Echogenic "bright" bowel at 20 week scan

[moptop]

Anyone have any experience of this?

Apparently, probably nothing, could be due to baby having swallowed some blood... but could also be soft marker for Downs or Cystic Fibrosis.

Being re-scanned by consultant on Thursday. Would appreciate any advice/reassurance.

DS had two 'soft markers' for a range of trisomies, some compatible with life, some not.

I wish I had know then what I know now: that 'soft marker' basically means a vague unproven possibility of a co-incidence.

I know it is brutal to suddenly be faced with something worrying or unexpected at one of these scans, and I am very sorry you are going through this.

At the next scan, ask them to be very detailed about looking for other signs of anything different, I have no idea what they might look for with CF, but there are certain things compatibel with babies with DS.

If you are still concerned after the next scan, you can think about whether to have amnio, which would be definite about DS, don't know about CF. But then if you would continue your pregnancy anyway, amnio may just be an added unneccesary risk!

Did you have your scan at a teaching hospital or a unit ngaged in research? (such as Harris Birthright unit at Kings?) They are very keen on spotting 'soft markers' because it is all part of their research.

Thankyou for quick reply!

It was at a local general hospital. I'm carrying twins so not sure what would happen if one does turn out to have something serious. My Nuchal tests for both twins were very reassuring so I'm trying not to worry too much! Like you say, it is a shock when something like this happens.

Is your son OK?

He's absolutely fine and dandy - except for his dodgy leg, which was one of the 'soft markers' for Down's Syndrome and various other trisomies. (he had 'echogenic locii' too - spots of calcium in the heart - completely harmless in themselves, and present in a large proportion of typical babies, but often cited as a soft marker for chromosomal disorders)

moptop - not sure where in the country you are, but given that you are carrying twins and they have raised this , you could consider asking to be referred to the foetal medecine centre at king's where they specialise in Things On Scans...but it may well be that they bring in a more experienced sonographer , or consultant at your next scan and everything is deemed 'nothing to worry about'. I do sympathise...it's the worst time. My fingers are crossed for you.

And congratulations on your pregnancy.