Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has updated its fetal growth scanning pathway. From 16 July 2026 all women with an identified risk factor for their baby not growing as expected will receive continued growth scan monitoring beyond 36 weeks, even when earlier tests appear normal.
The adjustment brings late-pregnancy surveillance into line with the standard national pathway set out in NHS England’s Saving Babies’ Lives Care Bundle. It marks a deliberate shift from the previous Oxford Growth Restriction Identification Programme, introduced in 2016, which had offered an additional scan at 36 weeks to all women regardless of risk.
Trust officials confirmed the changes take immediate effect. Pregnant women already under its care need take no action; midwives or doctors will discuss the updated arrangements at the next scheduled appointment. The service continues to urge any woman with concerns, including reduced fetal movements, to make contact promptly.
National reviews and feedback from bereaved parents played a central part in prompting the revision. These contributions underscored the value of consistent, evidence-based monitoring for those at heightened risk.
The trust is also commissioning an independent review of its entire fetal growth scanning pathway. That examination will assess current practice and inform any further refinements required.
As the New Statesman reported, the alterations follow a joint investigation by the New Statesman and Channel 4 News that highlighted how the existing scanning pathway did not appear to be in line with national guidance.
