Summary
- The anomaly scan and growth scan are very crucial ultrasound scans that focus on different stages of your baby’s development.
- The anomaly scan (18–22 weeks) checks for structural abnormalities, while the growth scan (28–40 weeks) tracks the growth and overall well-being of your baby.
Introduction
During pregnancy, your doctor will recommend several scans to check on your baby’s health. Two of the most important ones are the anomaly scan and the growth scan.
Since both use ultrasound technology, many parents wonder whether they serve the same purpose. But they don’t. Each scan checks something different, at a different stage of pregnancy.
Understanding growth scan Vs anomaly scan can help you know why your doctor recommends both, even when everything seems normal.
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What is an Anomaly Scan?
The anomaly scan is done between 18 and 22 weeks of pregnancy.
This scan is a detailed check of whether your baby’s body is forming the way it should.
During the scan, your doctor looks at:
- Your baby’s brain, heart, spine, and kidneys
- The development of other major organs and limbs
- The position of the placenta
- The amount of amniotic fluid
Purpose of an Anomaly Scan
The goal is to spot any structural problems early, before they become harder to manage.
If something doesn’t look right, your doctor can plan next steps, such as further testing, consulting a specialist, or simply more careful monitoring.
What is a Growth Scan?
A growth scan is usually done later in pregnancy, between 28 and 40 weeks.
This scan checks the growth and the overall well-being of your baby.
Purpose of a Growth Scan
The growth scan keeps track of your baby’s progress through the third trimester. It helps your doctor identify:
- Fetal growth restriction – when the baby is not growing fast enough
- Macrosomia – when the baby is growing larger than expected
- Low amniotic fluid levels
- Any problems with the placenta or blood flow through the umbilical cord
Growth Scan vs Anomaly Scan: Key Differences
| Feature | Anomaly Scan | Growth Scan |
|---|---|---|
| Timing | 18–22 weeks | 28–40 weeks |
| Main Focus | Baby's structure and organs | Baby's size, weight, placenta, and amniotic fluid |
| Purpose | Detect abnormalities | Monitor growth and development |
| Outcome | Early detection and intervention | Helps plan delivery and care |
| Frequency | Mostly once | Ideally, once or twice |
| Price | ₹3,500 – ₹5,500 | ₹3,400 – ₹5,300 |
Why Are Both Scans (Anomaly Scan & Growth Scan) Important?
Anomaly scan and growth scan serve different purposes and at different stages of your pregnancy. Hence, both are needed to closely monitor your baby.
Anomaly scan only tells you how your baby was developing at around 20 weeks. Whereas, growth problems, placental issues, and low fluid levels can all develop later in the third trimester.
That’s why your doctor may still recommend a growth scan, even after a normal anomaly scan. Both are needed for a clearer picture of how your pregnancy is going.
Conclusion
The anomaly scan checks your baby’s development in the second trimester. The growth scan tracks progress in the third.
If your doctor has recommended both, there is a reason. Try not to skip either one. For detailed and accurate pregnancy scans, reach out to Jammi Scans.
Every scan is personally performed by Dr. Deepthi Jammi, an experienced fetal medicine specialist, so you always know what’s happening with your baby and what to do next.
Call 7338771733 to book your appointment.
FAQ
1. Is a growth scan more detailed than an anomaly scan?
Neither one is more detailed than the other. The anomaly scan goes deeper into your baby’s organs and structure, while the growth scan focuses closely on your baby’s size, weight, fluid levels, and blood flow.
2. Can a baby develop growth problems after a normal anomaly scan?
Yes, this can happen. Growth restriction, low fluid, and placental problems often develop in the third trimester. A normal anomaly scan result does not rule these out.
3. Do all pregnant women need a growth scan?
Yes, it is crucial for all pregnant mothers, as it monitors the overall development of your baby at a later stage of your pregnancy.
4. Can a growth scan estimate the baby’s weight accurately?
The weight shown in a growth scan is an estimate, and the actual birth weight of your baby may show 10-15% variation.
5. Can an anomaly scan and a growth scan be done on the same day?
They are done at very different stages of pregnancy. The anomaly scan is around 18-22 weeks, and the growth scan is between 28-40 weeks. So in practice, they are never scheduled together.
