Sonographers shouldn't put forward scan data if they struggled to get measurements!

[ttcchapter1]

My 12 week scan, the babys position wasn't perfect for the sonographer to get the nuchal measurement she needed to provide the data needed for the downs syndrome testing. She made me go for a walk and come back and was rude and still was struggling but proceeding to take a measurement anyway.

The measurement put me in a high risk bracket and caused weeks and weeks of worry until I had my amnio. Turns out baby did not have any of the syndromes.

Fast forward, I'm 32 weeks and in for a growth scan and a different sonographer is again struggling for the measurements she needs, she did my previous scan at 27 weeks and had no issues, was just the babys position on the day that caused issues. She tried for a while and then just said im going to take the best measurements I can.

The baby weighed a healthy weight at my 27 week scan based on the measurements but at this scan where she struggled, the babys weight was lower than predicted. Once again, unnecessary worry. Now I need to wait 3 weeks and keep my fingers crossed that they get good measurements and I get an accurate figure of babys weight.

I understand the weight thing isnt a huge issue atm as baby has time to put weight on yet but it just annoys me that when sonographers know that what they see and measure will be used as a means to treat the pregnancy, why even bother putting forward data they know might not be accurate!

Sorry but I think you are being unreasonable - they need to at least attempt to get some kind of measurements. Some measurements are better than none at all. And whilst there will obviously be a margin of error with what they were able to measure it still gives them an idea of growth pattern especially if the baby stays in the same awkward position for the next scan they can then compare the two

They can't put forward no measurement at all. Imagine if they did that and something turned out to be wrong. It sounds like they are erring on the side of caution in putting what they are able to see at the time which I think is the right thing to do.

What your your alternative be in your circumstances?

Alternative would be for the nuchal atleast that they use the other test for downs syndrome. After it all happened the consultant himself said to me, if the sonographer couldn't get the measurements she shouldn't have took any. As even a slight difference could push you into a high category.

@ttcchapter1

Alternative would be for the nuchal atleast that they use the other test for downs syndrome. After it all happened the consultant himself said to me, if the sonographer couldn't get the measurements she shouldn't have took any. As even a slight difference could push you into a high category.

The other test for Down syndrome?

Are you suggesting as an alternative to being in a high category they give you the same test anyway?

Because they have to put forward something. It's their duty of care to report what they can. Better to be safe than sorry and all.

Plus, I think you'd be equally worried if you didn't have any measurements at all. Sonographer couldn't get the NT measurement at my 12 week scan, so had to wait until 16 weeks for the Quad test, and then until the 20 week scan to be certain there wasn't Edward's or Patau's. All I had to go on was the reassurance that the sonographer hadn't seen anything else concerning at 12 weeks, as we didn't have spare cash for a NIPT test. Those 8 weeks weren't much fun for me either... Also, as you say, your treatment is based off these measurements. How are you supposed to be treated if there's no measurements to go from?

I'm sorry you've had a worrying time because of this, and I hope your baby is measuring better at your next scan.