Well-Being Scans

It is the wish and expectation of every pregnant woman and family that the baby will do well. Some pregnancies develop problems that need close monitoring. In some cases, the problem may be in the past, and the woman wants reassurance. Well being baby scans involve assessing growth of the head, limbs, tummy, liquor, and blood flow known as EDF.

Liquor is the water around the baby, contributed both by the baby’s urine and the mother. There being adequate water around the baby is important because this allows the baby to be active and enables breathing. Lack of water restricts the baby’s movements, and results in poor lung development. Reduced water suggests that the baby is not producing enough urine and that may be the only indication of distress as a result of poor growth.

The End Diastolic Frequency (EDF) assesses the blood flowing around the baby, through the umbilicus and the brain. Usually the last thing to go wrong, when the EDF is absent, we recommend immediate referral to the Hospital.

Well-Being Scans Assess Your Baby’s State

32 weeks into your pregnancy, your doctor may recommend that you undergo a routine well-being scan.  This scan measures the fetal head, thigh bone, and estimates your baby’s weight.  It also determines the amount of amniotic fluid, the blood flow to the placenta and where it’s situated.