Prominent bowel loops at 39+5

[PeregrineDive]

Sorry this is a bit long. I've been having regular growth scans from 32 weeks, with no issues so far. At my scan yesterday (39+5) the sonographer noted prominent bowel loops. Everything else including fluid levels was normal. I spoke with the paediatric registrar before I left who was quite positive and said that at this stage they don't know what's causing the distention and it could just be a simple case that baby needs to poop. As I'm full term there are no tests worth doing at this time so I was told the baby would be assessed after birth.

The consultant called me today to let me know that baby will be reviewed by a senior doctor after birth but also told me that the common causes of bowel obstruction in newborns is due to either the bowel not developing properly which will require surgery to remove the underdeveloped bowel section, or a chormosomal condition like cystic fibrosis.

I'm now really worried that the baby will either need surgery or have a life limiting chronic condition 😢. I've got no idea what the chances are of this resolving by itself (baby passing meconium with no issues) or that there's something wrong, especially as nothing has been noticed until now and this was 3rd growth scan.

Has anyone been in this situation before or has any knowledge on prominent bowel loops and their significance? Thanks in advance for any help.

[PeregrineDive]

Bump!

[PeregrineDive]

Anyone?

[Livingmagicallyagain]

What a worrying time for you. I cant help but bumping for you. Or maybe put this in antenatal testing? Arc have a helpline which would answer your questions too.

I hope all goes well!

[PeregrineDive]

Thanks, I've asked for this to be moved to antenatal testing

[PeregrineDive]

Can anyone help?

[Anniemabel]

Did they call it echogenic bowel or “bright bowel”?

[Anniemabel]

You’ve probably had your baby by now and I hope all is well. I had this with my first and it turned out to be nothing. It was spotted at his 20 week scan and continued through the pregnancy - we had regular scans and various tests.

It can be a sign of cystic fibrosis and I’m a carrier of that gene so we were a little worried about that. But he had the newborn screening test for that and then a proper test when he showed other symptoms of it and all came back clear.

I hop all goes well for you.

[peregrinedive]

Hi, thanks for your response. They called it prominent bowel loops (of unknown significance). I've not had baby yet so still don't know if there are any issues. My main worry is cystic fibrosis, which I know is unlikely but we've not been screened for it. Glad all was well with your baby!

[mjas]

Hope all goes well for you. Just wanted to say, that even if it was cystic fibrosis, which I hope it isn't, there was enormous progress in treatments over the last few years. I hope you won't need to find out about it, but just wanted to say, that now there are some amazing treatments, that people could only dream about a few years ago. Good luck!

[Livingmagicallyagain]

Hope all went well here.

[peregrinedive]

Quick update, DD was born 2 weeks ago and is completely healthy

She pooped loads in her first 48 hrs so I think her bowels were just really full! Doctors were happy to discharge her with no further investigations needed and her cystic fibrosis screening has come back negative

I'm so relieved and happy she's here and we are adjusting to life now with a toddler and newborn.

[QuentinWinters]

Yay!
Congrats

[Livingmagicallyagain]

congratulations