Pregnancy is a time of excitement and anticipation, but it also requires careful monitoring to ensure the healthy development of your baby. Two important ultrasounds during pregnancy — the Anomaly Scan and the Growth Scan — play critical roles in this journey. While both are essential, they serve very different purposes.
Dr. Mamta Phogat, one of the best fetal medicine specialists in Faridabad, explains the key differences between these two scans and why each is necessary for a safe and well-managed pregnancy.
What is an Anomaly Scan?
The Anomaly Scan, also known as the Level 2 ultrasound, is usually performed between 18 to 22 weeks of pregnancy. Its main purpose is to check for structural abnormalities or birth defects in the developing fetus.
What the Anomaly Scan Detects:
- Congenital heart defects
- Neural tube defects (like spina bifida)
- Cleft lip or palate
- Kidney, stomach, or limb abnormalities
- Position of the placenta and amount of amniotic fluid
This scan provides detailed images of the baby’s anatomy and can often detect issues early enough for further diagnostic tests or medical intervention.
What is a Growth Scan?
The Growth Scan is typically performed in the third trimester, around 28 to 32 weeks of pregnancy. Its main purpose is to assess the baby’s growth and overall well-being in the womb.
What the Growth Scan Evaluates:
- Baby’s weight and measurements (head, abdomen, femur)
- Amniotic fluid levels
- Placental function
- Baby’s movements and position
- Blood flow from placenta to baby (via Doppler studies)
A growth scan helps detect conditions like Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR) or macrosomia (large baby) and allows the doctor to make timely decisions for delivery planning.
Why Both Are Important
While the Anomaly Scan focuses on detecting structural problems, the Growth Scan ensures that the baby is developing well as the pregnancy progresses. Skipping either could mean missing critical information about the baby’s health.
According to Dr. Mamta Phogat, the best fetal medicine specialist in Faridabad, combining both scans as part of a routine pregnancy monitoring plan is essential for early detection, proper care, and better outcomes.
Why Choose Dr. Mamta Phogat?
Dr. Mamta Phogat offers advanced fetal diagnostic services in Faridabad with compassion and precision. Her expertise in handling high-risk pregnancies and her patient-focused approach makes her a trusted name among expectant mothers.