need help

[kelly2002]

I have just had a scan at 20 weeks and they have found a Amniotic Band does any1 know if its danger for the baby i need help am so worried xx

[PamBeesly]

Did they say it was anything to worry about? I'm sorry I don't have experience of this but if they didn't flag it as a problem I don't think you need to worry. Hopefully someone else will be along soon to reassure you

[kelly2002]

she told me not to worry but i am

[PamBeesly]

I wish I knew more Kelly I hope someone who does know more comes along to help, you could also try typing 'Amniotic Band' in the thread title and see if someone who is familiar with it comes along

[banana87]

Did they tell you what it was? I've never heard of it. Why are you worrying if they said not to worry?

[MrBloomsNursery]

Hi, I can understand why you're worried, especially as nothing was explained to you.

I would go to your doctor/midwife and ask where this amniotic band was found - on the hand/foot/arms/legs? And what kind of treatment would be expected after the baby is born.

An amniotic band is basically a fibrous band that is formed around the fingers, toes, arms or legs of the baby and restrict growth. It could cause something like club foot which is easily treated.

I think if the sonographer wasn't concerned, it may be something that is not too serious, but definitely phone up and talk to someone about this for reassurance.

[thisisyesterday]

i am constantly shocked by the amount of people asking for advice on here after scans and things because the HCP's haven't explained anything to them! it's shocking!

i can't believe they didn't tell you exactly what it was, where it is and what the implications are.
Presumably the lack of info and the telling you not to worry indicates that it isn't anything serious, but they really ought to know that you need your mind putting at rest and things explaining properly

grrrr

[barbie1]

Kelly,
I was told at my 20 week scan that I too have a band...I have asked lots of questions and basically found out the following.

Bands are very, very rare and often turn out to be a fold in the sac and not a band.

Bands are only a problems they become attached to the baby,normally they attach themselves before 16 weeks and could cause problems with baby losing limbs etc. however if it hasn't attached by now, mine hasn't, then there likely isn't to be any problems.

As the baby grows it tends to kick away the band.

The chances are by your 24 week scan (they should refer you for one) the band will disappear or in fact be more easy to diagnose as a fold.

I have to have scans at 28 weeks as the band is still there now @24 weeks and then fortnightly until I have my c section.

Did they say you would be more likely to have a section?

Please let me know how you get on, I will hold your hand through this stressful time x

[kelly2002]

Thankyou everyone but the band is not near the baby yet and it should go at 24 weeks but am worried increase it doesnt go, thanks barbie1 u have made me feel better i dont have a scan till 28 weeks but i was thinkin of havin a private scan at 25 weeks, am goin to see the midwife on thur. they didnt say anything about a section but if its still there at 28 weeks will it hurt the baby. i will keep in touch thanks hun xx

[hairylights]

I would highly recommend having a private scan if you feel it will make you feel better. I've had several (for different reasons). The staff have more time to explain things and it's altogether a different experience to an nhs scan.

Very best of luck.

[barbie1]

Kelly,

I think my band is here to stay, my only hope is that as the baby grows it pushes the band out of the way.

I did ask what would happen if the baby got too close, was told that it this stage it would be unlikely to cause too much damage but might cause markings to the skin and limbs.

My doctor wis going to scan fortnightly from 28 weeks as thankfully we have private insurance. If the baby does look like it it going to get tangled than we will go for an early c section as opposed to the one booked at 38 weeks.

Feel free to pm any time, it's good that we are in this together and hopefully can support each other through the coming weeks x

[kelly2002]

how bad r the marks, i seem ok one min and get all worried nxt min, i am goin to have a private scan at 25 weeks i can't wait till 28 weeks. when r u due? hope u r ok hun and the baby. do u know what your havin? xx

[barbie1]

Hi again Kelly,
Sorry for the late response, we are in Dubai so it's a bit of a time difference!

We are due from the 12th to the 17th, conflicting scan sizes. Doctor will make up her mind at the next appointment!

This time we are having a boy, a baby brother to our 20 month old dd how about yourself?

I know what you mean about being ok one minute and then next freaking out. Try not too google, it was the worse thing I could of done. Thankfully my doctor was very patient and listened to my concerns.

As for the markings, I wont lie, they can be quite bad and might need surgery. However as the band is no where near our babies we don't have to worry.

My next scan is n the 29th of nov, Have you booked yours yet?

[kelly2002]

I was goin to book it 4 december coz i need to know before xmas, i think my band has only cum in the last 2 weeks coz it wasnt on the private scan at 18 weeks. how do u cope? i am havin a boy hes a big baby. i have 2 boys already, 8 year old and 3 year old. i am just goin to be worried over the weeks intil i know the baby is ok, what if it gos near the baby now i keep thinkin bad things but the baby is movin alot. I hope your ok hun? xxx

[lucyfluff]

Hi, I have just found this thread after a few days sick with worry and wondered if you have any advice!!!

We had our 20 week scan friday and our little man is fine but they found an amniotic band at the top of my uterus/edge of my placenta. The sonographer sent us away with NO info saying all would be fine. Well I have since googled and got in a right state! It is laying by his little feet and so worried something will happen.

I spoke to my midwife yest who has only heard of it once, and she rang consultant who then called me yesterday afternoon, he then proceeded to say all should be fine, and laughed when I sad I would really appreciate another scan to check his fingers/toes etc!!! So not helpfull!!

Anyway sorry to moan, I just wondered if anyone knew if the band would affect the baby when it grows even if scan looks ok? I wanted a homebirth is this possible? Should we go for a private scan?

Thanks lucy xx

[kelly2002]

Hi hun i know how u r feelin, i am seein the midwife tomoz to talk to her about it but i dont think mine is near the baby but the baby should kick it away but it might go in 24 weeks but i would book a private scan i have in 24 weeks to see how the baby is but u should have a scan at 28 weeks to see if the band has gone but u might have to have a c section.

[barbie1]

Lucy,
Sorry you are in the same boat as us, it is a worry but like I said earlier up the thread, most cases are mis read and the band is in fact a fold (which is no danger at all) in most cases you will be referred back for a scan around 24 weeks to check the band as most seem to disappear around this time.

The band we have is close to the feet too, however as it isn't attached at this point, it is highly unlikely to effect the baby at this stage.

We are here to help and talk if you need us.

[lucyfluff]

Thanks for messaging me back, I have been over so many websites the past few days trying to research etc and get my head round it but I guess there is nothing we can do ultimately.

I am gong to wait until next week and ring the consultant back, although he prob thinks Im being paranoid, it will give him a chance to speak to the sonographer about it. I just wish they could have explaned it to us, and said we will re-scan jus to double check....so frustrating!!

Barbie as mine is attached both ends (like a washing line the consultant said!), is this more dangerous for the baby?

Im also trying to convine my partner to have a private one done will keep you updated as im sure we are not the only ladies panicking!

Lucy xx

[barbie1]

What do you mean attached both ends? Mine goes vertical across the sac in which the baby is lying, band towards the end of the toes.
Is isnt a problem as long as no part of the band is in contact with the baby. Sounds like you have the same as me, and like your doctor mine isn't very worried. Hope that puts your mind at ease some what x

[lucyfluff]

Sorry yes it is the same as yours, baby isnt touching it, I misread your last message! I meant attached in the sac NOT to the baby!!

Anyway I rang the hospital back this morning again and she is speaking to the consultant tmrw when he is back in and will let me know whats going to happen.

Thanks though Barbie im sure we will be fine xx

[barbie1]

Let me know how you get on, my next appointment is n the 29th, I will have another scan and then wait until I see my consultant the next day for the results. Trying to keep my mind active and as busy as I can!

[lucyfluff]

Yes me too I think its good to try and stop ourselves worrying!

I had a call from the hospital today and they have booked me in for 16th Nov (next wed)...she just said its an appointment so im not sure if this is another scan or a consultant visit!! I will let you know next week anyway.

Speak soon xx

[lucyfluff]

Hiya, just thought I would update as has the consultant apt today.

They could hardly see the amniotic band and he said it is nowhere near the baby, and that the sonographer did well to spot it on the 20week scan. All fingers and toes were checked and he said a homebirth would be fine. Also that in all his years practice that a band had never effected a baby this late on so VERY reassuring and feel so much happier now :)

Hope this helps anyone reading this thread, as I was so worried, but it just goes to show that although the band is there it will cause no problems xx

[barbie1]

Lucy,
Thanks for coming back, that is fab news!
Only a week or so until my next scan and I'm hoping I get the same kind of news as you.
Please keep in touch,would love to now how you are getting on.

[lucyfluff]

Thankyou barbie :) very relieved to say the least.

Of course I will...and good luck next week, im sure everything will be fine so let me know how you get on too.

x

[barbie1]

Band still there saw it quite clearly on the screen but sonographer wouldn't tell me any more. I have to see the consultant tomorrow...fingers crossed for some good news