Dilated bowel on scan (31 weeks)

[DDF]

Hi.

Looking to see if anyone has experienced anything similar... I was sent for a growth scan because my bump was measuring small. The sonographer was happy with the growth (small but in normal range - around 25th percentile) but discovered what she thought was a cyst near the baby's ovary. She wanted another opinion so brought me back in for a scan on Monday.

The second sonographer said it's actually a price of dilated bowel. She said she can't see any peristalsis (which I believe is the movement that pushes things along the bowel?) and she has referred us to fetal medicine. She told me not to worry but I've looked online and it says bowel dilation is linked to cystic fibrosis so now I'm worried she might be really poorly/have a life limiting illness.

Has anyone been through similar? x

My Dd had a bowel issue on the scan - not the same one as you. Both me and DH were tested for cystic fibrosis and thankfully neither of us are carriers. They were also worried about Down syndrome or the possibility of surgery (potential for a blockage with the bowel issue they picked up).
Fetal medicine kept an eye on us and DD was born healthy.

So glad you DD was born healthy! Does that mean the bowel issue resolved itself? I'm just a little thrown by the fact the sonographer said she wasn't overly concerned and told me not to worry when things like CF, Downs and surgery are all possibilities.

We had a small patch of dilated bowel (and enlarged kidneys). Fetal medicine were amazingly kind but totally unconcerned in our case. DS is here and seems healthy. It came and went on scans at different sections of the bowel. Basically for us they said it’s just a snapshot but baby otherwise appears healthy.

Oh, that's really reassuring! Thank you for replying! We have our appointment with fetal medicine tomorrow morning so hoping for similar news.

Yes the bowel issue cleared up on its own. Apparently this sort of thing is becoming much more common with the improvement of scans etc.
Fetal medicine are totally amazing though so you'll be in good hands.

Thank you ❤️
Honestly feeling much more relaxed after hearing from you both!

@DDF i know this has been a while, do you mind me askinf how everything turned out for you guys please? I’m due for a section in 5 days and they have said baby has a section of dilated bowel loops (large bowel). Trying to find any sort of reassurance

thank you x

Hi! So the scan after the one I mentioned in my last post they said it was an ovarian cyst they could see and nothing to do with her bowel. When she was born (perfectly healthy) they did a scan to check and both her bowel and her ovaries looked fine! She's had no problems. I honestly think until the baby is born it's difficult for them to know for sure what's going on... Wishing you all the luck for your section & for the safe arrival of your little one! x