Measuring 'fine' at 20 wk scan but sonographer still wants extra scan?

[alasia]

Hiya, I had my 20 week scan for my third baby yesterday, and at first had a midwife doing her scan training; she said all was fine but she did have a bit of a panic when she couldn't find where the cord was attached in baby's tummy, apparantly - then the 'proper' sonographer came in to check on everything, the two ladies did a lot of mumbling and I think they found the cord in the end, but then the sonographer asked how big my last babies were and if they were to term.

I told her; number 1 was born at 37+5 weighing 5lb 12oz and number 2 was on her due date at 6lb 1oz.

I heard her whisper something about whether they were supposed to refer or not and the word 'consultant', then she asked if I'd had any extra scans in my last pregnancies.

She eventually asked me to book for another scan at 32 weeks at reception and told me to mention it to the midwife when I next saw her.

I'm not going to go worrying myself or anything like that, but just wondered why no one was bothered that my last 2 were under 7lbs at birth but this sonographer seemed concerned? And why would they need an extra scan at 32 weeks, if as they both said this baby was measuring and looking fine?

Will I end up being referred to a consultant, if so what for and does that mean a homebirth will be out of the question? :(

Did they mention anything about a low lying placenta, (placenta praevia), my friend had to go for an extra scan because of that even though her baby's measurements were fine.

Nope....they said it was anterior (?) the normal one anyway, lol. If it'd been low lying I imagine they'd have mentioned it.

Maybe it's just an over-keen sonographer or something, they were mubling quite a bit whilst the heart was in the screen (maybe still looking for the cord? I don't know) but I think if that had been the problem they would have said.

There was just a lot of strange whispering between both ladies, which was scaring my mum senseless! Hehe.

If there was anything to worry about they would have told you. The extra scans are just "belt and braces". the trainee might have not one it terribly well and they just want to double check things.

Just looked at my notes, and on the page with the customised growth chart - where they plot a cross on the graph each time you have a scan or whatever; and there are 2 crosses written in - following it down, they are on the 38wk and 40wk marks, and are about 2600g and 2700g respectively.

Is this an estimated birth weigh or am I reading it wrong? Lol.

Did you get a print out report at the scan plotting baby's measurements on a graph? It may have been put straight into your notes rather than handed to you (so have a nosey!)

It could be (and sounds like) you make them small but perfectly formed. However, because there was somebody training I reckon that whereas a 'regular' sonographer wouldn't book you in to be rechecked, but rather leave things recognising that all measurements are 'in line' with each other 'smaller' on this occasion the are slightly more 'jobsworth' if you like, by the book, as somebody is training.

Or, as pp mentions, it could be a placenta previa (or low laying as it would be recorded at this point). Again, this would be on your report but is frustratingly often not communicated to the pregnant woman along with info about what it means and what she should do if she experiences bleeding.

Take a look at your notes and report back!

I had two sonographers on my 20 week scan and when they started mumbling I got so annoyed that I had to say 'sorry I can't hear what you are saying', much to the annoyance of DH who thought I was embarassing lol! As long as placenta and baby measurements are fine, you're ok! Get them to explain to you at your next scan exactly what they are 'scanning' for and enjoy looking at your baby again! I'd love to be a burden on the NHS and get another one just to have another look :P

Ah, I cross posted with you - my baby means it takes me loner than I'd like to type everything I wanna say!

I doubt this is the reason and Idon't want to worry you, but I've had an extra scan because I've got a single artery umbilical cord which apparently can cause growth problems in the last trimester. Only 5%-10% of cases though...

I believe not all hospitals inform you but I would expect it to be on your notes?

I would see it as an extra scan to see your baby :) Good luck with the rest of your pregnancy!

Its unusual to work out the weight of the baby at at 20 week scan - this is usually done at any scans later in pregnancy (your one at 32 weeks). You could of course ask them why you need another scan? Its terrible they didnt explain why and if you are at all worried then ask - either ring the scan dept or ask your mw. It won't be because the trainee didnt check everything properly, absolutely not, if this was the case they'd rescan you much sooner than at 32 weeks, or more likely while you were still there.

Like iloveholidays I had an extra scan because at the 20 wk scan there was a question mark over the growth of bean and they wanted to look for any obvious reasons. I had this extra scan at 24 wks when they were able to take a closer look at all the main organs and blood flow again using a doppler. Everything with bean was fine, the heart was developing well and growth was slow but within acceptable parameters. They did pick up an issue with one of my uterine arteries and for that reason I will continue to have monthly growth scans. Having read up about this I am not too concerned and am happy to have this extra chance to wave at bean on screen.
I wouldnt stress yourself - they are being very careful and monitoring you well 'just to make sure'. It really it something to be grateful for and not worry yourself about x

I know, the main thing I'm worried about is that she mentioned something about a consultant and I think (although my memory is rubbish) if I was under a consultant with any of my previous pregnancies.

I just dont want to be under a consultant if it means I wont be able to have a home birth...I hate being in hospital overnight.

The actual growth thing doesn't worry me as although both my other babies were small, my son caught up really quickly and is now tall for his age. My daughter is stilla tiny dot, however :)

Phone up and ask why. I was under consultant care and was having all sorts of precautions and no one really explained why, after initial concerns linked to a pre-existing medical condition had been dismissed.

Finally, at 35 weeks, I phoned up and first a MW reviewed my notes and said she could see no reason for concern, then she got consultant to review my notes and he agreed I could be passed for a MW-led birth (wanted water birth). I couldn't just let it go and got my way in the end. Well, in theory at least.

As it was, I went into labour three days later at 36 weeks and had to go onto the labour ward anyway.

Please just ask if you don't understand anything. You have a right to know.

Ok thanks, well I'm due to see my midwife again in 4 weeks' time so I'll ask her about it then :)

Noone can force you to do anything you dont want to. If there is a good reason for being hospitalised then ok, but if its just a precaution and you feel it would be better for your welfare to have a home birth then you are entitiled to that.