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Original poster

In a panic after 20 week scan - please help...

40 replies

littlestar · 21/05/2007 16:41

I'm 24 weeks pregnant and have just had my 20-week scan. (I originally had one 10 days ago but, because of the baby's position, they couldn't get all the measurements they needed, although she assured me everything looked fine. So I assumed today's scan would be more of a formality.)

Today the sonographer said the baby looks small, more like 23 weeks. He said my dates could be wrong or there could be a problem with the baby, so I need to go back in 4 weeks for a growth scan. He also advised me to see my midwife. He measured my uterine arteries but didn't go into details (the notes say "no notches but high RI's for both", but he didn't explain that to me) Stupidly, because I was on my own and a bit upset, I probably didn't ask as many questions as I should have done.

I can't get hold of my midwife until tomorrow and now I'm really freaking out in case there is something wrong with my baby.I can't bear the thought of waiting 4 weeks to find out whether she is growing properly and would really appreciate hearing from anyone who may be able to shed light on this or has been in a similar situation.

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Original poster
littlestar · 18/06/2007 13:20

I've just had the growth scan at 28 weeks and it hasn't really put my mind at rest. This time they said the baby's head is smaller than it should be, whereas her tummy is on the large side of normal. I've got to go back in 4 weeks for yet another scan. The sonographer was very apologetic this time that she wasn't able to explain this in more detail and has suggested that I see the consultant who should be able to answer any questions.

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growingbagpuss · 18/06/2007 13:29

I've just read the thread - it's awful when they tell you stuff like this but like everyone has said - try not to worry - to an extent what will be will be. My LO (33wks pg) scanned as having a small head and large tummy - the sonographer said - better a small head for delivery and large tummy means it can feed well....so there is a sunnier side !? Good luck and keep us posted.

Mumpbump · 18/06/2007 13:37

Littlestar - chances are it's nothing to worry about. Stuff like this is so subjective anyway and when I had all the business with ds, they told me there was a 20% margin of error in the measurements which is HUGE!! Definitely see the consultant to check out potential implications, but also keep in mind that they will be anxious to ensure they don't get sued for negligence and therefore likely to err very much on the side of caution. Let us know what the consultant says...

bagsundereyes · 18/06/2007 13:48

Hi little star. I was in a very similar situation to you. I was recalled for scans at 28, 30, 32, and 34 weeks, as they suspected poor inter-uterine growth. In the end they decided that the measurements taken at the 20 week scan were up the creek, and there was nothing wrong. LO was born on her de date, without complication, weighing a very respectable 7lb. She is now piling on the weight like there's no tomorrow. I hope this helps reassure you - please let us all know how things go .

Original poster
littlestar · 18/06/2007 13:51

The sonographer also said I should take DH with me when I see the consultant so they can see whether small heads run in the family! I didn't tell her that 2-year-old DS has a massive head!

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twoplusone · 18/06/2007 14:28

littlestar.. try not to worry.. no notching is a good sign.. if he has picked that up it means that he has done a doppler scan to make sure the placenta is functioning properly.. measuring a week behind is no drama either.. I have measured a week behind for most of this pg the babs has now caught up and according tot he scans is only 4 days behind edd.. I am now 36+1wks. ( this is my 3rd pg my first I had IUGR but she was small but fine and healthy.. delovered at 36wks.. 4lb6oz.. my second I had notching in the letf uterine artery.. he was delivered at term+2 and weighed 6lb15oz and this one is measuring 6lb 5oz according to the scan this morning.)

Good luck hun.. and take care of your self.. try not to panic ..

Original poster
littlestar · 19/06/2007 12:48

I'm just getting a bit fed up with all these scans, to be honest. They don't seem very conclusive, nobody seems able to explain them properly and, even if they could, there doesn't seem to be anything anyone can do about it anyway. All they do is give me more to worry about!

Is Mumpbump right - are they just covering themselves in case of future problems?

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dal21 · 19/06/2007 13:22

Hi Littlestar - not sure whether this is something you would consider - but is it worthwhile going for a private scan for peace of mind? Not sure of costs or where you ae located, but lots of women turn to the fetal medicine center in London where they are credited for their expertise. You might actually get some straight answers that will put your mind at rest. Just a thought.

Aloha · 19/06/2007 13:30

Don't panic. As others have said, if it was remotely serious they wouldn't be waiting four weeks. They just don't think before they speak sometimse. I had all sorts of nonsense at various scans, including the sonographer saying my dd had short legs! Actually, even I could see they were long on the scan picture and she is a very leggy two year old. Grr!

cupcake78 · 19/06/2007 15:25

I agree with most people here. We had our 20 week scan over a month ago and along with other things we were told baby was likely to be small.

Last growth scan at 25 weeks (now 26+weeks) showed baby averaging at 27 weeks!!! Fundus height was always below dates as well and suprise, suprise he has caught up considerably.

We were told all sorts of things could be wrong with our son and so far after numerous sleepless nights and weeks of worry and testing he is proving to be fine.

This happens to so many people. Sometimes there is a genuine problem but most of the time it is just the hospitals covering there backs.

Piffle · 19/06/2007 15:28

ri is resistance index HTH

Piffle · 19/06/2007 15:31

explained well here
sorryfor crap post babe and ice cream in arms

www.fetal.com/NT%20Screening/10%20Uterine%20Artery%20 Meas.html

Original poster
littlestar · 20/06/2007 12:09

I've just called the Fetal Medicine Centre as I would happily pay £150 for another scan and the opportunity to discuss the results properly with a doctor. Unfortunately they don't have any appointments for 2 weeks so I may as well wait for the next growth scan at 32 weeks.

By the way, I have been trying since Monday to make an appointment with the consultant but have been passed around so many departments and still haven't managed to speak to anyone who can actually help me! Clearly he is far too important to actually speak to anyone.

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Original poster
littlestar · 16/07/2007 14:39

Just to update all the lovely people who were kind enough to respond... I've just had yet another scan, at 32 weeks and apparently everything looks absolutely fine now. Baby is on the small side but growing normally and surrounded by plenty of fluid, so the sonographer has reassured me that I have nothing to worry about. Phew! And a big thanks to everyone who took the time and effort to post

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RGPargy · 16/07/2007 14:43

So pleased for you, littlestar. Phew!!

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