Echogenic bowel and amniocentesis

[Bc87]

Hi

An issue was picked up at our 20 week scan and, after having multiple scans, it was concluded to likely be an echogenic bowel (we received a different diagnosis I initially but doctors were not certain at that point).

We were offered an amniocentesis and did not know what to do but went ahead in the end due to the risks of Down syndrome and CF as an echo bowel is a soft marker for them.

Our bloods were also sent away to see if we are carriers for CF.

I am stressed beyond words, Down syndrome feels less likely (probably because I had no other markers and the combined test came back as the lowest risk but I know it doesn't completely rule things out). I am just so worried it could be CF.

Don't know why I am posting 😔 Saw lots of positive stories where an echogenic bowel was just a transient observation and went away in a few weeks.

Trying not to go crazy while waiting for results, CF results can take weeks and we should get results for the three syndromes either tomorrow or Monday.

I know that statistically speaking, it is more likely to be good news than bad news but it is so nerve wracking.

Thank you for reading

To add, two doctors and a sonographer checked for all the other soft markers and didn't find any. The growth seems to be on track as well.

Did you have any bleeding with the pregnancy? That can also be a cause. I’ve had echogenic bowel with two of mine - both were fine. If it is the only marker then there’s a very good chance it will just go away / is nothing significant. I was very worried though, especially the first time. We also found out DP is a carrier for CF but I am not - so all ok. If it did come back as CF though, there is vastly improved treatment nowadays, so I comforted myself with that.

My DC has a condition associated with an echogenic bowel but it was not picked up on scan. When he was born they thought he might have CF which was really scary. We were in NICU waiting for the standard and expanded panel results for what felt like forever. An echogenic bowel could be caused by so many things though, or maybe nothing at all, sometimes you never find out. Have you had a NIPT? Our combined test was high but NIPT was negative for chromosomal abnormalities (and our DC doesn’t have any of the three it tests for).

Also to agree with the PP, we researched CF like crazy when we thought our DC might have it and did realise there are lots of
improved treatments nowadays which makes it a much less bleak diagnosis than it once was.