12 week scan abnormality

[Meadows15]

Hello

We had our 12 week scan yesterday and were told that our baby's left arm hasn't developed past the elbow.
They said everything else to do with the pregnancy seemed fine and had it not been for the baby's arm then the 12 week scan would have been 'normal'

Has anyone had any sort of experience like this? We're worried that there will be more complications in the coming weeks and were shocked when the consultant asked us if we were considering abortion.
We don't want to abort if they have a limb difference but at the same time are struggling with the mention of it and we also have some family that have been really negative about it and have said that if we go ahead with the pregnancy then it will be 'stress for all of us!'

@Meadows15 I am so sorry to hear you're going through this. The technician had no business in bringing that topic up, its a very personal decision. This is my first pregnancy but just earlier today I was reading about 12 week scans and about how there is a very high percentage of women told at this stage there could be abnormalities that actually turn out fine. At 12 weeks your baby is still so very small and theres a lot of developing still to be done. I would ask for a repeat scan if at all possible. Sending you a lot of hugs

I would ask for a rescan. They can get things wrong at 12 week scans but they should rescan you if there was concerns about an abnormality.

Putting it bluntly, tell all your family weighing in to f* off. It is none of their business and in no way their decision.

There’s a girl at the school I work at whose arm didn’t develop past the elbow. It doesn’t seem to affect her at all, in fact I gave the class a task to make puppets by attaching body parts with split pins that was really fiddly with two hands. Not only did she finish it before most of the class, she went on to help others!

I'v had anomalies found at 20 week scan. One of the first things they did was mention an abortion. It's obviously something they're trained to bring up asap but it really is horrible. I also had family say things like 'you have to be cruel to be kind' which really didn't help.

I'm assuming you'll be under fetal medicine? Any chance you can ask them to scan you at 16 weeks when baby is a bit bigger.

In a different pregnancy I had an amniotic band which can cause loss of limbs but as far as I remember it's not associated with anything genetic. It's entirely possible that this could be an isolated finding so I'd try to keep positive (hard I know).

@lockedcupboard what was the outcome if you dont mind my asking?

I haven't got experience of anything similar as a parent but I had two friends growing up (one in primary school, one in secondary) whose arms hadn't developed beyond their elbow. It never really proved an issue for them. They both were able to ride a bicycle, drive a car, live independently etc. One of them is a very talented illustrator. So if you have any concerns about their ability to live a fulfilled, independent life, I wouldn't worry. As long as you raise your child in a loving and supportive way, which I'm sure you will, they will be just fine.

I'm so sorry you're going through this and your family so far haven't been very supportive.

I think personally with something like this I'd be a bit open minded, as others have said, do you know when they're doing another scan? Can you ask for another at 16 weeks? If not what about booking a private scan and explaining the situation beforehand ? I think for your sake you need to have something as it's a long wait until 20 weeks.

I'd also agree and say it is frightening but there are so many people out there that have a loss of a limb that adapt amazingly even with prosthetics. Sending lots of love your way.

@Meadows15 hey, how did you get on with this?

I had my 12 week scan two days ago and was told the exact same thing about our baby. Waiting for my next appointment with the consultant and I am so emotional x

It doesnt mean there are other issues. I went to school with a girl who jad only 3 fingers the cord was wrapped around her hand so the other 2 never developed. She has no other "issues". Didn't stop her. your family are very mean wow..
Abortion?! Why? Is there a health issue? Wow. That is every inappropriate. I would be reporting to the GMC.

The technician had no business in bringing that topic up, its a very personal decision

Read the OP, the technician didn’t bring it up (which yes, would have been inappropriate). The Consultant did, which was entirely appropriate as they are obliged to communicate ALL OPTIONS available. Up to people what they want to do, nothing is forced on them, but otherwise later they can claim they actually had no option other than continuing as no other options were communicated.

I’m both a clinician and a parent who had a child with congenital deformities detected via ultrasound, and the Consultant communicated all options to me, which was correct. I decided to proceed, but was not forced into it, it was a choice, and rightly, everyone’s choices may be different.