Had 20 week scan and got to go back next week

[harryjoesmum]

Hi I've just had my 20 week scan, 2nd pregnancy I have a 9 month old son. The sonographer said that the heart was beating fine with all 4 cavities showing fine but that she couldn't get a clear enough picture of the heart to check all the connecting valves. Has anyone else had this happen to them, and if so what was the outcome? I'm trying not to worry but it's hard not to.

Honestly don't worry, this happened to me with my dd at her 20 week scan, i had to walk round outside for about 10-15 mins then return to see if it was better positioning, it was so i never needed to go back for another appointment.

AAAAh yes.
baby lying in a daft position and would not budge...could not see everything for sonographers tick boxes....

go back, all will be fine baby feeling particulary unco operative today probably...

I had this, baby was lying at the wrong angle, they couldn't see enough heart detail.

It was all fine in the end but it's no fun waiting, I know. Deep breaths.

If you're very anxious, you could always try to speak to MW/radiography dep and ask if they could see you sooner than next week (I did this and was seen the next day).

Hi - thanks very much for your replies, they have helped put my mind at rest a little...still feeling anxious though so am going to try and get an earlier appointment, fingers crossed x

I had to go back to be re-scanned with dd2 and when it came round to ds's scan, they said that they may have to call me back but sent me for a walk round the hospital instead and had me back in after half an hour or so and he had moved.

It is absolutely nothing more to worry about than a normal scan, they just want to see that everything is ok and if they can't physically see it, they will call you back and back and back until they have seen it.

If the baby is lying in the wrong position, they just can't get the scanning thingy in the right place to see what they need to look at.

Try not to worry, it really, really doesn't mean that there is anything wrong at all.

With ds1 I was in and out 3 times one afternoon as they couldn't get a good view of the heart. Still wasn't in a good position so had to go back a few weeks later. First time in again couldn't see heart properly - went for a walk and finally they managed to see everything they needed to see!!

He is a very healthy/energetic/exhausting 4 year old. I wouldn't worry I think this is quite common!

Hi just agreeing with everyone else. LOADS of people get sent for walks- if circumstances permit- or get to see baby another day because it isn't playing. For the ideal scan baby has to be in one position for most of the time, without too much twitching, bouncing, arm waving, etc, then very co-operatively roll over to let us see the rest. Funnily enough, it just doesn't happen that way often. Looking at the heart requires being at very particular angles, so if baby isn't playing you just can't work around it. Seeing the normal 4 chamber view rules out quite a few abnormalities (general scans aren't the greatest for picking up heart problems)- lots of places don't actually look at the connecting valves, so be reassured you're having a thorough examination.
Good luck trying to relax about it- and don't get too hopeful about a sooner scan. Other places may have gaps but our rescan slots get full up quick- chances are you've got the next empty appointment.
Good luck and best wishes.

It took over two hours and three walks before they got all of my measurement two weeks ago. The baby kept moving into uncooperative positions and my bladder wasn't full enough. I had to drink so much water I almost cried and wet myself at the same time. They almost sent me away, but the last one did it and they got the last measurement.

Agree with everything everyone else said but wanted to add my voice!

ended up having 3 scans with this pregnancy as they couldn't see the heart structure properly due to baby's position & no amount of walking/juggling changed it... Finally managed to on the third one & everything was fine.

It is worrying, but try not to worry, chances are everything is absolutely fine.

Gosh thanks everyone! They have given me another appointment tomorrow. Think they were just too busy to keep trying today - she gave it ten mins, asked me to empty my bladder as it was full, then couldn't see much at all! I am much less worried thanks to your replies so cheers for taking the time to respond and I will let you know how tomorrow goes x

Hope all went well today harryjoesmum. Just to add my voice that this happened to me as well. It's normal I think though no-one warns you! It took an entire morning of me wandering around the hospital and drinking coca-cola (as advised by the sonographer!) before she managed to do all the tick boxes on the third or fourth attempt. Baby in the wrong position apparently. And we never got a photo - but by then I didn't care, I just wanted it to be over, and not to have to cancel our holiday to go back the next day.

at my 20 week scan with dd2 they couldnt see her bottom half because of the way she was lying and i had to go back a week later. cue much hysterics from me as i was sure there was something wrong (over emotional preg brain ) there just very careful so dont worry x

Hi sorry i didnt put this earlier but i have been away. Scan went great on Tuesday, baby's heart and connections appear to be working perfectly so me and DH are sooooo relieved! Found out I'm having a baby girl, which we are delighted about too. Thanks again for all your messages, they really helped me x