Ultrasound scan query

[CheekyGirl]

A friend of mine had her 20 week scan yesterday and was told there was 'notching' in the blood flow in the cord ( I think I got this right! ).

Does anyone have any idea what this is, as she's quite worried, or know where we would be able to find out??

Thanks

This is all I could find! Has she been told to take 'baby aspirin'?

This technique examines blood flowing through vessels. During the second trimester screening examination blood flow through the uterine arteries is evaluated in order to identify those patients at risk for placental problems during the last third of the pregnancy. Abnormal blood flow patterns have a "notch" (see image). If the notch is identified during the second-trimester I recommend that patient take "baby" aspirin. The dosage of baby aspirin is 81 mg. This has been shown to be safe when taken during pregnancy. However, the adult dosage of aspirin, 325 mg, should not be taken during pregnancy since this higher dose may be harmful to the fetus. The purpose of taking baby aspirin is that it decreases the stickiness of the platelets in the blood. Platelets can accumulate in blood vessels within the placenta and cause blood flow abnormalities, resulting in an increased risk for pre-eclampsia, growth problems in the fetus.

thank you so much!! No, she hasn't been told to take aspirin, do you think she should see her doctor? Can I ask where you found this information please?!

I don't think you can buy "baby aspirin" here anymore. I think your friend needs to go and talk to her GP and/or consultant about this before taking anything herself. I have a feeling there are a couple of mumsnetters who have had the "sticky blood" problem though.

I was on baby aspirin in my last pregnancy as adviced by doctor. I had had several miscarriages and have sticky blood. You can get it from Boots or any chemist, but I would check with doc. I was only on the aspirin until week 16 .

I am also on a small dosage of asiprin as advised my doctor. This is because of previous miscarriages - I am not sure how long I have to take it for though. Fairymum did you have a successful pregnancy when you took the aspirin? I am only 7 weeks now and hope and pray that this time the pregnancy will go ok.

Trix1, I had 2 children before suffering several miscarriages and being put on aspirin. The pregnancy was a success with aspirin. I wish you all the luck in the world with your pregnancy. Have you been for a scan yet? I was offered reassurance scans at the EPU every 2 weeks and it really made a difference as I was a bag of nerves and really needed a huge dose of TLC.

I had a scan last Wednesday at 51/2 weeks then this week I became obsesed that all my pregnancy symptoms had gone as I was feeling much better in myself, the doctor arranged another scan yesterday which turned out to be fine and would you beleive my sickness and tiredness returned yesterday too with a vengence.

I have another scan in two weeks when I will be nearly nine weeks after that if I cant have a scan I will go private if I have any worries. I am also having to use pessaries each night - not pleasant but I will do any thing - I sailed through my first pregnancy not a bother at all but then had 3 m/c. I am willing the days and weeks to go by until I am over the 14 week stage as that was the time of my last missed m/c.