Scan photo - confusion

[ConnieCaterpillar]

Hi Everyone

I hope this is in the right place and that my rambling makes sense.

We went for our first scan on Monday (first pregnancy) and all went well. Quick scan, lady said the heartbeat is all ok and viable pregnancy. Felt a little bit rushed and I couldn't really see much due to mask and glasses flogging plus lots of grey but maybe I was expecting a little too much, tummy wiped and out of the door. I asked about a photo and was told they will be emailed across and theres a charity box for donations. Perfect, received the scan picture today and can see where baby is, but I expected to see a little bit more I guess. I have googled 12 week scans and you can clearly see that baby is well a baby. My LO just looks like a dot. I have seen a few family members scans and ones from friends and they look like babies.... am I being silly or is this normal? Willing to be told I need to give my head a wobble, I just expected a little bit more development I guess. My last period was 23rd Jan and due date given is Oct 29th. Will try and upload a photo now if I can hide the identifying information as we havent shared our news yet either. Thank you all :)

[Warrickdaviesasplates]

I'd definitely recommend phoning the hospital and asking to speak to someone as you've been left confused and concerned by your twelve week scan.

I'm no expert but I have had many scans before and never had one looking like that. That being said the equipment at my local hospital seems pretty new as the images are so clear so that probably makes a difference.

[Horehound]

Jeez that is such a shitty experience for you. I feel so sad this is what happened to you when it should be fun and exciting. I feel like the sonographer has really let you down.

[PegPeople]

I should have asked more questions. I think nerves and excitement had a part to play, and then left feeling a bit deflated.

Please don't blame yourself for any of this. It is not your job to ask question. It should be the sonographers job to explain stuff like how many weeks you are and what you can see on the monitor. Both are pretty essential parts of a scan.

[TakeYourFinalPosition]

Jeez that is such a shitty experience for you. I feel so sad this is what happened to you when it should be fun and exciting. I feel like the sonographer has really let you down.

I agree with @Horehound. I'm sorry this has been such a rubbish experience... I feel stressed for you.

[brokengate]

Completely agree with others. Some kind of mix up here. Call them now, no need to wait for partner. You will never sleep tonight otherwise. Such a shame for you, not your fault at all.

[sozzleb1983]

We had these scans at 8 weeks and 12 weeks to compare. I think it is best to contact the hospital x image edited by MNHQ as identifying

[TheOneWithTheBigNose]

That is certainly not a ‘typical’ 12 week scan picture. It sounds like it was a pretty awful experience in general. Hope the midwife can explain what has happened.

[ConnieCaterpillar]

Hi everyone,

Just a quick update I spoke to the hospital department and I could only speak to the lady on reception. She suggested if I was unhappy with the photo I need to go private, tried explaining that I just wanted to query some information but got referred back to own practice so not a great outcome. Rang my clinic who were far more helpful, couldn't speak to someone direct but she has made a note on the system and given me an email address to send the photos too so the community midwife can take a look and ring me back. Just want to say thank you to everyone who has listened, was feeling a bit silly as I didn't really know what to look for and a bit disappointed in a way, but hopefully will find out more soon :) Also thank you for all the congratulations, very excited and it is starting to feel very real now!

[BrutusMcDogface]

Wow, I’m sorry you’ve had this experience! It definitely looks like they’ve sent you the wrong picture, although no way does that look like a 17 week/6 day pregnancy! How odd.

[Cantrecall]

How unsettling for you; I hope you get offered a rescan tomorrow. When did you get your +test?

[PegPeople]

@sozzleb1983 just a heads up but you're details are visible in those scan pics lovely.

[boredinthouse]

17 weeks? That surely can't be right.

[PinkCookie11]

I’m pleased your getting sorted!
It’s so disappointing for you, I feel for you!
But, you have a heartbeat and that’s great!! So congrats on your baby!
Keep us updated!

[BrutusMcDogface]

Ah, I’ve just seen your update. Your hospital sounds bloody awful. Hope you get some answers from the community midwives.

[PegPeople]

That's a truly terrible experience. Please don't feel afraid to make a complaint about the very poor communication and how they have treated you. This is about so much more than a crap scan picture.

[Ilikeanimalsmorethanpeople]

Hey, that doesn't look like a scan to me I had a 9 week scan and even then you could see more that what they have done, my 12 week scan was a bit dodge and you could see a head and a leg but still clearer. Hope the hospital clear things up for you! if not would you be willing to do a cheap private scan? x

[boredinthouse]

Also a 27mm fetus is around 6 or 7 weeks not 17 weeks.

[ConnieCaterpillar]

Thank you for sharing the scan photos, they look lovely and much more what I expected. Even on the screen I could just about seen the flicker but no real shape. I just presumed that was normal, I remember Mum saying to me years ago that I was the only pregnancy she had a scan with and she was so excited (no scans offered with older siblings) but the machine looked like it needed tuning and she just nodded when they told her where baby was and cried that she couldn't recognise her own baby.... :) I think I need lessons in being assertive and following my gut!

[PegPeople]

Even on the screen I could just about seen the flicker but no real shape.

That's absolutely rubbish. I would honestly be looking to get scanned somewhere else if the equipment is that poor. I'm actually amazed the sonographers can get a clear understanding if the machines were as unclear as you've described.

[SmidgenofaPigeon]

I’d be booking a private scan pronto.

[MyOtherProfile]

Hopefully the midwife can look and set your mind at peace. I always found scan pics hard to make out but the live scan made more sense, when you see it on the screen as it happens. Were you able to see that?

[FelicityPike]

This is terrible. Look at how much stress they’re giving you!
I NEVER say this, but I would consider putting in a complaint once you’ve got this figured out.

[rosemary35]

17w 6d on the scan does indeed mean 17 weeks 6 days. I would phone back the hospital and emphasise that the wrong dates are stamped on your scan, and insist that there has been a mixup when it was emailed to you, and request a repeat scan.

The hospital has been appalling and fobbed you off, assuming that you just think the image isn’t pretty enough or whatever, but that clearly isn’t the case here.

As others have said, yolk sac is totally wrong for 12wks gestation. Yolk sac disappears by 12 weeks. So that doesn’t make sense either.

I’m sorry this has happened to you, and I hope you can get it sorted.

[Warrickdaviesasplates]

Also wouldn't 17 weeks would put the due date in the 1st week of October?

It really sounds all wrong and after you've been seen and sorted out I would seriously consider making a complaint as this has caused you a lot of additional stress and there doesn't seem to be much concern from the hospital.

[superstar84]

I think they've emailed you the wrong photos, if it was me I'd book a private scan for some reassurance as well as following up with the hospital