Unclear 20w anomaly scan

[UncomfortableBadger]

Hi all

Just back from my anomaly scan and feeling pretty despondent - baby was positioned really low down, breech and curled up in a ball so the sonographer didn’t manage to see anything meaningful at all. I went for a walk, jumped up and down, downed a pint of water and ate some chocolate as suggested by the sonographer, but still no luck on the second scan attempt as baby just wasn’t co-operating.

I’ve got another appointment scheduled for a week’s time but I just know that baby will still be low down and unhelpful; that’s where I’ve felt all the movement thus far, rather than further up. Baby was equally obstructive at the 12 week scan but we were able to switch to an internal ultrasound for a better view, which I’m told isn’t possible at this stage of pregnancy.

I’ve read some NHS guidance that says that if no luck on a subsequent scan then they’ll just give up entirely.

Has anybody else been in this position?
Thanks in advance

I had this with my first. Had totally moved by the second scan and they got all the measurements. Good luck.

I've had this with both my pregnancies now.

First DC I returned for the re-scan and it was immediately obvious baby was once again in a bad position. Was sent away for some fizzy caffeinated beverage, stair climbing, and some breakfast. Something worked. She was in a better position and we got the rest of the measurements.

This DC (35+3) was just plain uncooperative at both scans, no matter what tricks i tried to get them to move. As you said, there's no further attempts. Just have to hope that, while half the measurements weren't able to be taken, the sonographer didn't see anything of concern. As the cardiac checks were unable to be completed, baby will get a few extra checks post birth before discharge.

Hopefully baby will be cooperative for you.

I had to have three 20 week scans! Each time the baby was in the wrong position. We got there eventually. I think you're perfectly within your rights to insist they keep trying. The 20 week scan is such an important one.

Belatedly, thanks so much to you all for your insight & reassurance. Glad to know I’m not the only one!

Went for scan #2 today and baby was similarly badly positioned - after yet more stairs, star jumps & a fizzy drink we managed to get a few more measurements but sadly still not a good view of the heart so I’m due back in again next week.

Feeling very anxious about it all and I think it’s unlikely that attempt #3 will be any more successful.

Hi @UncomfortableBadger did the 3rd scan go well? I hope they managed to get the necessary views.

Hi @Cantchoosename - thanks for following up

Went into the third scan with mega low expectations but thankfully baby had moved enough that we were able to see more. Still not in a great position but the sonographer could get a better 4 chamber view of the heart plus the vessels etc. It still took her a long while but we got there eventually & she admitted to being much more thorough than most of her colleagues. First scan, we were there for 1h45, 2h the next and 1h30 at the last.

So yes, given the all clear thankfully & found out that it’s a little boy too (which we’ve long suspected). Huge relief all round!

Aww. Glad third time was the charm. Congratulations on your little boy! My little scan monkey is here now. Everything right as rain.

Thank you @Dyra - so glad to hear that your little one was similarly tricky re scans!

So glad the third scan went well, it must have been a relief! Best of luck for the rest of the pregnancy:)