Fetal Wellbeing & Doppler

A wellbeing scan looks at how the baby is growing and at the environment around the baby. Where it is clinically indicated, Doppler is added to assess blood flow.

More than one scan may be advised over a period of weeks, because a trend over time carries more information than a single measurement.

Measurements used to estimate the baby's weight and to plot growth against the expected range, the volume of amniotic fluid, the position and appearance of the placenta, and the baby's position.

Where Doppler is indicated, blood flow in the umbilical artery and other vessels is assessed.

An ultrasound estimate of fetal weight is an estimate, calculated from measurements, and carries a recognised margin of error. It is most useful as one part of a picture built over successive scans rather than as a single exact figure.

Your referring doctor will advise whether and when this assessment is appropriate, and whether it should be repeated.