Amniotic band

[KeepSmiling83]

Hi

We've just had our 20 weeks scan and the sonographer saw an amniotic band on the scan. It isn't touching the baby at the moment and they have said there is the possibility it may just snap by itself.

However it may cause a problem if the baby becomes tangled in it. Has anyone any experience of this? We're going back in a couple of weeks to check on it (and also get a couple of measurements the sonographer couldn't get) but I know I'm just going to worry until then!

[AlexD72]

I haven't had experience of this but I have heard about it. It's quite rare. Did they say why they thought you had it? I hope it all goes well on your next appointment. Try not to worry to much. So easy to say! Is this your first pregnancy?

[KeepSmiling83]

They saw a band stretching across the amniotic sac on the scan. It's towards the top of the sac so not going directly across the middle but definitely there.

No it's my second pregnancy. I already have a 3 year old DD but didn't have this problem in that pregnancy.

[AlexD72]

I have read up on this as I didn't really know much about it. Is it a band or could it be an amniotic sheet. I have read that sometimes they can be confused. I'm not saying the sonographer has got it wrong but I'm all for second opinions tbh.

[KeepSmiling83]

They did say it was an amniotic band but I didn't know anything about it at the time so didn't question if it could be an amniotic sheet. I have to go back in 2 weeks so will take a list of questions with me I think!

[pintofmilk]

Hi smiling.

(Sorry for long post, but I know how you must be feeling so have tried to give you as much info as possible. I am now 25 weeks)

I have one of these too. It was first picked up at an NHS scan when I was 14 weeks. I had already had a private scan at 11 weeks but nothing was seen then.

On my notes it says: '5.7mm thick amniotic band seen in lower segment of uterine sac. To review at 20 week scan and see consultant'.

At the end of the scan the sonographer kind of mumbled, oh by the way...You have an amniotic band. It's not causing any problems at the moment, but it could. This is my 4th DC and I had never heard of these before. So I was asking her loads of questions to which she just said " you will need to come back at 20 weeks and have another scan and see the consultant"....

So I went home and googled 'amniotic band' and was freaked out by horror stories so I tried to call my MW and ask her about them, no answer. In the end I was soo worked up I called the hospital where I had by scan and told them about the scan and the band and the fact I had been sent home and told to wait 6 weeks to see someone about it. They apologised profusely and said I should not have been sent home without a proper explanation. They arranged for me to come back the following week and see a consultant.

From looking at various websites there are 2 VERY different things:
Amniotic Bands and Amniotic Sheets or folds.

Amniotic sheets or folds are common and highly unlikly to cause any damage to you or the baby.

Amniotic Bands or threads are more serious, but extremely RARE.

Have a read of-good explaination : www.babycenter.ca/x559349/what-is-an-amniotic-band

[pintofmilk]

Sorry posted too soon...

When I asked the consultant if it was a sheet, she said that the NHS classed all these things as Amniotic Bands weather they were sheets or not.

She said that the most important thing was that all the baby's limbs were present and moving freely and that the band/sheet was not attached to any body parts. She said that if it was the more serious one then there would be evidence already that it was causing problems e.g limbs not moving about.

She has told me not to worry and that in most cases as the baby grows bigger it will be pushed against the wall of my uterus and won't be seen.

I have been back for 2 scans since. Last one was at 24 weeks-last week. At this scan the band/sheet could not be seen on the scan at all. The consultant could see all limbs so was happy but I still have to go back every 4 weeks for a scan to check. She said the band, if still there, hiding could cause reduced room to grow later in pregnancy but they would monitor this and not to worry.

I hope when you go back yours is out of sight too. I know how you must be feeling. Even though I could not see it last week, I was still thinking 'has it snapped' 'will it now float around and get caught on an arm or leg', where is it.

Keep me updated. Don't let the sonographer fob you off.

Good luck. Sorry if I have rambled on a bit too much!

[KeepSmiling83]

Thank you so much for your reply. I have only just checked back so sorry for the delay.

The sonographer said the same about mine not touching the baby at the moment but I keep worrying it may have attached and be causing problems. I also toss and turn all night trying to get comfortable and am worrying I'm making it worse by moving round so much!

I'm glad you've had positive news so far. I'm almost 22 weeks and am due back in just over a week. I am going to write some questions down for the next scan as I didn't really ask anything last time as I wasn't expecting it.

I hope things continue to go well for you and thanks again for your message x

[anjaantares]

Hi,

I’ve recently had my 20 week scan where I was told that I had an amniotic band, but that I shouldn’t worry about it. After reading your posts from 2014, I’m curious to know what your outcomes were as I seem to have the exact same case as you did.

Thank you!

[vickyab]

Hello,

I’m just reading these old posts and find myself in the same position having found an amniotic band at the 20 week scan yesterday. I’m waiting to speak to a consultant. Baby is not attached to it and developing fine at the moment.

Thank you!

Vicky

[PaigeG14]

Hi Vicky. How are you and have you spoke to consultant. I also have had my 20 week scan and they found a band around my placenta and I am going back to see consultant tomorrow. I never had this with my daughter I'm so worried but baby is moving around so that’s a good sign