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)