Treatment Overview
Term-End Growth & Amniotic Fluid Index Ultrasound in Korea is a vital prenatal scan performed during the final weeks of pregnancy — typically between 36 and 40 weeks of gestation. Its purpose is to assess the baby’s final growth, position, and overall well-being, while also evaluating the amniotic fluid volume, which is a key indicator of placental and fetal health.
In Korea, women’s hospitals and advanced maternity centers are renowned for offering high-resolution ultrasound imaging with AI-supported fetal growth analysis and Doppler evaluation. This ultrasound helps obstetricians determine if the baby is growing normally, confirm the readiness for birth, and ensure there are no late-pregnancy complications such as placental insufficiency or low fluid levels.
Korea’s expertise in maternal-fetal medicine, combined with advanced ultrasound systems, ensures exceptional diagnostic precision and safe delivery planning for mothers nearing term.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose:
- To evaluate fetal growth and estimated weight in the final weeks of pregnancy.
- To measure amniotic fluid volume using the Amniotic Fluid Index (AFI) or Single Deepest Pocket (SDP).
- To assess placental maturity and blood flow efficiency.
- To check fetal movement, breathing patterns, and position.
- To support delivery planning and determine readiness for labor.
Benefits:
- Accurate estimation of fetal weight before delivery.
- Early detection of complications such as oligohydramnios (low fluid) or polyhydramnios (excess fluid).
- Non-invasive and safe: Uses sound waves with no radiation.
- Improved delivery outcomes: Ensures both mother and baby are in optimal condition for birth.
- Personalized obstetric management: Helps decide the ideal timing and mode of delivery.
Ideal Candidates
This ultrasound is recommended for all pregnant women in their final trimester, particularly those who:
- Are approaching full term (36–40 weeks).
- Have high-risk pregnancies (hypertension, diabetes, or preeclampsia).
- Experienced fetal growth restriction or excessive growth in prior scans.
- Have placental or amniotic abnormalities detected earlier.
- Are carrying twins or multiple fetuses.
- Have reduced fetal movements or changes in kick count.
- Are planning induction or cesarean delivery and require final fetal assessment.
Possible Risks & Considerations
- The ultrasound is completely safe for both mother and baby.
- Image clarity may depend on fetal position, maternal anatomy, or low fluid volume.
- Multiple measurements may be necessary if growth patterns are borderline or if fluid levels fluctuate.
- Follow-up scans may be scheduled weekly if abnormalities are found.
Korean hospitals follow strict international safety protocols and utilize the most advanced imaging systems to provide precise, comfortable, and reliable results.
Medical & Diagnostic Techniques Used in Korea
Korean maternal-fetal specialists employ a combination of advanced imaging and analytic methods to assess fetal growth and amniotic fluid volume with precision:
- 2D Biometric Ultrasound: Measures fetal head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC), and femur length (FL) to calculate estimated fetal weight (EFW).
- Amniotic Fluid Index (AFI) Measurement: Divides the uterus into four quadrants and sums the vertical fluid pockets for accurate volume assessment.
- Single Deepest Pocket (SDP): Used as an alternative method in multiple pregnancies to avoid false readings.
- 3D/4D Ultrasound Imaging: Provides detailed visualization of fetal position, body structure, and movement.
- Color & Spectral Doppler Studies: Evaluate umbilical artery and placental blood flow for signs of insufficiency.
- Placental Grading: Determines maturity and calcification patterns for delivery readiness.
- AI-Enhanced Growth Analysis: Korean hospitals integrate artificial intelligence software that automatically compares fetal measurements with gestational norms for precision tracking.
These advanced technologies ensure comprehensive fetal and placental evaluation at the term stage.
Recovery & Aftercare
- No recovery required: The ultrasound is non-invasive and painless.
- Immediate results: The doctor reviews fetal size, amniotic fluid, and placental function during the session.
- Follow-up scans: May be performed weekly in cases of low fluid, growth restriction, or suspected distress.
- Lifestyle advice: Expectant mothers may be advised to hydrate adequately, monitor fetal movement, and rest as needed.
- Delivery planning: Based on findings, the obstetrician may recommend induction, cesarean, or continued monitoring.
Korean maternity care emphasizes ongoing observation, maternal comfort, and careful coordination between ultrasound specialists and obstetricians.
Results & Longevity
- Accurate final growth estimation: Confirms the baby’s size and weight before birth.
- Placental and fetal well-being assurance: Ensures sufficient oxygen and nutrient flow to the baby.
- Safe timing for delivery: Helps determine when labor should begin or be induced.
- Detection of complications: Identifies conditions like low amniotic fluid or placental aging before they become critical.
- Improved neonatal outcomes: Ensures optimal preparation for delivery and newborn care.
The results provide the final confirmation of fetal health before delivery, allowing both doctors and parents to prepare confidently for birth.
Procedure Process in Korea
1. Pre-Scan Consultation
The obstetrician reviews the pregnancy history, previous ultrasound data, and maternal health indicators such as blood pressure and fetal movement.
2. Ultrasound Procedure
A transabdominal ultrasound is performed using high-frequency imaging. The doctor measures fetal biometry, checks fluid pockets, and evaluates placental condition.
3. Doppler Flow Assessment
Umbilical and uterine artery blood flow is examined to assess placental function and fetal well-being.
4. Results Review
The doctor discusses the findings, explaining fetal size, estimated weight, fluid index, and readiness for delivery.
5. Delivery Planning & Follow-Up
If growth or fluid levels are abnormal, additional scans or early delivery may be scheduled to ensure safety.
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
- Global standard ultrasound imaging systems with unmatched clarity and accuracy.
- Highly skilled maternal-fetal medicine specialists trained in late-pregnancy diagnostics.
- AI-integrated fetal assessment tools for precise data interpretation.
- Comprehensive maternity programs that include continuous term-end surveillance.
- Patient-focused care offering privacy, comfort, and multilingual support.
Unique Korean Methods & Technology
- AI-based fetal growth and fluid analysis for automatic comparison with gestational benchmarks.
- 3D placental and vascular mapping for detailed functional assessment.
- Hybrid ultrasound-Doppler protocols combining real-time imaging with circulatory evaluation.
- Collaborative care system linking ultrasound results with delivery and neonatal care teams.
Cost Range
The cost of Term-End Growth & Amniotic Fluid Index Ultrasound in Korea varies depending on hospital level, technology used, and risk classification:
- Basic term growth and AFI scan: USD 150 – 300
- Comprehensive fetal growth with Doppler flow study: USD 400 – 700
- 3D/4D AI-assisted full-term evaluation: USD 700 – 1,200
- High-risk pregnancy surveillance package: USD 1,200 – 2,000
Many Korean hospitals provide full-term prenatal check-up packages that include growth assessment, fluid index monitoring, and delivery planning consultations.
Popular Hospitals and Centers in Korea
- Asan Medical Center (Seoul): Known for advanced term growth assessment and Doppler fetal imaging.
- Samsung Medical Center (Seoul): Offers AI-powered AFI analysis and placental evaluation.
- Severance Hospital (Yonsei University Health System): Specializes in full-term pregnancy ultrasound and delivery planning.
- CHA Bundang Women’s Hospital: Provides comprehensive term-end monitoring and fetal health management.
- MizMedi Women’s Hospital: Renowned for 3D/4D growth imaging and high-risk pregnancy follow-up programs.
