Growth Scan vs Anomaly Scan: What Every Pregnant Woman Should Know
Your doctor just asked you to book an anomaly scan. But someone mentioned a growth scan. Are they the same? Do you need both? And what does each one actually look for?
These are real questions. The confusion is completely understandable because both scans sound similar. Both use ultrasound. But they serve very different purposes. And missing either one could mean missing something important about your baby's health.
At Pearl Diagnostics, we frequently meet expectant parents who are unsure about the difference between these two important pregnancy scans.Let's walk through this clearly so you know exactly what to expect, when to go, and what each scan is checking.
Why Pregnancy Scans Matter More Than You Think
A scan is never just a photo opportunity. Every ultrasound done during pregnancy gives your doctor clinical information used to make decisions. About your delivery plan. About your baby's nutrition. And in some cases, about the need for immediate care.
Most problems found during pregnancy are manageable when caught early. That's the entire point of scheduled scans. They're not checking if everything is fine. They're making sure nothing is being missed.
Missing a scan or delaying it by a few weeks can shift that window. And for certain conditions, timing matters a great deal.
Key Facts About Pregnancy Scans
Several types of pregnancy scans are done at specific weeks, each with a different purpose
The anomaly scan and growth scan are two of the most important and they are not interchangeable
Both scans are safe, use no radiation, and cause no harm to mother or baby
A normal scan result at 20 weeks does not mean everything is fine at 32 weeks
What Is an Anomaly Scan?
The anomaly scan is a detailed ultrasound done between 18 and 22 weeks of pregnancy. It's also called the Level 2 scan or the 20-week scan.
Its job is structural. The sonographer examines your baby's body part by part, looking for any physical problem that was not visible earlier when organs were still forming.
This is not a routine size check. It's a systematic examination of your baby's anatomy done at the one specific window when most structures are developed enough to be clearly seen.
The scan also checks the placenta's position, the amniotic fluid level, and sometimes the length of the cervix.
What Is a Growth Scan?
The growth scan is done in the third trimester, typically between 28 and 40 weeks. Unlike the anomaly scan, it's not looking for structural problems. It's monitoring development.
By this stage, your baby's organs are already formed. The growth scan checks whether the baby is gaining weight as expected, whether fluid levels are healthy, and whether blood flow through the umbilical cord is normal.
The simplest way to understand it: the anomaly scan asks 'Is everything built correctly?' The growth scan asks 'Is everything growing as it should?'
For some pregnancies, multiple growth scans are done every two to four weeks. This is especially common when there are any risk factors involved.
Purpose Of Anomaly And Growth Scans The difference comes down to purpose and timing. Here's a clear side-by-side view:
1. Also Called
Anomaly Scan: Level 2 Scan, 20-week scan
Growth Scan: Third trimester scan, well-being scan
2. When It Is Done
Anomaly Scan: 18 to 22 weeks of pregnancy
Growth Scan: 28 to 40 weeks of pregnancy
3. Main Purpose
Anomaly Scan: Checks if the baby’s internal organs and body parts are forming correctly.
Growth Scan: Tracks how well the baby is growing and checks their overall health progression.
4. What the Doctor Looks At
Anomaly Scan: Detailed view of the brain, heart, spine, kidneys, limbs, and placenta position.
Growth Scan: The baby’s estimated weight, amniotic fluid levels, and blood flow patterns.
5. Is Doppler Ultrasound Used?
Anomaly Scan: Usually not required.
Growth Scan: Yes, it frequently includes a Colour Doppler to track umbilical blood circulation.
6. Frequency of the Scan
Anomaly Scan: Performed exactly once during the pregnancy journey.
Growth Scan: Done once, or multiple times depending on your doctor’s advice and tracking needs.
7. Who Requires It?
Anomaly Scan: Highly recommended for every pregnant woman.
Growth Scan: Essential for all, with crucial emphasis on high-risk or closely monitored pregnancies.
The anomaly scan is done once at a defined window. The growth scan may be repeated multiple times depending on how your pregnancy progresses.
One cannot replace the other. A normal anomaly scan doesn't tell you your baby is growing well at 32 weeks. And a growth scan at 30 weeks doesn't cover what the anomaly scan checks at 20 weeks.
What Does the Anomaly Scan Check?
The anomaly scan covers your baby's body in sections. Each area is examined one by one. Here is what the sonographer is actually looking at:
Baby's Head and Brain
Shape and size of the skull are assessed first
Brain structures examined including the cerebellum (controls balance), ventricles (fluid spaces in the brain), and the midline
Screens for hydrocephalus (fluid build-up in the brain) and anencephaly (incomplete brain development)
Face, Spine, and Limbs
Spine traced from top to bottom for spina bifida, where the spinal column does not close properly around the spinal cord
Face checked for cleft lip, though this is not always visible depending on the baby's position
All four limbs measured for bone length and normal structure
Chest and Heart
Heart's four chambers are viewed and confirmed
Position of the heart inside the chest is noted
Main outflow vessels assessed to screen for major cardiac defects
Abdomen and Organs
A visible, fluid-filled stomach means the baby is swallowing amniotic fluid normally, which is a reassuring sign
Kidneys and bladder checked individually for size and structure
Abdominal wall examined to rule out gastroschisis, where intestines develop outside the body through a gap in the wall
Placenta, Fluid, and Cervix
Placenta position recorded to detect placenta previa, where the placenta covers the cervical opening
Amniotic fluid index (AFI) measured, with normal range between 8 and 18 cm
Cervical length checked if there is any concern about preterm birth
Pearl Diagnostics offers a detailed Anomaly Scan in Pimple Saudagar at its centre in Shastrinagar, Pimpri, under the supervision of Dr. Sagar Sujanyal.
What Does the Growth Scan Measure?
The growth scan focuses on four main measurements. These are plotted on a growth chart to check if your baby is tracking normally for its age.
BPD (Biparietal Diameter): the width of your baby's head
HC (Head Circumference): the full circumference around the head
AC (Abdominal Circumference): the size of your baby's belly, which reflects nutritional intake
FL (Femur Length): the length of the thigh bone
These four measurements are combined to estimate the baby's weight, called the Estimated Fetal Weight (EFW). This helps your doctor identify if the baby is growing too slowly (a condition called IUGR or intrauterine growth restriction) or too fast (macrosomia).
The scan also includes a Colour Doppler study that measures blood flow through the umbilical artery. Abnormal flow patterns can be an early sign that the baby is not receiving adequate nutrition through the placenta.
At Pearl Diagnostics, the Colour Doppler Test is available as part of the growth scan. This is especially important for pregnancies where blood flow monitoring is required.
When Is Each Scan Done During Pregnancy?
Timing is not flexible for the anomaly scan. The 18 to 22 week window is specific. Before 18 weeks, many structures are not fully formed yet. After 22 weeks, some findings become harder to confirm or act upon.
The growth scan has more flexibility. It starts around 28 weeks and may be repeated every two to four weeks depending on findings. In low-risk pregnancies, one growth scan at 32 to 34 weeks is often enough.
When to Book Each Scan
Anomaly Scan: Book between week 18 and 20 to make sure your appointment falls within the right window
Growth Scan: First one at 28 to 30 weeks, with additional scans as advised by your doctor
Do not delay the anomaly scan. The window closes at 22 weeks and cannot be extended
Do You Need Both Scans in Every Pregnancy?
The anomaly scan is recommended for every pregnancy without exception. It's a standard part of antenatal care in India.
The growth scan is not always mandatory in low-risk pregnancies. But most gynaecologists recommend at least one in the third trimester. For high-risk pregnancies involving twins, diabetes, hypertension, or a previous growth-restricted baby, multiple growth scans are almost always advised.
Here's the thing. If your anomaly scan was completely normal, that's reassuring. But it tells you nothing about how your baby is growing at 32 or 36 weeks. Conditions like gestational diabetes and hypertension often develop after the anomaly scan window has passed. So yes, in most cases, you need both.
What If the Scan Shows a Concern?
A concern on a scan is not automatically a diagnosis. It's a finding that needs follow-up. Your doctor will decide the next step based on what was seen.
Repeat the scan in two to four weeks to check for any change
Refer to a fetal medicine specialist for a more detailed assessment
Order a Fetal Echo if a cardiac issue is suspected
Arrange additional blood tests or genetic testing if chromosomal concerns are flagged
Sonographers are trained to be thorough. Sometimes what looks concerning on one scan resolves completely on the next. Soft markers, for example, are findings that appear occasionally but often have no clinical significance at all.
If your scan suggests a cardiac concern, a Fetal Echo Scan is the recommended next step. Pearl Diagnostics provides Fetal Echocardiography at Pimpri for detailed cardiac assessment.
Don't panic if you're called back for a repeat scan. It's standard practice and does not mean something is definitely wrong.
How to Read Your Scan Report
Your scan report can look overwhelming. Full of abbreviations, numbers, and percentile ranges. Here's what the common terms actually mean:
EFW (Estimated Fetal Weight): the computer estimate of your baby's weight based on four measurements. Normal EFW falls between the 10th and 90th percentile for that week of pregnancy
AFI (Amniotic Fluid Index): measures the fluid surrounding your baby. Normal range is 8 to 18 cm. Below 5 is low; above 25 is high
BPP (Biophysical Profile): a scoring system combining ultrasound findings to assess baby's well-being. A score of 8 or 10 out of 10 is normal
S/D Ratio: from the Doppler study, this measures resistance in the umbilical artery. A high ratio may indicate reduced blood flow
Placenta Grade: describes placenta maturity. Grade 0 to 1 is early pregnancy; Grade 2 to 3 is seen later
Always read your report with your gynaecologist. Numbers outside a reference range don't always mean something is wrong. They mean your doctor needs to look more carefully.
Why Choose Pearl Diagnostics For Pregnancy Scans In Pimple Saudagar, PCMC For pregnancy scans, the quality of the machine and the experience of the reporting radiologist make a real difference. A high-resolution ultrasound machine produces clearer images. And clearer images mean fewer missed findings.
Pearl Diagnostics at Shastrinagar, Pimpri is equipped with advanced ultrasound technology. All scans are performed and reported under the supervision of Dr. Sagar Sujanyal, a qualified and experienced radiologist. Reports are generated accurately and promptly because during pregnancy, waiting for results only adds unnecessary stress.
Services available include Anomaly Scan, Growth Scan, NT Scan, Colour Doppler, Fetal Echo, 3D/4D Ultrasound, and all pregnancy blood tests through the Golwilkar Metropolis partnership.
Looking for a trusted Pregnancy Scan Centre in Pimple Saudagar? Pearl Diagnostics is open Monday to Saturday from 8 AM to 10 PM and Sunday from 8 AM to 2 PM. Call +91-91569 59267 to book your scan.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can the anomaly scan detect all birth defects?
No scan can detect everything. The anomaly scan checks for major structural abnormalities and identifies around 50 to 70 percent of serious defects. Some conditions, like minor heart defects or chromosomal issues without physical signs, may not be visible on ultrasound alone.
2. Is the growth scan painful or harmful?
Not at all. The growth scan uses standard ultrasound technology with no radiation involved. Both the mother and baby are completely safe throughout the procedure.
3. What is the cost of an anomaly scan in Pimpri Chinchwad?
Costs vary by centre and technology used. At Pearl Diagnostics in Pimpri, call +91-91569 59267 for current pricing on anomaly scans, growth scans, and Doppler studies.
4. My anomaly scan was normal. Do I still need a growth scan?
Yes. A normal anomaly scan at 20 weeks tells you the baby's structure is normal at that point. It says nothing about how the baby will grow in the third trimester. Conditions like gestational diabetes and hypertension often appear after the anomaly scan window has closed.
5. How long does each scan take?
The anomaly scan typically takes 30 to 45 minutes because it's a detailed examination. A growth scan usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. Both may take longer if the baby is in an awkward position.
6. Can I find out my baby's gender during these scans?
Gender detection during medical scans is not permitted in India under the PNDT Act. These scans are clinical examinations used strictly for assessing the baby's health.
Is Growth Scan And Anomaly Scan The Same? No, a Growth Scan and an Anomaly Scan are not the same. An Anomaly Scan is usually performed around 18–22 weeks of pregnancy to assess the baby's organs and physical development, while a Growth Scan is typically performed later in pregnancy to monitor the baby's growth, weight, position, and overall well-being. Both scans play different but important roles in pregnancy monitoring.
