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 :)

[starbrightstarlight8888]

Definitely not a 17 week scan. Something has gone wrong somewhere.

[BeingATwatItsABingThing]

Wow! This is awful. I would be booking a private scan for as soon as possible!

I hope it all works out for you.

[deadrave]

Hope you get some answers when the community midwife gets a chance to look at your scans pictures you were sent. I agree it doesn’t seem right if you are 12 weeks you should be able to make out a baby. Sorry you had such a bad experience but fingers crossed get get answers soon.

[Horehound]

I think at this point I'd be writing a letter of complaint. Not just for the first crappy experience but now your follow up with them.
I would also look to book a private scan. Sorry you're being mucked around like this, it's pathetic. At least you might get somewhere with your midwife, but still...

[Babyfg]

Have you got a number to ring your midwife directly? I'd also email pals about your experience. They sound very unprofessional.

You're not supposed to know every question to ask, they're was loads of bits of my scan that I couldn't tell you which part of the baby they were looking at but was told, like this is his feet, that's his stomach etc . I'd be very worried that they haven't don't the right measurements and checks on the baby etc (not that you need to worry as the chances are baby is perfect but not good on them to not be checking).

With all my pregnancies at the end of the scan they said everything is normal or we just need to double check etc. Also very unprofessional they didn't give you a due date.

[Poppins2016]

I would try and push for investigation as to whether it's the correct image/you were told the correct gestation before booking a private scan. You shouldn't have to go private in order to obtain the correct details that the NHS should have given you. Hopefully the community midwife will realise something doesn't add up and be able to advocate for you!

I think the key issue this focus on when speaking to clinic(s) is not so much that you can't make out any details, but that the image isn't correct for the number of weeks gestation you were told you'd reached. So the sonographer has either given you the wrong image or the wrong information.

Were you given a printed letter with further details? That might help you pinpoint the issue...

[PinkCookie11]

Yep! I would deffo put a complaint in. It’s appalling!!

[nailsathome]

If you couldn't make out anything on the screen either then it seems as though you are much earlier on in your pregnancy than you think

[Nifedipine]

You poor thing, this is appalling! Hope all gets sorted soon.

Did they also take blood for the combined screening? I think that is part of the 12-week scan?

[MissingCoffeeandWine]

Oh OP I’m so sorry this has happened to you. It’s absolutely not your fault! But I do agree with others that you need to put in a complaint to PALS, flagging/querying the potential sending of an incorrect scan, the lack of information given to you during the appointment and the refusal to engage with you on the phone when you sought to follow up. It’s appalling and you shouldn’t be redirected privately to get access to information/clarification given your circumstances.

Really hope your community midwife responds quickly and that you get booked in for another scan ASAP and have a chance to get the reassurance your seeking.

Please do follow this up. What you’ve described isn’t “usual” or typical. Not all hospitals print pictures, but all would do measurements at a 12 week scan and these absolutely should be accessible to you - mine have always been on an A4 sheet of paper inserted into my midwifery notes.

[Horehound]

And I also think you need to call back the dept and insist on speaking to the sonographer.

[MissingCoffeeandWine]

Also. Just an idea, but does your local hospital have an early pregnancy unit? I know I would find the uncertainty and the worry very hard to sit with and would be tempted to 1) complain now and 2) attend the early unit, and ask for a rescan.

You really need to get past an admin on the phone and speak with someone. What’s happened for you today isn’t ok.

Hope your as ok as can be x

[Bibidy]

Sounds like they've accidentally emailed OP the wrong photo and she's looking at someone else's scan?

I'd have thought that was more likely than OP being far less far along than she thinks she is.

[BeingATwatItsABingThing]

When did you get your positive pregnancy test?

[MissingCoffeeandWine]

OP these are from google but are the sorts of reports that should be in your notes, immediately after your scan.

[nailsathome]

@Bibidy I'm just wondering because she said she couldn't make out what was on the screen either. That's how I felt during all of my early scans but definitely not at 12 weeks

[WhySoSensitive]

You should have been allowed someone in with you too, sorry your experience has been so crappy.

As the receptionist hasn’t helped you either I would book for a private scan and go from there. You scan looks very similar to my 6 week viability scans.

[TheClumisestChildOfAll]

My 12 week scan was in 2013, but I do remember it quite well.

I was asked how far along I thought I was, I said about 12 weeks and 3 or 4 days, I was right. They asked me when my last period was, they asked general health questions, and then printed the photos for me. It was very very clear, can see my DD waving on it.

By 20 weeks you could make out features on it.

That scan looks very similar to my friends who had a scan at 8 weeks due to IVF.

[RestingPandaFace]

If I were you I would ring back and emphasise that you think they have sent you the wrong photos as it says 17weeks.

It might be worth a call to PALS and ask them if they can enquire on your behalf so that you don’t have to complain. They are usually good a getting info and answers to avoid a formal complaint.

[stylemeplease]

PALs

Midwife on duty to call you back immediately


You will have been given a paper with measurements on,

It doesn't look anything like any of the pregnancy scans I've had


I would be going up to Daycare to ask them to review me if I were you.

A 12 week scan involves measuring quite a few bits it's not a 2 second scan

[Iminaglasscaseofemotion]

God my scan this time was so clear even compared to my last pregnancy 7 years ago. That's rubbish OP! I would go private and get yourself a decent picture. Hopefully your 20 week scan will be better.
I'm guessing this is babies face?

[stylemeplease]

Fetus a makes me wonder if she thought she saw 2 pregnancies

[stylemeplease]

What does it say by Rempen

[frozenpeaz]

Sounds like a terrible experience, I had my 12 week scan a few weeks ago and we were in there about 20 minutes she even let me go for a wee and come back to see if that would get a clearer photo to take home. Definitely complain and consider a private scan if you can afford it!

[neveradullmoment99]

Its either a really bad scan
Really bad equipment, the wrong scan photo or you are much earlier than you though.
Very weird.
I would be booking a private scan for peace of mind.
Hope you get it all sorted.