20 week scan worries

[Flopsy88]

Hi ladies,
I have my anomaly scan this afternoon and and I'm suddenly really anxious. I feel like there's so many potential problems that can be found that it's unlikely to be good news. I'm worried that my 1/1200 downs syndrome screening wasn't low enough and I should have asked for an NIPT. I have no idea what the chances of something being wrong actually are so I can't reassure myself with statistics. I also realise that a problem being found isn't necessarily going to be serious. It's more of a minefield than the heartbeat/no heartbeat anxiety of earlier scans. My last pregnancy ended in a miscarriage so I realise that's probably making me more worried. I've been feeling movements and have a tiny bump now and I feel so attached to this one. I don't think I could cope if the worst were to happen.

I don't know what I'm actually asking. I guess for reassurance that most 20wk scans are fine? I need to get some perspective xx

So sorry you’re feeling this way. Pregnancy can be an anxious time for anyone I think and when you’ve had a loss even more so.

I felt similarly anxious before both my 20 week scans (currently almost 29 weeks with DC2). My first pregnancy was a mmc, which was discovered at the 12 week scan, so I think I’ve been a bit scarred by the ultrasound dept ever since.

The fact is that most 20 week scan DO go perfectly fine and nothing abnormal is found. As you say, even if something is found, it’s even more unlikely to be very serious. Just think of all the healthy babies born every single day.

Tell the sonographer how you’re feeling. They’ll most likely be lovely and talk everything through with you as they go. Wishing you all the best x

You wouldn’t get an NIPT on the NHS for that risk level - only if it’s less than 1/150, which should show how good your results are!

I think it’s normal to be worried before your 20 week scan, but most of them go absolutely fine and it’s lovely to see your baby in more detail and see more of them.

I hope yours has gone well

Thank you so much for being so nice! There was nothing to worry about. It went perfectly 🥰 I'm so relieved! Xx