Stomach Bubbles

[Gemamy1984]

Hi everyone,

I had my anomaly scan on Monday, consultant couldn't see the stomach bubble. Came back today and she could see a very small one but it didn't fill throughout my appointment. I'm being referred to the RVI in Newcastle to see a specialist. Very worried! Anyone gone through this or know what to expect if something is wrong?

Thanks, Gemma

Anyone???

That is suggestive of a problem with the oesophagus (tube from mouth to stomach). That can happen as a single issue or be linked to a bigger condition. If the oesophagus is blocked or incomplete surgery will be needed very soon after birth. How major the surgery is depends on the precise issue.
When is your specialist appointment? They are likely to suggest amino at that appointment to check if this is linked to a chromosomal issue

Thanks for replying @Nanmumandmidwife. I've come across the TOFS website, is this the direction I should be heading in do you think? 12 on Monday is my specialist appointment. Feeling very nervous. We were under the fertility clinic for 18 months to conceive this very wanted baby. High risk result for P and E but no soft markers at 16 and 18 week scan with the fetal medicinal consultant. Everything was coming up normal apart from the stomach bubble. The fact she didn't see one at the start then saw a tiny one? Am I clinging onto hope that baby just needed to grow a bit more? I'm 20 weeks today. Thank you 🙏

This must be very difficult for you. If there is an issue with the oesophagus it is very good that it has been identified now rather than after birth. You will have time to work with the team to plan well for baby’s early days after birth.
Yes, I think TOFS is the right place if you want to read some stuff, particularly www.tofs.org.uk/v_uploads/documents/website-documents/About%20tofs.pdf This will give you an idea of the sort of things the specialist will be considering on Monday. Make lists of the things you want to ask.
Let me know how you get on x

@Nanmumandmidwife thanks as always for your advice. He's incredibly difficult. Feel like we just can't catch a break. I work in social care which doesn't make it easier either. Thanks for the link and advice re list, I will get into that. Providing there are no other issues, this isn't life threatening for baby is it? I certainly will xx

It's not he's!

Life is just so unfair sometimes....
If you can, try to focus on the fact that you are parenting your baby and all these appointments are about doing your very best for him/her.
If an oesophageal issue is an isolated issue the outlook is generally good, although clearly any surgery has associated risks.
If an issue is likely the fetal medicine team should introduce you to a surgical specialist who can talk you through what may be involved.

@gemamy1984 hi there! I saw your thread and couldn't help but comment. My 20 week scan was yesterday and I had the exact same result as you - no stomach at first, and then 3 hours later a very small bubble detected. How have you gotten on with your results? My baby boy also has a cleft lip on both sides. We are waiting to see a consultant on Friday and at this time just have no idea what to think or feel!

I hope it's going ok for you. X

@2020babym Hi, sorry for the delay. I've got to say I can't fault the NHS at all. I was then referred to the fetal medicine team at my local specialist hospital. How was your appointment on Friday? Xxx

@gemamy1984 thanks for replying. Sadly we found out our baby boy has many issues which are most likely chromosomal issues. We had an Amnio and awaiting the results but even if they are negative he will have next to no quality of life and doctors will be unlikely to operate on him. We have been asked to make a decision no one should have to make. We are devastated.

I truly hope it was a different story for you and your little one x

@2020babym oh no, I have no words. Is that Edwards or Patau's? Fingers crossed the amnio comes back more positive. I came back high risk for E and P with a 1-133 chance. From my point of view, I will go to term. Sometimes the doctors get it wrong. What's your heart and head telling you lovely? Xxx

@gemamy1984 they will be checking for all of the syndromes, but likely e or p according to their findings on our scan. We are so broken. It's hard to know what to think without the results yet, but my head tells me if it's what they suspect we should let him go, but the thought of doing that gut wrenching. So we are trying to take it day by day and no decisions will be made unless we are 100% sure.

How are you doing? How many weeks are you now? Xx

@2020babym so sorry for the delay. My internet hasn't been working properly.
How are you feeling? Hard question I know. When will you get the results?

I'm 25.5 weeks. I'm trying to remain positive with everything xxx

@gemamy1984 so sorry for late reply, have been trying to process all the information we've been given! We a had an MRI on Tuesday to determine whether the baby has oesophageal atresia or not. At the moment they've only been able to confirm his cleft lip.

How're you getting on? Have you been offered further scans etc.? Xx

@gemamy1984 sorry I just realised how far behind I am with my update as I've been off mumsnet! Our Amnio results came back completely clear and they also ruled out the hernia... so now our only unanswered question is whether he has oesophageal atresia or not!

Hi. I’ve been in a similar situation, the stomach was seen at all scans at 20, 23, 24 weeks. But it was not seen at 27 and 30 weeks with a little raised fluid levels, the doctors feel it could possibly be OA/TOF. They will rescan in 3 weeks along with Pediatrics to confirm. I’ve been low risk for all screening tests and everything else looks normal on the scan , there has been good Fetal growth. It’s making me so anxious!!

Hey lovies. I’m sorry to bring up past issues lest they may be triggering but I’m looking for help. I’m in a similar situation with my 1st pregnancy, now 22weeks & still a very tiny stomach bubble with no fluid. Waiting for amniocentesis results on Monday. What was the final outcome with you @Gemamy1984 @Panj123 @2020babym @Nanmumandmidwife . I’m worried sick & distraught 😢

I went on to have severe polyhydromisis and turned out the baby had TOFS and he needed surgery at day 2 of life , she’s now 7 months old , still has some feeding issues but all manageable. I hope everything is fine with you.

My baby was seen to have no other defects during the anomaly scan. Everything seems to have developed and working well

@Panj123 congrats on your baby, this is lovely news. She’s a warrior for going through surgery. Wow. Any difficulties with acid reflux or leaks ? With time she will get even better at swallowing. How long was she in the hospital for before going home ?
Thank you for the update x

Wow it’s actually unbelievable reading this thread back! It’s unbelievable because my little boy has just turned 10 months old and is the happiest, cheekiest little thing ever, with his only medical condition being his cleft lip and palate!! Sending massive hugs your way and I hope it’s the same outcome for your little one, I don’t mean to wish false upon anyone, but sometimes, just sometimes, the Doctors get it wrong. And in my case they very much did!! X

Yes. Sometimes it’s a complete error that’s what they told me but eventually they did a full check up after she was born , they said as babies grow it gets better. Sometimes the site of surgery becomes narrow which makes them difficult to swallow, but there’s a small procedure which they can dialate it and becomes better. They said usually the first year of life is the most difficult but it gets better with age. She’s also under speech and language therapist, so they monitor her swallowing regularly. But I wish all the good to you and ur baby.

Wow @2020babym I’m so happy for you. Stories like this are just beautiful. Happy for your baby boy as well. I’m glad I didn’t trigger your feelings with my post. As for me I’m just hoping the amino results are clear. From there on it’ll be a question of whether it’s EA/TOF or miraculously just nothing. I’m on my knees just praying
Thanks luv

Thank you @Panj123 for giving me that insight. It’s helpful to know what to expect. Thank you.

Keep us updated, feel free to private message me. I know how incredibly tough this period is x