Echogenic Bowel - your experience ?

[tomps]

Pregnant friend has had abnormal scan at 27 weeks, showing echogenic bowel which apparently is a soft marker for chromosomal defect. Has anybody out there had similar experience or know of anyone who has ? They now have to decide whether or not to have amnio. Would love to hear from other mums who had abnormal scans.

My last scan (17 wks) picked this problem up too. I was actually there for an amnio but was still in 2 minds whether to go through with it. The scanner said that because of the echogenic bowel and one other thing on the scan (both of which are markers for chromosomal abnormality, it would be best to go ahead, which we did. I'm now really glad as it all turned out well and obviously it's a huge relief, though at the time I found the amnio very traumatic because of the risk of miscarriage. I've since been told that the echogenic bowel is most likely due to bleeding I had in early pregnancy - baby has swallowed blood (mine) and this is showing up in the bowel. So you could check if your friend had bleeding as this may be the explanation. If she does decide to have an amnio, I'd imagine this wouldn't be so bad, as at 27 wks+ the chances of losing the baby must be very slim.

Thanks so much - I'll pass that on. Glad it all worked out fine for you. Hopefully it will for her too.

Hi there I was told whilst pregnant with my son at my 16 week scan that he had a grade 3 ecohogenic bowel which could be a sign of downs or cf.I had bleeding in early pregnacey aswell.I had the amnio test which took 10 weeks before I was told anything.They said no downs but didnt know about cf.Anyway after a lot of other probs and having him 2 mths prem and on holiday he seems fine.Had a cf screen nov and going back to hospital monday to see doctor.I was really scared at the time when I was told about the bowel and IT still is worry me now 7 mths on.
Anyway I know how scary it is and would say to anyoneelse try to be postive and stay calm.Get lots of info and make sure you know eveything.Dont be frightened to ask questions and do what you feel is right fot you.

An update in case anyone in the same situation finds this thread - friend's dd is fine & healthy and growing just fine. Now 11 weeks old And very smiley !