20 week scan sadness. Any advice appreciated.

[Gizmo2206]

I had my 20 week scan today and they spotted that one femur was significantly shorter than the other. I was lucky and saw a consultant this afternoon who confirmed this opinion. He thinks that there is no other abnormalities, and no indication of a chromosomal problem but is referring me for a fetal echo to help reassure me. He offered an amnio but reiterated that he felt there wasn't any chromosomal problems. Does anyone have any experience of anything similar?

[AnnieOnAMapleLeaf]

I don't have any experience of this but just wanted to give your thread a bump for the late night crew.

I am so sorry for your news.

[QuickSilverFairy]

Gizmo, I'm so sorry. You must be terribly shocked and frightened.

[phoenixrose314]

I haven't a single thing useful to say, but I just wanted you to know I'm so sorry you're feeling so frightened and alone right now... hopefully the shorter femur is no indication of any other health problems.

Whatever happens next, listen your gut instincts and lean on each other. Much love.

[joeschmoesmum]

I am sorry to hear this and wanted to share my friend's experience. She was also told at the 20 week scan that baby's arm was short. They also had a consultant do various more tests to look for more abnormalities, but heart and organs were fine. Baby boy was born very healthy, with a shorter right arm and two fingers missing (latter had not been identified in scan). He is now an incredibly boisterous, cute as a button and active 2 year old!
I know it must be a shock but take any support and further information as offered and even research options for once baby is here: prosthetics, surgery etc. it will probably make you feel a little more in this difficult situation!

Take care of yourself!

[steerpike82]

Hi - I hope I may be able to help a little. I was born with no hip socket as none ever formed & my right foot facing the wrong way. 30 years ago it took them a while, but they found a way & I am fine. I have a slight limp and am carrying my 2nd child. In today's hospitals it shouldn't take long. It will probably mean a difficult time in the early days, but hopefully everything will go OK. I'm sorry if this doesn't help it was meant to, there is so much that can be done these days.

[GingerbreadPudding]

That's a shock for you and all sorts of things must be going through your mind. I have a dear friend with two children who have had problems with their arms and missing thumbs. They have nothing else wrong with them and are the most wonderful little children. Assuming the scan is correct, there's lots the doctors can do to help physical problems like this. You're carrying a wonderful, miracle who is very lucky to have you as mummy.

[Gizmo2206]

Just getting kind words from people I have never meant is really comforting, so thank you to everyone that replied. I just don't know what to think or do. I already love her wriggling away inside me but just feel scared about what the future might bring.

[blackwidow74]

Think only for the here and now ... All too often we are told something isn't quite right but then go on to have baby and find there really isn't anything wrong, or things rectified themselves. So your little one may have a slightly shorter leg ... to make them even more special! The future was uncertain before this news and it's no more uncertain now ... try to remind yourself that :) your little one will be perfect, maybe slightly different to how you first dreamed, but perfect and yours all the same!!

[phoenixrose314]

Like another poster said, this baby is lucky to have you as a mummy... you're already looking for support and advice instead of sticking your head in the sand, honestly you will find an inner strength you didn't even know you had.

And once that baby is in your arms, you will move heaven and earth to make her world a beautiful place. Trust me. As others have said, in today's society, many physical disabilities have solutions, one way or another. Just enjoy your baby growing inside you and the last half of your pregnancy - you are getting ready to meet your precious daughter.

[Blu]

Hello Gizmo,

I have sent you a PM

It's always a big shock to hear something like this, and daunting. But your darling baby will have a full, active and happy life, and I promise you (13 years on from having a baby with a missing fibula and short leg) having a non-standard-issue leg will not affect who she is, her personality or her potential.

I have put it in the PM, but so that everyone gets to know, STEPS is an excellent support and resource charity for parents with children with lower leg conditions, including talipes, fibula hemmimelia, PFFD (femur) etc.

Ask if they will let you have a chat with the paediatric orthopaedic consultant about the shortening identified in the scan.

Good luck!

[Stripylikeatiger]

My bil has one leg quite a bit shorter than the other, he has a normal life, 4 kids, owns his own company, very active. I didn't actually realise he had one leg shorter than the other until he pointed it out to me.

Best of luck with the rest of your pregnancy

[Gizmo2206]

Just wanted to update in case anyone looks for anything similar in the future. My DD was born at 35 weeks at a titchy 4lb 12oz and completely gorgeous. The official diagnosis is PFFD and she has coxa vara of the hip. She is 4 months old now and amazing, thanks to everybody who commented originally xx