Anomaly scan today needs second scan

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Hi everyone

just looking for anyone else who may have had a similar experience.

I went for my 20 week anomaly scan today. Everything was measuring fine and baby was growing as expected. However the sonographer said she wasn’t able to get as many accurate images as she’d like due to baby’s position so she wanted the consultant to have a look. I’ve been asked to go back in two days so the consultant can do her own scanning.

When I asked what she was specifically finding difficult to see she said it was the brain. That some images showed her what she wanted to see and other images didn't show her what she was looking for. She did try to say not to worry at this point and that she wanted a second pair of eyes to confirm everything was ok.

To be honest, I am completely beside myself and so so worried that my baby has something wrong with her brain. Does anyone have experience of something similar? Thanks x

Are you 20 weeks? They do them at 21-22 weeks where I work because so many need repeats at 20 weeks due to not being able to get clear images of certain structures. I would take what she said at face value that she just wasn't getting clear images. I would think open disclosure would mean she'd have to tell you if she had any concerns, otherwise she's concealing your medical information from you x

Thanks, yes I’m 21+3. You’re right, I should just believe her and try and stay calm but it’s very difficult isn’t it. Thank you for your response.

This is very common, it happened to me and has happened to many of my friends too. It doesn’t mean anything is wrong or that they suspect anything is wrong, just they couldn’t get the clear images to confirm that everything looks ok and so need a re-scan to check. It’s a good thing they are being so thorough and checking everything they can.

It's really common to need a second scan, baby has to be in the right positions for everything. I had to have a second scan for the heart and everything was fine, just a comfy baby that didn't want to move.

Pregnancy can be so stressful, try not to worry until there's something to worry about, chances are it will all be fine!

We had to go back in for a second scan because the baby was stubbornly facing the wrong way and she couldn't see the heart. All was OK on the follow up scan. I totally empathise with the stress you are feeling - hope they can get you back in soon so you don't have to wait x

I'd say not to worry about it as she said not to worry about it.
When I had an issue and was referred for a consultant scan they were very clear on what the issue was and why they were referring me. If they had seen an issue they would have told you and it would be on your paperwork for the 20 week scan
Sending hugs as those two days are a horrible wait

It’s a horrible wait but do really try to not worry about it. My baby was in terrible positions for the 12 week and 20 week scans. We couldn’t get the NT reading at 12 weeks so had to get quad blood tests then she just didn’t want to comply at 20 weeks so had to go back after trying for half an hour and moving around a lot. They never did quite get exactly what they needed around her head at the rescan but it was good enough. She’s a very lively 7 month old now so you’ll be fine. Congrats on your pregnancy ☺️

Thank you so much everyone for your responses. They have really helped me find some calm. Very much appreciated. I’ll update when I find out more x

This happened to me years ago with DS1 - I had my initial scan at 18 or 19 weeks and had to go back a week later.

He was absolutely fine (he's now an adult).

This is really common, I had to go back for a second scan with DD1 as she was whirling round like a washing machine throughout the scan and the sonographer wasn't happy she could accurately assess the heart and other organs.
DD1 is now a healthy, happy 4.5 year old

Hi OP.

I wouldn't worry although I know it can be hard.

I had to go back for a second scan as the sonographer couldn't see my baby's heart properly due to the position of baby. This had freaked me out a little and I was panicking incase something was wrong. Everything was okay I now have a healthy 1 year old.

It seems to be common to need a second scan due to baby's positioning. Don't worry OP

In both my pregnancies I’ve had to have a second scan after the 20 week one because they couldn’t get clear enough images or the baby wasn’t in the right position. I think it’s very common!

At 20 weeks they are looking for specific structures of the brain.

At 20 weeks I was told by 1 Doctor (where I lived we saw doctors for scans) that my baby had parts of their brain missing, that they couldn’t see them. Great bedside manner!

Then I had to wait 3 weeks for another doctor who was a specialist and had the tech advanced enough to see what was going on.

Within 16 seconds I was told by 2nd Doc that he’d found it and I think his words were “FFS it’s like a bloody barn door. How did they miss that”.

Sending hugs X

I had the same experience with both my pregnancies. Neither baby would stay in the right position long enough for the sonographer to check everything she needed, so I had to go back both times for a follow up scan. In both cases it was absolutely fine, they got the images the second time.

Needing a second scan doesn’t mean there is anything worrying they need to look at; it’s just that they need specific images from certain angles and sometimes they just can’t get those first time round if the baby is in a tricky position.

try not to worry if you can help it ❤️

I had this with my third DC! Little sod was facing the wrong way and they couldn't get all the measurements. Went back a week later and had the same thing. They then asked me to go back 2 hours later so they could try again. So 3 attempts in total! All was absolutely fine!

Same with both mine.

My first, the second scan lasted only seconds before I was asked to come back an hour later for the repeat of the repeat. She was in the wrong position and wriggling too much for the scans of her heart we needed.

With my second he was just as stubborn at the repeat scan as he has been at his first. Was not offered a third try. Left the scan missing measurements for most of his organs.

Both kids are perfectly healthy.

Please try not to overthink this.
I know how you feel.
when I had my scan for DS2 the radiographer said his bowels did not look right. My heart was beating. A more senior staff came in and said it was fine.
As other posters have said it is very common.
💐💐💐💐💐

I had to go back as they couldn’t get accurate
pics of baby’s heart due to her positioning, all was fine at the next scan, took less than 3 minutes 2nd time round! I had some cold water and sweets before the 2nd scan to make sure she moved a bit! try not to worry x

Just wanted to update everyone. I had a second scan today and all was ok. I was seen by a consultant and another senior doctor who were able to take further measurements using more advanced scanning equipment.

I’m so grateful and thankful to everyone who took the time to post and share their experiences and offer support. You’re wonderful ♥️

That’s great.
Best wishes 💐💐💐