I went along to my anomaly scan (I am 20 weeks today going by my dates, which were confirmed at 12 week dating scan). Of course as with the other scan we've had we expected today to be problem free, however that wasn't to be so. Today, we sadly discovered that our baby has 2 problems; 1st. She has clubfoot with both feet inwards, but that is nothing compared to the much more serious concern. which is that her head measured significantly smaller than it should be, and that the ventricles in her brain are enlarged.
I was upfront with the obstetrician and asked what does this mean for the viability of the pregnancy, and quality of life, to which he said it's in doubt at this point in time.
He had a detailed look throughout her heart, kidneys, bladder, stomach, spine, all of which were fine and within normal measurements.
As I am based in Guernsey, Channel Islands, the obstetrician is going to ring the Fetal Medicine Centre at Southampton Hospital tomorrow and get back to me by lunchtime. He believes the next steps are to have a detailed scan performed over there by them, along with an amniocentesis to test for chromosomal abnormalities, followed by a possible MRI scan of the baby once I am 22 weeks.
He said there is a possibility of there being a chromosomal abnormality due to the small head/ventricles and clubfoot, but that until I've had further testing it's impossible to which if any. He also said it appeared that the back of the brain/brain stem is pushed down.
For comparison I will first list measurements from our private scan on 17th June, followed by the measurements at today's anomaly scan:
Private Scan (17th June)
HC 138.4 mm
AC 119.9 mm
HC/AC 1.15
Femur 24.0 mm
FL/AC 0.20
EFW 193g (0 lb 7oz)
Today's anomaly scan (20 weeks)
HC 152.0 mm
AC 146.0 mm
FL 30.4 mm
Cerebellum Size 17.0 mm
Following notes were also included on report:
"The head circumference is small. The ventricles are visually enlarged, less on measurement due small head size. There is talipes (clubfoot). The cardiac views appear normal. The posterior fossa is abnormal with a small cerebellum which seems low. I cannot see any spinal anomaly. Julie has a history of intracranial hypertension. She had an MRI. To see in MSG with patient's notes."
When I went back to see him later this afternoon he looked through my medical notes and couldn't find anything that specifically links the two together, which is why the next steps are to go to Southampton for further testing.
It really feels like every single ounce of my joy of life have been sucked and ripped out of my soul. Everytime I feel her moving it's like yet another piece of my heart is getting crushed, partner's too.
OH would not want us to terminate and want to be able to give her a chance at life no matter what, and I do share the same viewpoint. I am just trying to think of, depending on what the problem is, what is the kind thing to do, and what would be in her best interests..
Has anyone experienced something similar, or know of a friend/loved one who has, and could share with me outcomes whether good or bad? (can be done via PM if wanted)
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Antenatal tests
Small head/enlarged ventricles at 20 week anomaly scan - PLEASE READ
jlgsy94 · 04/07/2019 07:26
I hope the weekend goes as quickly possible jlgsy94 and results come through asap 
Oh I'm so glad you have the first results so quickly!
Perhaps you will be able to enjoy your weekend after all. I will continue to think of you as you wait for the other results
Great news jlgsy94!
I hope you now feel able to relax a little and enjoy the 'flow'
Hi there @jlgsy I am glad to read your update.
You've been so positive about your baby and it's heartening to see that things are on track.
Not long to go now. Wishing you well. I've been reading your story from the beginning.
Another little update following my appointment at Princess Anne yesterday:
Baby is doing well and been growing well, in fact so well that I think the measurements the sonographer at my local hospital took on Friday must have been off - she went from being 4lbs 3oz on the Friday to 5lbs 9oz yesterday. I know you need to allow for errors but even so that's quite a difference.
Her brain ventricles have increased in size to 17mm and 3rd ventricle to 7mm. They said this is what sometimes happens in cases of Spina Bifida, and that the increased size in her 2rd ventricle tells them that there is a blockage of the flow of CSF fluid, but that they wouldn't deliver her any earlier unless some other concerns arise. The blockage makes sense as she has Arnold Chiari Malformation , so she may need a shunt after her spinal lesion has been closed.
They detected a low level of amniotic fluid and asked me if I had noticed any leaking which I said I hadn't, but then again with my eldest DD I had PROM for 2 weeks and I was none the wiser (of course I must be completely clueless!). They checked the placenta and umbilical and all is fine, so cause for the oligohydramnios is unclear. I was sent to their day assessment unit for a CTG which was absolutely fine and then had a speculum to see if there was any presence of amnio fluid- there wasnt which was obviously very good but Oh. MY. GOD... The speculum was like a car Jack- being cranked open more and more, and the midwife was holding a tiny torch down the business end to allow for a good look... all dignity was lost and buried deep at that point 
I am to have 2x weekly CTGs at my local hospital to monitor baby and will then be over to Southampton on 29th for another growth scan where they will determine if c section will still be done at 39 weeks or earlier - I am also to stay locally in Southampton from that point.
For the low amnio fluid I will be making a conscious effort to drink bucket loads, as my wee has been quite dark so I think I may not have been drinking enough.
I hope it won't end in further complications or make baby really sick. Googling oligohydramnios wasnt a good thing to do - the interwebs can be evil and devils work sometimes with inciting anxiety, Ugh!!
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