Ventriculomelagy and large/ irregular skull shape

[doofdoof]

Hi All,
I have never posted on mumsnet but I am a long time lurker so hope I am posting in the right place!
I had a 28 week growth scan yesterday and was told that one of my boys ventricles in his brain was measuring at 10.9mm but the higher end of normal is 10mm so only just out of range. They also mentioned that his HC was on the 99th percentile measuring 292.9mm and also his AC is on the 99th percentile measuring 268.4mm so they were concerned about the size of him.
In my last pregnancy baby was always tracking bigger, the growth scans were quite accurate for me but I understand I should take them with a pinch of salt so I am not too worried about the whole measuring big thing as of now overall the EFW is 3lb 5oz and 91st percentile.
The sonographer said that because of the size of the baby and his skull, the enlarged ventricle and apparently the skull having an irregular shape to it they are going to refer me to fetal medicine for more investigations. Nothing was found at 12 or 20 week scan so I’m just taken a bit aback and so so worried. I did ask what could be the issue but they didn’t give me any information and just advised me not to google, of course I did.. whoops!
But now I have absolutely terrified myself there doesn’t seem to be a great deal about it online so just wondered if anyone had any experience with this, what to expect when I see fetal medicine or just how it all worked out for you.
I am a very very very anxious person, have had struggles with infertility and don’t really have any family or friends to confide in so reaching out here!
Thank you x

hopefully bump 🙏🏻

Hi,
So we didn't have the irregular skull shape or the LGA but my son did also measure just around 10.8mm on his 20 week scan- we were told its really common in boys and rarely ends up being anything sinister when it's such a small margin.
We saw MFM at 21 weeks and 28 weeks and by then it measured completely differently and the consultant said it's often the angle their head is at when they scan.
My son was born with absolutely no problems and is now a very healthy 21 month old but it was a really really anxiety inducing time so just wanted to share a positive story
Hope it all goes well for you
If you're on the peanut app there are quite a lot of posts/stories about the same thing and loads of reassuring stories

Bumping for you, OP, in the hope that you can get some more reassuring answers from other posters

I am so glad everything worked out for you. I have posted on peanut now too so hopefully will get some replies on there too.. I am feeling hopeful that maybe it’s just the position of baby.. I did notice that when the sonographer was scanning me he did really have to go quite low over my pelvic area so maybe baby is just a bit squashed! Thanks so much for your reply x

Thank you 🙏🏻

We had similar. My boy was in the wrong position in my 20 week scan we had to go back at 22 weeks and there they found an enlarged ventricle (about 10.8 IIRC). We had bi weekly scans at fetal medicine until about 32 weeks. We had an anmio and spoke about they could give me an mri so see the baby’s brain. We didn’t end up having it as the measurements returned to normal a bit further on. I now have a very intelligent, active nearly 2 year old. I remember after the initial scan going into the bad news room and the midwives/sonographers tried to prepare us for worst a bit but the fetal medicine team were a lot more positive from the start and very reassuring they thought we’d get a positive outcome. It’s so hard but try not to worry.

Hi, I can’t offer you any advice but I’m in the same boat. I had a private 4D scan which showed the lateral ventricles were measuring 10.7mm and 10.9mm. I was referred to fetal medicine and I’m in the midst of having a lot of testing done including amniocentesis, TORCH screening, fetal MRI scan, gestational diabetes testing and extended genetic profiling on my husband and I. The results we have received back so far have all been clear, but still anxiously waiting for the rest of the results. Baby’s head was also measuring above the 99th centile and his tummy on the 96th centile. Sending you lots of love and hope you get the all clear soon!

I’m so glad it all worked out okay for you! We haven’t been offered amniocentesis but have had TORCH bloods and been referred for a fetal MRI. At our second scan at fetal medicine measurements were around 10.6mm so slightly less so understand there is so much room for error in these scans! Not as worried now hearing all of these stories so thank you!

I’m glad they are being so thorough! The fetal medicine consultant I have seen didn’t seem to be too worried as the results they were getting at our fetal medicine scan were 9mm and 10.6mm so very borderline. He said it doesn’t even feel necessary to go down the path of amniocentesis 🤷🏼‍♀️ But I have had torch bloods taken and have been referred for a fetal MRI. He also said he would only usually get really worried if measurements were over 15mm so I took some comfort in that and I hope it reassures you too. He also wasn’t too concerned about size of baby or head shape he said at the end of the day someone’s baby has got to be at the higher centiles. I’ve also done two GTTs in this pregnancy already at 16 weeks and 28 weeks and both negative so just a big boy I think! It’s such a worrying time so I really understand. I hope everything works out for us both.. please keep me updated x

That’s reassuring to hear! I had a scan at my local hospital today and one ventricle measured 8mm and the other was 10.5mm so that was really positive! I have another scan with fetal medicine next week so hoping they get same / similar results. I got my torch screening results back and they are clear but the MRI ones I won’t get for another week as the consultant is on leave 😰 they said my baby is following his centile..just got a big head and tummy and little legs 😅 I also have extra amniotic fluid but they haven’t said too much about that! When are you due?

That’s good news! Annoying that the consultant is on leave though 😩 My previous baby was actually large for gestational age so I suppose I should expect it really! Our baby is measuring very similar big head, big belly and slightly smaller legs. Not worried but feeling for my lady bits though 😰 I’m 29 weeks today so due on the 10th Nov, how about you?

I’m 33 weeks, due on 10th October so feels like it’s all getting close now and we’re still waiting for more info! This all came to light at 30 weeks so been an anxious few weeks! Oh yeah im planning for a Vbac but now wondering if that’s wise 😰😂 It’s nice to have found someone in the same boat! If you wanna chat / have someone to talk to, feel free to message me!

Not far away at all! I’m so sorry I didn’t see this reply 🤦🏼‍♀️ How are you doing? No news from us yet as still awaiting an appointment for fetal MRI. I would love to message but I can’t work out how to message on her whooops, I am a long time lurker and have never posted before!

I’m still waiting on my fetal MRI results. Was told it would be 3-5 working days but I had it almost 2 weeks ago. Apparently the results have gone to the consultant at my local hospital and he’s been on leave, back in tomorrow so should hear back this week. I have another scan with fetal medicine in Manchester this week so hoping all is okay in there! When did they refer you for the MRI? Mine was a couple of weeks between referral and the appointment date but I was told the date the same day! Hope you don’t have to wait too much longer! I will try message you, see if I can figure it out 😅