It is performed from 28 to 40 weeks of gestation.

This ultrasound scan aims to identify the growth and well-being of the fetus by:

Measurement of fetal head circumference, abdomen and femur length and calculation of the estimated fetal weight.

Evaluation of blood flow throught/in/from the placenta and fetus by color Doppler ultrasound. (flow measurement in the uterine arteries, umbilical arteries, middle cerebral artery, ductus venosus).

Examination of fetal activity and biophysical profile.

Measurement of the amount of amniotic fluid.

Evaluation of the location, the appearance and the maturity of the placenta.

Assessment of the fetal anatomy within the feasible limits because it is more difficult to be assessed at this stage of pregnancy. Pregnancy is a dynamic process and is neccessary to check as many anatomical structures is possible because rarely some of them do not develop as expected so, is good to know in order to make any further management in case of an developmental abnormality.

It is recommended to be performed in all pregnancies, but especially at those who are at high risk, history of preeclampsia, hypertension, fetal growth restriction, Diabetes mellitus type I, II and gestational diabetes mellitus, history of intrauterine death or anatomical abnormalities that became apparent in the third trimester of pregnancy and generally women who have problems during their current pregnancy.