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A growth scan is a third-trimester ultrasound that estimates your baby's size and checks fluid, placenta and blood flow when your doctor or midwife wants a closer look.
Also called: Third trimester scan, Fetal growth scan, 28 week scan, 32 week scan, Baby growth ultrasound
Find a clinic for your growth scan
102 clinics offer bulk billing for ultrasound — eligibility varies
Where to get a growth scan
104 clinics across Australia on Radly offer ultrasound.
Clinics for a growth scan on Radly
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What is a growth scan?
Growth scans are not routine for every pregnancy. They are usually requested from about 28 weeks when there is a reason to keep an eye on the baby's size or wellbeing.
The sonographer measures the baby's head, tummy and thigh bone to estimate weight, checks the amniotic fluid and the baby's position, and often uses Doppler to look at blood flow in the umbilical cord. Results are compared with earlier scans to see the growth pattern over time.
Estimated weights have a margin of error, so your care team looks at the overall trend rather than a single number.
Why your doctor might request a growth scan
- Measuring smaller or larger than expected for dates
- Gestational diabetes or high blood pressure
- Twins or other multiple pregnancies
- Reduced baby movements
- A low-lying placenta seen at the morphology scan
- A previous baby who was small or large
Growth scan: preparation, referral & Medicare
Preparing for your growth scan
- No special preparation is usually needed.
- Bring your referral and earlier pregnancy scan reports so growth can be compared.
- If you notice reduced movements, contact your hospital or midwife straight away rather than waiting for a booked scan.
How long it takes: About 30–45 minutes
Referral, Medicare & bulk billing
A referral from your obstetrician, GP or midwife is required for a Medicare rebate. Some clinics bulk bill growth scans and others charge an out-of-pocket gap. The clinic confirms billing when it accepts your booking request.
How it works
Get your referral
Most scans need a referral from your GP, specialist, or other health practitioner.
Compare clinics
Find clinics near you for your growth scan and compare bulk billing, reviews, and location.
Send your request
Share your preferred timing and send the clinic your details and referral when available.
Clinic confirms
The clinic reviews your request and confirms your appointment and any preparation needed.
If the clinic hasn’t acknowledged your request after 24 hours, Radly will follow up. We check in by SMS during daytime hours where SMS is available and you haven’t opted out. Reply N if you haven’t been contacted and our team will follow up. Acknowledgment does not mean an appointment is booked.
Growth scan FAQs
When are growth scans done?
Usually in the third trimester, from about 28 weeks, and sometimes repeated every few weeks if your care team wants to track a trend.
How accurate is the estimated baby weight?
It is an estimate that can be out by around 10–15 per cent either way, so your doctor focuses on the pattern across scans.
Does everyone need a growth scan?
No. Many pregnancies do not need one. It is requested when your doctor or midwife has a specific reason to check.
How do I book a growth scan online?
Choose a clinic on Radly, select Ultrasound as your scan, add your preferred timing and attach your referral, then send your booking request. The clinic contacts you to confirm the appointment and any preparation.
How soon can I get a growth scan?
Appointments for ultrasound are usually 1–3 days, depending on the clinic and the exam. You can send a request on Radly at any time, and the clinic replies with its next available time.
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