20-Week Ultrasound: What to Expect & What's Checked

Question
Hello, I was wondering when you have a your first ultrasound at 20 week (Level II) ultrasound what is documented and are measurements taken.. if so why?  Will they check to see if my baby is bigger or smaller then he/she should be, and I heard of a growth scan is a growth scan done at this point too? What is a growth scan and why are they done?? Thank you for your help

Answer
Dear Jennifer,
During the 20 week ultrasound, they measure the baby's size, and also check that all the baby's organs and body parts are developing properly and that the baby is healthy.
A growth scan means that they do a scan (ultrasound) to see how well the baby is growing.

The thing to remember is that ultrasounds for size are not really accurate, so the growth part of the scan is not a cause for concern. The scan for making sure the baby is forming properly - that is the most important part.

Doctors are often very nervous about babies being 'too big' to give birth to vaginally. This is usually not a real problem. Many women give birth to big babies - some as big as 11-12 pounds - without so much as a scratch.
I personally attended a birth of a baby that was nearly 10 pounds, and the mother did not tear or bruise at all during the birth.
A woman does not usually grow a baby that she cannot push out - the baby has her genes and will grow to a size that she can handle.

You can do it! :D
Wishing you the best of luck,
Sheva