Worried!! I have "Notches" and restricted flow in my uterine arteries - Advice?

[SweetyDarling]

Had my anomoly scan today (21 weeks)and everything seems fine with the baby. However a scan of the uterine artery flow showed bilateral notches and restricted blood flow.
Has anyone else had this? I was told not to worry as it can correct itself, but I am obviously concerned. From what I can see on the internet it looks like I have a significantly higher risk of pre-eclampsia and other related issues.
Feeling a bit weepy tonight .

Hi Sweety, Didn't want to not reply to you. I don't know anything about this but I just wanted to send you big hugs and tell you to keep your chin up. Hopefully it will right itself and all will be fine. Take care, relax tonight, get other half to run you a nice bath and look after you.
xxx

hi sweety

i had this with dd1 which was noted when i lived in dundee

i moved back to derby(england) at 25 wks, i was not worried just went along with whatever the prof told me as i was only 17 .

when they read my notes here they just said oh this isnt soemthing we really look into, we dont normally bother mentioning it as it corrects itself, it was never mentioned again and dd was born healthy and on time,

so think it probably depends on the hospital and area u live in hope it turns out alright for you hun (((hugs)))

Have they asked you back for a uterine arterial Doppler at 24wks?

I have a clotting thing that means they're worried about my placental blood supply, but they said the 20wk anomaly scan was too early to get an accurate picture and it should be done at 24wks (I'm only 22wks at the moment).

It can indeed self-correct, but now they've seen it they'll be keeping an extra eye on you for pre-eclampsia, and at the slightest hint of anything untoward they will deal with it well and swiftly to keep you and the baby as well as possible.

Don't stress unduly, but do read up about pre-eclampsia and maybe get the hospital bag ready earlier than you otherwise might in case (eg) your blood pressure changes and they want you to go in.

And have some chocolate if it'll help [passes remains of easter egg]

Thanks ladies,
I had a uterine arterial doppler scan today (that's how they picked it up) and they have booked me in for another one at 27 weeks.
I got a little freaked out by the research into this area that I found on the web, as the factors they were measuring in the test group of women in my position were things like % of women who went on to develop pre-eclampsia, % who had low birth weight babies and % who's babies dies inuterine! Some of the studies had quite a few deaths!
Am managing to stay pretty calm most of the time as I know risks are still v low, but I have my little moments of panic, so thank you for your support!

Hi Sweety,

I have heard a bit about this as my uterine artery blood flow is being monitored during my current pregnancy as my last pregnancy was complicated by severe pre-eclampsia- but I never had any artery scans then! My consultant told me the readings are not accurate until the arteries have grown to their maximum capacity which is usually at about 24 weeks, so blood flow & notching can vary consideribly before then. I had my first doppler scan done at 24 weeks (thankfully all fine) as they felt this was more reliable. Although notching can be an indicator of potential complications with the placenta, usually manifested in pre-eclampsia, it does NOT mean you will definitely get pre-eclampsia. It is quite a grey area and some consultants don't rely on doppler results to indicate anything!

Anyhow if they have noted it I hope they will offer you a follow-up scan? In the meantime if it is worrying you don't be afraid to call your consultant's secretary to ask for a fuller explanation. And to be on the safe side check you know the symptoms of pre-eclampsia- for more information see the Action on Pre-Eclampsia website: www.apec.org.uk

Really hope the blood flow is normal at next scan and in the meantime try not to worry (hard I know!) xxxx