Unclear scan at 11+6

[OnNaturesCourse]

So went for a scan today and baby was curled up super tight and really not playing the game.

After wiggling around they straightened out a little and measured roughly 12+3.

The women scanning me was quite cold and offish. She stated that baby was too small to see anything of the anatomy, and she wasn't able to do the down syndrome test. I tried to voice my concern saying according to my dates I'm only 11+6 and therefore measuring bigger than expected, but she stopped me mid sentence and told me off for using my own dates and said baby's skin and or mine could just be too thick. She took my number and said someone would call me with another scan date for next week. I had loads of concerns and questions but I really felt like I wasnt able to ask.

Has anyone else had a unclear scan at roughly 12 weeks?

She spent AGES trying to measure the baby's skin on the neck so I'm super worried about Downs syndrome now... And she certainly seemed to be too.

I had a private scan at 9 weeks nearly so DP isn't keen on forking out again... And I highly doubt he'd be game for the 400£ test. His motto is what will be, will be... But I like to know and have plans.

I'm wondering if I can complain about the lady and lack of bedside manner, I'm concerned I'll get her again next week.

She got me to push my stomach up off the bed and rock my hips side to side for a few seconds. Told me a walk would be pointless as my skin, or babies was too thick and baby was too small. She then quickly said not that she thinks I'm fat, I'm slim but some people are harder to scan and I'm one of them. She was literally about 5 inches from my face while I was lying down, hint why I felt like a child getting a telling off.

could be worth ringing ultrasound dept and asking when scan is and asking if you could have someone else.

Yeah they've given me an appointment for next Monday but didn't say who it was with. Problem is DP will be in the hospital from Wednesday next week so I don't have much room to move things around.

How do you complain about such things

the scan is before dp goes in to hospital?

i would go through the pals team but tbh i'm not sure you have much to complaine about really? the baby was in an awkward position. not much anybody could do and although the sonographer doesnt sound overly friendly it sounds like she did her job properly.

No, I don't feel that she did. She left a first time mother almost in tears with more questions than answers.

unfortunately it is easy to expect a lovely experience at a scan but medically they are there to check the baby is alive, measure them and if you have opted for screening take the nuchal measurement which is what it sounds like she struggled to find. This happens more often than you think.

I have had two 12 week scans and both of mine they couldn't get the nuchal fold so i had to return.

I completely understand how you feel though having been there. You really want someone to tell you everything is perfect but the 12 week scan really isn't for that and the baby is so small that there isn't a lot they can see hence why a lot of problems arent found until the 20 week diagnostic scan where they can see more.

i know that doesnt help you but a private scan might.

by all means put your complaint in via pals and i'm sure it will be addressed but having had similar experiences i think it's fairly normal.

I had a similar experience in that I had to go back because baby was too wriggly to be measured. I wouldn't read too much into her struggling to get the nuchal fold measurements, think she was just that, struggling to get it.
She sounds unpleasant but it's good that you have a second go. Fingers crossed for a more positive experience this time.

Meant to add, unfortunately when you're pg and have a new baby you do come across a right mixed bag of HCPs. It's the way it goes, fortunately though when it comes to actually pushing the baby out I've found them to be exemplary.

The bedside manner of sonographers does leave a lot to be desired in my experience. Same as you I was measured ahead of my dates (there is only one possible date I could have conceived) but she abruptly stated that the dating scan was accurate and that was that. I felt uncomfortable asking anything after that. Whilst I appreciate that it is a medical scan a FTM (and probably those already mums) like to feel reassured and informed about what is going on. My experience at the maternity ward couldn't have been more different when I had to go in for a scan because of bleeding at 16wks they were cooing over the scan whilst explaining rhe likely cause of the bleed and setting my mind at rest.

There is no reason to be abrupt and clinical in dealing with mums just because it is a medical scan and not a 'for fun' scan

Hope your follow up scan is a nicer experience and they get the measurements they need OP. Try a fizzy drink/chocolate 10 mina before you go in to get baby moving (got told this for my private scan and got really good pics)

Hi OP, a complaint via PALs may take a while to deal with.
It may just be worth a phone call to the clinic and asking to speak to a senior member of staff-atleast they can make sure that you don't end up with the same sonographer next week....

Thank you all.
My rescan is tomorrow and I'm actually quite nervous. I really hope baby is OK, healthy and plays the game. 😟
I've taken note of the fizzy juice and chocolate comment - good idea. Any other ideas for waking baby up a little?

Just to clarify - dating is not from date of conception but from day 1 of your last period. Don't know why they don't explain this when people question it.

Good luck for your rescan, hope it goes better for you

Yes. From my last period I should be 11+5 today, but I'm measuring 13+3 or something xx

I was moved from 12+3 to 13+1 at my scan. It's very common.

Yeah, I know it's common. I just think baby is big as there's really no give room on my dates to be further than I am... 🙂

How are you anyway, not caught up in ages

hope all goes well today and you have a better experience.

Thank you.
Took us a long time, sugary food and long walks but finally managed it. Lady doing it today was amazing and took a real interest.

aww lovely. glad it went well.