Fluid round baby's head at 10+6

[emma911030]

As subject says I went for my dating scan yesterday, not only was I given a shock to find out I was expecting twins (they don't run in family) .. the sonographer dated me at 10 weeks and 6 days so too early to do measurements etc (I'm back next week when I am 12 weeks exactly) she mentioned that one baby had a slight hernia on its tummy which she then said can be quite normal and it can correct it's self (not entirely sure why she told me that when it might go away and it's not like I could have noticed it for myself) and that the other baby had some fluid around it's head which again she said because it's earlier that expected it could be gone by next scan, again I wouldn't have been able to tell for myself.. Anywho she wrote it on the report thing in my notes and I went then to see the screening doctor as it was too early he said I'd need to come back to do it all again which is fine, he then came to the two points mentioned above which he said he's not really sure why it was commended on because at this stage it's not something that is of any concern at all and went on to say about screening and the accuracy etc for it for twins (they suspect they are identical but only share the outer membrane and have their own little sacs but they are sharing a placenta) he explained the difficulties of being able to get the accurate results with twin pregnancies as one twin might give more of an influence in the results over the other so one might have potential genetic concerns but be overruled if you like by the other who might not, but with idential twins obviously if one has something wrong they both will.. Lots of information in a short space of time I was on my own as couldn't have partner there and still in shock from the twin news..
Now the screening is what it is but I'm really pissed off because since my scan I have done nothing but worry about the points the sonographer brought up even though the doctor said not to worry when your presented with information that could potentially mean there's something wrong with one or both your babies how are you suppose to just cast them aside because someone has told you to? If it was so normal at this stage I feel the sonographer should have kept it to herself and if she felt the need to document it then speak to the doctor first or write it in the notes then speak to the doctor about it when she handed him the notes instead of worrying the crap out of me!! Sorry to rant but just feel really upset and now stressed out that I have another week until my next scan to see what has or hadn't changed and what sort of danger any of my babies are in from any sort of condition 😔

If she’d not documented it, and then those same problems we’re still present at the next scan and the next one and they turned out to have implications for the quality of life your babies might have, then you don’t be out for blood that nobody picked it up sooner. She couldn’t win whatever she did.

The sonographer didn’t put the fluid round the babies head or create the hernia. Her documenting it hasn’t made any difference to the coming week and how stressful it will be.

I hope your babies are okay.

It's a horrible situation to be in and I'm very sorry you find yourself here worrying. Though legally you are within your rights to be informed about everything noticed on the scan. Think about it from the other if the sonographer said nothing & you returned for your scan next week to find the next sonographer says they can see fluid & a hernia, you may ask if it was present before & if so why weren't you informed about it ect, which would lead to anger too. The sonographer did nothing wrong and really only doing their job.

I really hope when you return next week both have cleared up and you find yourself moving quickly on from the upset/frustration you currently feel!

Firstly, congratulations on your twins!

Secondly, I'd much prefer to know what was seen on my scan, good or bad.
The sonographer has been totally open with you about their findings and also what it means at this stage and you're going back for a follow up.
As pp said, the fluid, hernia and measuring under 11 weeks is not the sonographers fault. I understand your stress and really hope all is ok but I think you're focusing your angry/worried emotions in the wrong direction.

Hey. I disagree with PP, totally understand why you are upset. Sonographers are expected to be careful about what they comment on, for this exact reason - pregnancy creates enough anxiety without adding to it unnecessarily. Making a comment about a completely normal physiological finding can be very unhelpful - if a scan finding is within normal limits for gestation then the comment should be “everything looks reassuring and we will see you back next week”. Or, as you say if she’s not sure, a quick chat with the doctor first. Pregnancy brings massively increased anxiety as it is, of course you’re now worried about it, when you didn’t need to be. I don’t think your feelings are unreasonable at all!
Re screening tests - sounds like they’ve just overloaded you a little bit with information - twins make everything a little bit less straightforward but screening is still helpful if you choose to have it, and if there’s any concern raised on your screening including your next scan, it’s still straightforward to figure out what’s going on. And not all “identical” twins have identical genetics believe it or not! Just most :)
Congrats on your twins, you’ll be in for an interesting time for sure!