomaly scan asks "Is everything formed correctly?" while the growth scan asks "Is the baby growing at the expected rate?" Both are essential. For more details on the anomaly scan, read our guide to anomaly scans in Dubai.
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Understanding Growth Scan Results: Percentile Charts
Growth scan results are reported using percentile charts (also called growth charts or centile charts). These compare your baby's measurements against a reference population of babies at the same gestational age. Understanding how percentiles work is key to interpreting your scan results without unnecessary anxiety.
How Percentiles Work
If your baby's estimated weight is on the 50th percentile, it means 50% of babies at the same gestational age are larger and 50% are smaller — perfectly average. A baby on the 25th percentile is smaller than 75% of babies but within the normal range. A baby on the 90th percentile is larger than 90% of babies. The key point: any percentile between the 10th and 90th is considered normal. What matters most is consistent growth along a trajectory, not the absolute percentile.
When Percentiles Raise Concerns
- Below 10th percentile: Baby classified as Small for Gestational Age (SGA). Further assessment needed to distinguish constitutional smallness from true growth restriction
- Below 3rd percentile: Strongly suggestive of Fetal Growth Restriction (FGR). Requires urgent assessment including Doppler studies
- Above 90th percentile: Baby classified as Large for Gestational Age (LGA). Evaluate for gestational diabetes if not already screened
- Crossing percentiles: A baby that drops from the 60th to the 20th percentile between scans is more concerning than a baby consistently tracking on the 15th percentile
- Static growth: No significant increase in EFW between serial scans separated by 2+ weeks warrants investigation
According to Dr. Parisa Dini, "What I look for in growth scans is not just the absolute percentile but the trajectory. A baby consistently growing on the 20th percentile from parents who are petite is very different from a baby that was on the 60th percentile and has dropped to the 20th. The trend tells us more than any single number."
Small for Gestational Age (SGA) and Growth Restriction
When a growth scan shows an estimated fetal weight below the 10th percentile, the baby is classified as Small for Gestational Age (SGA). This affects approximately 10% of pregnancies by definition. However, not all SGA babies have a problem — many are simply constitutionally small (small parents, female baby, first pregnancy).
SGA vs Fetal Growth Restriction (FGR)
The distinction between SGA and FGR is clinically critical. Constitutionally small babies are small but healthy — they grow consistently along their own curve, have normal Doppler blood flow studies, and have adequate amniotic fluid. Fetal Growth Restriction (FGR) means the baby is not reaching its growth potential due to a pathological cause — most commonly placental insufficiency. FGR babies may show abnormal umbilical artery Doppler patterns, reduced amniotic fluid, and disproportionate measurements (small AC with normal HC).
Causes of Growth Restriction
- Placental insufficiency: The most common cause — the placenta cannot deliver adequate nutrition and oxygen
- Pre-eclampsia: High blood pressure in pregnancy reduces placental blood flow
- Multiple pregnancy: Twins or higher-order multiples share placental resources
- Maternal conditions: Chronic hypertension, diabetes, autoimmune disease, kidney disease
- Smoking and substance use: Significantly reduces fetal growth
- Infections: Cytomegalovirus (CMV), toxoplasmosis, rubella can impair growth
- Chromosomal abnormalities: Some genetic conditions cause intrinsic growth limitation
If growth restriction is suspected, your obstetrician will request additional monitoring including umbilical artery Doppler studies (assessing blood flow from placenta to baby), middle cerebral artery (MCA) Doppler (checking if the baby is redirecting blood flow to protect the brain), and amniotic fluid assessment. These tests help determine whether the baby is coping well or whether earlier delivery is needed.
Large for Gestational Age (LGA): When Baby Measures Big
When the estimated fetal weight is above the 90th percentile, the baby is classified as Large for Gestational Age (LGA). While many LGA babies are simply genetically large (tall parents, male baby, subsequent pregnancy), this finding should prompt evaluation for gestational diabetes — the most common pathological cause of excessive fetal growth.
LGA babies face increased delivery risks including shoulder dystocia (where the shoulders get stuck during vaginal delivery), birth injuries, neonatal hypoglycaemia, and increased likelihood of emergency caesarean section. When gestational diabetes is the cause, managing blood sugar through diet, exercise, and sometimes insulin can help normalize growth trajectory. Your obstetrician may recommend induction of labour before 40 weeks or planned caesarean section for babies with an EFW above 4,000-4,500 grams.
Growth Scan Cost in Dubai: Pricing Guide
The cost of a growth scan in Dubai varies by facility type, whether Doppler studies are included, and your insurance coverage. Below is a comprehensive pricing overview for 2026.
| Scan Type | Price Range (AED) | What Is Included |
|---|---|---|
| Basic growth scan (2D) | AED 300–600 | EFW, HC, AC, FL measurements; amniotic fluid; placental position |
| Growth scan with Doppler | AED 500–900 | All basic measurements plus umbilical artery and MCA Doppler |
| 3D/4D growth scan | AED 600–1,200 | Growth measurements plus 3D/4D imaging of baby's face and features |
| Serial growth monitoring (per scan) | AED 300–600 | Repeat growth scans every 2-4 weeks for high-risk pregnancies |
| Comprehensive third-trimester package | AED 800–1,500 | Growth scan + Doppler + detailed biophysical profile |
Growth scan pricing in Dubai (2026). Most maternity insurance plans cover growth scans as part of antenatal care. DCDC offers direct billing with 20+ insurance providers.
Most maternity insurance plans in Dubai cover growth scans as part of standard antenatal care, especially when requested by your obstetrician for clinical indications. At DCDC, direct billing with over 20 insurance providers — including Daman, AXA, Bupa, MetLife, and Cigna — means you pay nothing out of pocket for covered scans. Self-pay packages offer cost savings for patients booking multiple prenatal ultrasounds together.
What to Expect at DCDC: Your Growth Scan Appointment
At DCDC Dubai Healthcare City, growth scans are performed by experienced OB-GYN specialists using high-resolution ultrasound equipment. Here is what to expect from arrival to results.
Preparation
Unlike early pregnancy scans, you do not need a full bladder for a third-trimester growth scan. Eat and drink normally before your appointment. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing — ideally a two-piece outfit for easy access to your abdomen. Bring your pregnancy notes and previous scan reports so your obstetrician can compare measurements.
The Scan Process
You arrive at DCDC (Building 64, Block A, Al Razi Medical Complex, DHCC) and park in the free dedicated lot. Check-in takes approximately 5 minutes. Average wait time is 15 minutes. During the scan, warm gel is applied to your abdomen and the ultrasound probe captures images of your baby. The sonographer methodically measures the head, abdomen, and femur, checks amniotic fluid levels, assesses the placenta, and evaluates baby's position. The scan takes 15-20 minutes. Partners are welcome to attend.
Results and Discussion
Your obstetrician reviews the measurements and discusses results with you immediately after the scan. You will receive a printed report with all measurements, the estimated fetal weight, the percentile placement, and any recommendations. If the scan identifies concerns — such as SGA, LGA, or reduced amniotic fluid — your doctor will explain the findings, outline a management plan, and schedule follow-up scans as needed. With DCDC's one-stop diagnostic centre approach, any additional tests (blood work, Doppler studies, non-stress test) can often be completed during the same visit.
Who Needs Extra Growth Scans?
While most pregnancies require just one or two growth scans, certain risk factors warrant more frequent monitoring — serial growth scans every 2-4 weeks from 28 weeks onward.
- Pre-eclampsia or pregnancy-induced hypertension: Reduces placental blood flow, increasing FGR risk
- Gestational diabetes: Increases risk of LGA and macrosomia
- Multiple pregnancy (twins, triplets): Growth discordance between babies is common and needs monitoring
- IVF/assisted conception: Higher baseline risk of growth complications
- Previous growth-restricted baby: Recurrence risk is approximately 20-25%
- BMI above 35: Associated with both growth restriction and macrosomia
- Maternal age over 40: Higher risk of placental insufficiency
- Autoimmune conditions: Lupus, antiphospholipid syndrome affect placental function
- Smoking during pregnancy: Directly reduces fetal growth
- Reduced fetal movements: May indicate compromise requiring urgent growth assessment
If you have any of these risk factors, discuss a personalized scan schedule with your obstetrician. At DCDC, same-week appointments are frequently available for urgent growth assessments, and our extended hours (Sat-Thu 8 AM-10 PM, Fri 9 AM-9 PM) make scheduling convenient even for working mothers. For related information about early pregnancy monitoring, see our guide to early pregnancy scans.
Growth Scan Accuracy: How Reliable Is the EFW?
A common question from expectant parents is how accurate the growth scan's estimated fetal weight actually is. Understanding the limitations helps set realistic expectations.
Research shows that ultrasound EFW has a margin of error of approximately +/- 10-15%. For a baby estimated at 3,000 grams, the actual birth weight could range from 2,550 to 3,450 grams. This margin of error increases with higher body weight (babies above 4,000g) and is influenced by maternal body habitus — scans in women with a higher BMI may be slightly less precise. Despite this limitation, growth scans remain the best available tool for estimating fetal weight before delivery.
The clinical value of growth scans lies not in predicting exact birth weight but in identifying trends and red flags — growth restriction, macrosomia, and fluid abnormalities — that change management decisions. Serial scans (comparing the same baby's measurements over time) are more informative than a single scan, because they reveal whether the baby is growing consistently or deviating from its expected trajectory.
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Follow-Up After an Abnormal Growth Scan
If your growth scan identifies a potential concern, your obstetrician will outline a management plan that may include one or more of the following interventions.
- Serial growth scans: Repeat scans every 2-3 weeks to track growth trajectory and confirm whether the baby is growing or plateauing
- Umbilical artery Doppler: Assesses blood flow resistance from placenta to baby. Absent or reversed end-diastolic flow is a serious finding requiring urgent action
- Non-stress test (CTG): Monitors the baby's heart rate pattern for signs of distress
- Biophysical profile (BPP): Combines ultrasound assessment (movements, breathing, tone, fluid) with CTG for a comprehensive wellbeing score
- Steroid injections: If early delivery is anticipated before 34 weeks, steroids are given to accelerate the baby's lung maturity
- Planned early delivery: When the risks of remaining in the womb outweigh the risks of prematurity, your team will plan delivery timing carefully
The goal of all monitoring is to identify the optimal delivery timing — keeping the baby in the womb long enough to benefit from continued growth, while delivering before any compromise occurs. For most growth-restricted babies detected early, outcomes are excellent when managed by an experienced obstetric team. DCDC's MOHAP-licensed facility in Dubai Healthcare City provides access to neighbouring hospitals and neonatal units if early delivery is needed.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts on Growth Scans
A growth scan is an essential part of third-trimester prenatal care that gives your obstetrician critical information about your baby's size, growth trajectory, and wellbeing. Understanding what the scan measures, how percentile charts work, and what different results mean empowers you to have informed conversations with your medical team and reduces unnecessary anxiety about normal variations.
Whether your pregnancy is low-risk and you need a routine growth check, or you have risk factors requiring serial monitoring, DCDC Dubai Healthcare City provides comprehensive prenatal ultrasound services with experienced OB-GYN specialists, same-week appointments, and direct insurance billing. Book your growth scan today and gain peace of mind about your baby's development.
Sources & References
This article was reviewed by our medical team and references the following sources:
- Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists — Small for Gestational Age (Green-top Guideline No. 31)
- NHS — Ultrasound Scans in Pregnancy
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) — Fetal Growth Restriction (Practice Bulletin No. 227)
- Mayo Clinic — Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR)
- Cleveland Clinic — Fetal Growth Restriction: Causes and Treatment
- Hadlock FP, et al. Estimation of fetal weight with use of head, body, and femur measurements. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 1985;151(3):333-337.
Medical content on this site is reviewed by DHA-licensed physicians. See our editorial policy for more information.
Written by
Dr. Parisa Dini
OB-GYN Specialist
MD, OB-GYN
Dr. Parisa Dini is an OB-GYN Specialist at Doctors Clinic Diagnostic Center (DCDC) in Dubai Healthcare City, specializing in prenatal care, PCOS, and preventive women's health.
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