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Pregnancy

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Original poster

Called back for repeat 20 week scan

25 replies

Summersglow · 26/05/2023 20:08

I've recently had my 20 week scan which I was nervous but excited for, however afterwards I left feeling deflated, a little frustrated and very emotional.
I was asked to return in 3 weeks time as the positioning of the baby made it awkward for the sonographer to get a good view of the heart. The other checks including what was visible of the heart was confirmed as nothing of concern.
I was asked if I'd like to know the gender and I said yes. I was then told it was 70-80% possible it was a girl but was then told, 'but don't rush to buy pink'. The sonographer referred to an angle that the baby was in as 'ridiculous' and then said 'you need to have a word with this one as it's hard work.' Which I let pass as being a joke. However I've come home and just feel a bit rubbish about the whole experience. Possibly overwhelmed/tired.

Has anyone else had a similar experience or been called back for a repeat 20 week scan? I asked how common it was for people to get called back and the reply was 'it's not that common at all'. Yet when I've done my own research online it would appear it is fairly common? I'm just a bit no further forward it seems.

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Moon5 · 26/05/2023 20:10

I was called back for a repeat 20 week scan as she was struggling to get some of the measurements due to the position of the baby. She asked me to go and have a cold drink and a walk first, came back and he hadn’t moved so I went back about a week later xx

HaPPy8 · 26/05/2023 20:13

It’s very common to need to come back. Lots of things can make it difficult to see all they need to including the babies position, your BMI, gestation etc. 3 weeks is quite a long wait though how far will you be?

TomatoSandwiches · 26/05/2023 20:18

I was called back for 1 of my 3 children, it was in a few days though, not 3 weeks later, they couldn't find the pulmonary arteries.
They have a check list of things they need to report and need to complete that, so it does happen.

PartRadish · 26/05/2023 20:38

I was called back for my youngest because they could see everything they needed to with his heart due to his position.

At the next scan he was in a better position and it took minutes for them to see everything they needed to. It was 6 years ago now but I'm fairly sure it was nearly 3 weeks between mine too, first at 19+something and second at 21 weeks, for no reason other than that's when they could fit me in next.

Hope everything goes well at your next scan.

PartRadish · 26/05/2023 20:42

*couldn't see!

Marylou62 · 26/05/2023 21:06

My DD was called back just before Christmas because the radiographer couldn't see all the spine..
Lucky for me as I got to go with her and see my grandson! Radiographer said it's quite common...

Chanteuse · 26/05/2023 21:09

I had this at mine this week, although she said she would schedule mine for 2 weeks time. She couldn’t see his heart or face properly and my child is known to be stubborn (3 scans where he’s been awkward). She couldn’t even confirm he’s a boy because at first he crossed his legs and then he put the umbilical cord there 🫣

Lockdownmummy · 26/05/2023 21:12

DD was a complete pain in the arse at every scan - awkward position/couldn't see it measure everything.

Every scan took FOREVER trying to get her to move and had three attempts at the 20 week scan.

UnicornRainbowSky · 26/05/2023 21:21

With DD I had to come in for a repeat scan as they couldn't see the spine properly. She was asleep in a certain position and simply wouldn't wake up, despite me going for a walk, having a drink etc. So I had another scan a few days later.
This pregnancy I have the opposite issue. Baby is moving so much that the 20 week scan took 40 minutes! They had to literally chase the baby with the ultrasound probe, it was hilarious! Oh and they also said "lucky you don't want to know the sex because I don't think I'd be able to get a good enough shot to tell you for sure". So yeah, all very common.

Darcy86 · 26/05/2023 21:25

Yes I was asked to come back a week later with my first due to his position, I think it's really common! 3 weeks seems like a big gap though, could they not fit you in sooner? I also think it can depend on the sonographer. Don't let it bother you too much.

Hollyppp · 26/05/2023 21:28

I’ve heard of it happening to others before, I don’t think it’s uncommon

prawnring · 26/05/2023 21:34

Had to go back for twice mine as the scan couldn't be completed. Very normal. Worry not.

Original poster

Summersglow · 26/05/2023 21:49

Thanks all for your replies. I do feel reassured knowing others have been in a similar situation. Thank you

OP posts:

Dyra · 26/05/2023 21:55

Lockdownmummy · 26/05/2023 21:12

DD was a complete pain in the arse at every scan - awkward position/couldn't see it measure everything.

Every scan took FOREVER trying to get her to move and had three attempts at the 20 week scan.

I think we have the same DD..... Oddly enough, she's now a lovely toddler who does what I ask her to (most of the time). She just hated being scanned. She especially hated CTG monitoring. She wound up with the clip on her head as she was being such a monkey.

OP, I had to have repeat 20 week scans with both mine. DC1 refused to move onto a position where the sonographer could get heart measurements. I came back a week or so later, where she was in a worse position and sound asleep. Third time a few hours later (after much walking, a cooked breakfast, climbing up and down every flight of stairs I passed, and a cold caffeinated beverage), was the charm.

On the other hand, DC2 had buried his head into my left hip, had his back to the sonographer, and refused to move for both attempts. It meant half the anatomy (including the heart measurements) couldn't be checked completely. I was not offered a third attempt, which really sucked. He's 14 months old now and doing just fine. He's still a stubborn little shit.

CC222 · 26/05/2023 22:33

I was called back for my 12 week scan and I also had to go back to additional scans after 20 weeks due to growth concerns and restricted blood flow concerns. Every single scan I had (and there was many!) I was told my boy was moving too much and the scans would take extra time to complete. I could always sense the frustrations of the sonographers.
But.... I realised early on with the repeated 12 week scan that it's an opportunity for me to see my much wanted rainbow baby more than most women get to see their babies while pregnant. Of course it caused extra worry because sometimes I would have to wait for that reassurance that all was ok! But I chose to focus on the positive, which was seeing my baby an extra time and that is what helped ease my anxiety during that time..
hope it all goes well and don't let anyone make you feel frustrated with things just because your baby was in an awkward position, it happens and I really think they could be a bit more understanding and patient with the expectant mothers, but that's often not the case!
Enjoy seeing your baby again x

LittleMrsPerfect · 26/05/2023 22:37

I was called back, it doesn’t mean anything is wrong it’s just because of baby’s position they cannot categorically say everything is ok.

please don’t worry it’s an extra chance to see your baby again and that will be lovely.

your sonographer should have explained things better!!

RightWhereYouLeftMe · 26/05/2023 22:47

I was called back and at my second scan she was barely in a better position. They tilted the table up (so my head was down) to try and get her out of my pelvis. This was after they made me do star jumps (I wasn't sure if they were just pranking me at this point), and go for a long walk.

Spottypineapple · 27/05/2023 07:03

I was called back for both of mine because baby was in a funny position and they couldn't get all the measurements.

It's hardly a big deal, just see it as a chance to see baby again.

Magicbean5 · 27/05/2023 20:28

Yes op the exact same thing happened with my 4th baby, a DS who is a happy healthy near 2year old. Its just something they need to tick off basically. I'd they can't see each chamber and body part properly then they can't record that they have. My sonographer actually said it was very common and your sonographer should have made you feel more reassured before you left their room. Don't worry!! 💜

Original poster

Summersglow · 27/05/2023 20:38

I'm so grateful for your kind replies. Thank you. Glad I asked! 😊

OP posts:

elliejjtiny · 27/05/2023 20:38

I had to go back with dc1 as he had his arms in the way so the Dr couldn't see his heart. The Dr was getting quite cross and swearing under his breath while I was trying not to laugh. Ds is now 17 and his heart is absolutely fine.

Inkypot · 27/05/2023 20:40

I had to go back for a second anomaly scan with my daughter. She was in a tricky position so they couldn't get all the measurements they needed, absolutely fine at the second one.
The phrasing your radiographer used sounds like they were trying to be lighthearted and keep you from worrying.
Is this your first baby? I only ask because I remember feeling a bit uncomfortable with phrases like that when I was having my first baby, I felt fiercely protective of him and didn't like the suggestion that he was in any way being a bother.
He's now 12 and I am still more protective than I ever knew possible, but I also know there was no malice in those lighthearted comments now looking back.

Good luck with anomaly scan #2, it really is much more common than you might have expected ❤️

Original poster

Summersglow · 28/05/2023 07:12

Yes, it is my first @Inkypot and I can relate you your comment.
I was definitely being a little sensitive to the wording used during the scan as I was already anxious. However, I'm now looking forward to the rescheduled scan and for a chance to see my little one again! 😀

OP posts:

pinkpirlie · 29/05/2023 19:44

I got called back for both my 12 week and 20 week scans. My 12 week scan the little you could make out of the baby, they looked like a demon ghost! Nothing like the beautiful, clear scans I was seeing shared.
Same again at 20 weeks, and even at 23 weeks it took a lot of poking and prodding to get the baby to move so they could see everything.
I think it's totally normal for baby to be in awkward positions and for it to have to be redone.
Benefit is an extra scan and chance to see your little one, and also get additional reassurance. I'm so grateful I have now seen our little one 8 times and I'm only 23 weeks (3 private, 5 NHS scans).

BabyDorris · 29/05/2023 20:32

I had to go back because she was in an awkward position. I went back about 2.5 weeks later. She was still in an awkward position but given she was now bigger, and with some perseverance, we got all the measurements needed.
Both times they joked she was a little trouble maker already.

Don’t worry about it, sometimes babies just aren’t quite in the right spot.

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