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The Routine 36‐Week Scan—Is It Time for a Change in Policy and Practice? The Arguments for a Routine Third Trimester Ultrasound in Australian Healthcare

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The increasing use of third trimester ultrasound within Australia's hybrid maternity care model reflects growing recognition of its value-even among publicly funded pregnant women. Emerging evidence suggests benefits such as improved detection of fetal growth abnormalities, malpresentation and structural anomalies. Whilst concerns remain about cost-effectiveness and provoking unnecessary interventions, these must be weighed against potentially improved perinatal outcomes. With evolving research, the role of a routine 36-week ultrasound in low-risk Australian pregnancies warrants reconsideration.

Source: Australian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology

DOI: 10.1111/ajo.70096

Authors: Hamish Buntain, Sailesh Kumar, Cristiane De Freitas Paganoti, Olivia Holland, David Ellwood, Fabricio Da Silva Costa

Institutions: Griffith University, The University of Queensland, Mater Research, Gold Coast Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Prenatal Screening and Diagnostics

Subfield: Pediatrics, Perinatology and Child Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W7141679221

FWCI:

Cites: 19

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