Navigation

Available at these locations in Alberta:

Grande Prairie

Book Now »

3rd Trimester Survey

Biophysical Profile and Growth Ultrasound

During the third trimester, a biophysical profile and growth ultrasound employs ultrasonic pulses to image and evaluate your baby’s growth and well-being. You may have more than one ultrasound during this time period, in order to track the growth of your baby.

PATIENT INFORMATION AND PREPARATION

Special Instructions

  • Take all prescription medications as instructed
  • You do not need a full bladder for this exam but should eat a snack a few minutes before your appointment as this will encourage your baby to move and stay awake, which is useful during this exam
  • Your skin should be kept clean and free of body oils, moisturizers and powders
  • Your clothing should be lightweight, comfortable and suitable for easy access to the skin of the area in question
  • Please arrive at least 15 minutes in advance

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING YOUR EXAM

  • Due to the status of the current covid-19 outbreak, we are regrettably only able to permit 1 guest at the conclusion of your exam.  Please provide a reliable method of contact for your guest when booking your appointment.  Your guest must be negative for signs of symptoms of covid-19 and wait outside the facility until the Technologist is ready for their arrival.  Your guest will then receive a phone-call and further instruction from Shift Imaging Personnel.
  • You may be asked to change into a gown, to give the sonographer better access to the skin of your uterine area
  • A warm, fragrance-free, hypoallergenic gel will be applied to the skin near your uterus and stomach
  • A wand-like transducer will be moved over the lubricated surface of your stomach area, in order to locate the fetus and capture images of your baby
  • Some pressure may be applied with the wand, in order to accurately measure your baby’s head, abdomen and leg bones and compare with previous tests.
  • You may not require all of the anatomy assessment if everything was fine with the detailed scan in the second trimester
  • The sonographer will also observe, assess and grade the body movements, fine motor movements, breathing pattern and measure amniotic fluid volume around your baby
  • The length of your exam will depend on how active your baby is, as well as its positioning
  • Be sure to let the practitioner know, should you need to move into a more comfortable position at any time during this exam
  • Your sonographer will endeavor to complete this exam in a timely manner, with the results and images to be discussed at the end of the ultrasound

WHEN TO EXPECT THE RESULTS OF YOUR EXAM

Our radiologists will interpret your information and aim to forward the results to your doctor by the end of the next working day.

WHAT YOU’LL PAY FOR THIS PROCEDURE

This exam is covered under the Alberta Health Care Plan.