What Does My Scan Report Indicate?

Posted on Fri, 24 Jun 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 24 Jun 2016 Answered on

Sat, 16 Jul 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi Doctor,

My wife is 34 weeks pregnant now. On day before yesterday our doctor suggested an ultra sound scan as she finds the bump is smaller than it should be at this stage. In the scan the we got EFW 1.9 kg. Then she suggested a NST, and she found NST result is good. I have attached the scan report.

As the fetus weight is less than what it should be, she suggested 2 more ultra sound scans on coming two Wednesdays. She also saying us to get the baby delivered at 37weeks and it is not good to wait until 39/40 weeks.

We are concerned about the health of the baby. Is it a serious problem? Is it fine if the baby is delivered at 37 weeks, I heard that preterm babies tend to be weak. Please advise us.

What could be the reason for the low weight of the fetus. Is there anything we can do now?

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Manisha Jain (55 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Precautions advised

Detailed Answer:
Hello Mr. Shrikant, thanks for trusting health care magic.
It is common to have decreased growth of mild range in later gestation but generally nothing much to worry and usually there are no significant causes.
She needs to take a high protein diet in the form of pulses,milk, cottage cheese and protein biscuits.
In case she is a non vegetarian then taking chicken and meat will be a very good option.
No active intervention is needed except early delivery at 37 weeks.
She is right because placental ageing starts beyond this gestation so it gets difficult to assess healthy status of the baby.
Maturity is complete by 37 weeks so no issues regarding that point.
All the best
Regards
Dr Manisha Jain

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Manisha Jain (3 hours later)

Thank you very much doctor for the reply.

We already had 5 ultra sound scans till now. And we might have to undergo another 2-3 scans based on what our doctor said in our last consultation. Does having these many scans have any effect on the baby/mother? My parents are apprehensive of these many scans.

Do the chances of normal delivery change with the induced pains compared to natural pains. Will there be any bad/good effects of giving delivery with induced pains?

One more thing is that, my wife is feeling numbness in hand fingers. Her Vit B12 results are within the range. Do you suggest anything for this?

Thanks again.

Answered by Dr. Manisha Jain (13 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Ultrasound is safe

Detailed Answer:
Hi dear, there are no side effects of ultrasound and thus safe to have them as advised.
Induction of labour specially in the setting of decreased baby weight has high chances of cesarean section.
In general a more careful watch over fetal heart rate and progress of labour is needed and should be done by a good gynecologist in a centre equipped with facilities for cesarean section.
Tingling and numbness is common in later months and is normal provided she has normal bit B12 and thyroid hormone levels.
Ask her to have good amount of milk and regular calcium intake but in case still not relieved then can take vitamin E capsules daily.
Take care and all the best

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Manisha Jain (22 hours later)

Thank you doctor for the reply.

what is your opinion about stem cell banking. Should we bank our child’s stem cells? Is it worth the money, is it useful?

Answered by Dr. Manisha Jain (10 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Not in favour

Detailed Answer:
Stem cell banking is in very initial days and can give promising results in future but as far as today's state of affairs is concerned it is not worth the money spent as the quality control and facilities are not up to the mark so I'm not in favour of the same.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar