How reliable is a growth scan?

Question

Growth scans are generally considered reliable, but there can be some margin of error. What factors can affect the accuracy of a growth scan?

Answer

When we had our baby in 2019 he was a diagnosed IUGR (growth restriction) so we ended up with weekly ultrasounds. The high risk team would tell me what he was weighing in at and said their scans are pretty reliable but even the best photo there could be a 10% weight inaccuracy, higher or lower. He was pretty close though, estimated to be just above 6lbs when they induced and he was born 5lbs 14oz.

Answer

They can be pounds wrong honestly. It’s a dodgy algorithm based on limb measurements and head measurements. Getting it wrong by a few mm can cause big changes. They also can’t guess baby’s body fat percentage. I’ve heard women be told their baby is 10lb+ only to have them a few days later and only be 7lbs or vice versa.

How reliable is a growth scan?

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