Anatomy scan...I am a July mom and got some odd information.

JonesBaby0624 · January 2016

We had out AS yesterday and they moved my due date back a week. Since I was the end of June I am now a July mom. I would like to stay in this BMB because I know you ladies and I feel supported in this BMB.

The peri said everything looks good with LO. We got a beautiful 3D pic of her little face, which is quickly becoming one of my most treasured items. The doc said the placenta doesn't look as healthy as he would like. Has anyone ever heard this from their doc? I kept trying to nail him down on things but he wasn't having it. I asked about her growth and he said it is good. So, I asked about blood flow and he said it appears to be fine. He wouldn't give any information and then he needed to get to another phone call.

His reasoning for the change in due date was the development of the heart. He said that he and the fetal cardiologist felt the development was more on track for 17+5. Fetal cardiologist?!?! I feel like there is something they aren't telling. I don't know how to handle this but I feel like I am at their mercy. I am trying to not let it get to me just trying to remember they are the experts and GOOGLE is not. Doing my best to stay away from google.

crdo · January 2016

That's frustrating that your doctor wouldn't elaborate to your satisfaction. Though, I'd imagine if there was a reason to worry, then he would have alerted you to a particular condition or issue. So, as hard as it is I'm sure, try to focus on that, and stay the hell away from Dr Google! Hugs lady.

And you should totally stay in this BMB

CourtJack · January 2016

Wow that's so frustrating! Sorry they didn't give you any additional information. What are the next steps? Will you have another scan soon to measure growth? Did they schedule a fetal cardiac echo? And totally stay here! Some of us will be overdue and end up delivering in July anyways

Emztron500 · January 2016

Did you have an earlier dating ultrasound? Or is this your first one? I can definitely see how that would be worrying

but hopefully it's mainly just a matter of your dates being odd. I had my due date moved at my early ultrasound by over 2 weeks and that was a bit concerning to me as I felt "behind" when I knew my LMP date for sure. But as things went on development kept being normal and consistent with the adjusted date.

Hope you get some more detailed and good news soon!

JonesBaby0624 · January 2016

@CourtJack I was told to keep our appointment for the 02/09. We have scans every two weeks because of risk, so I know they will do another one in two weeks. He didn't mention anything about a fetal cardiac echo. I was kind of blown away and I didn't think of so many things to ask. I get flustered and think of things later. My SO called the office back and we have a conference call at 3pm today (he and the doc are 25 miles away from where I am for work). My SO told me to make a list of questions I want to ask and he will make sure they are answered. I am trying to think of questions but I am upset and flustered and I just want to scream. I just want to tell him "Tell me what's wrong with my baby".

mkemommy · January 2016

I'm with @courtjack and @crdo - stay here if you want to! Did they say what the next steps are? Don't let the doctors walk all over you...I'd call them back and tell them you are worried and need him to explain in detail what he meant by that statement.

ETA - Just saw your update and that you have a call scheduled...good for you!

Emztron500 · January 2016

JonesBaby0624 said:

@CourtJack I was told to keep our appointment for the 02/09. We have scans every two weeks because of risk, so I know they will do another one in two weeks. He didn't mention anything about a fetal cardiac echo. I was kind of blown away and I didn't think of so many things to ask. I get flustered and think of things later. My SO called the office back and we have a conference call at 3pm today (he and the doc are 25 miles away from where I am for work). My SO told me to make a list of questions I want to ask and he will make sure they are answered. I am trying to think of questions but I am upset and flustered and I just want to scream. I just want to tell him "Tell me what's wrong with my baby".

That sounds like a good plan. Good luck

mrsb8244 · January 2016

I'm so sorry that you're dealing with this and haven't gotten straight answers from your doctor. Maybe flat out ask him "you said the placenta doesn't look as healthy as you would like, what do you mean by that?" I'll be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers! Hopefully you can update us after your call with him!

P.S. you should totally stay on this BMB

I'm due June 25th so I could possibly deliver in July too!

almostpriceless · January 2016

Pack your crap and leave.

Just kidding. Stay!

I am sure you're scared, and you are allowed to be. Your SO sounds like a smart, reasonable, very supportive person. Make your list and try to remain calm as best as you can. FWIW, my dr is part of a teaching hospital. All kinds of specialists review all of my test results, ultrasounds, even my urine at each appointment. I get emails from Dr. Something Fancy I Don't Understand saying fancy things I also don't understand after every appointment, but I know my dr will contact me directly if there is anything I should find alarming. Just try to be calm. Hugs!

crdo · January 2016

Saw your update, and am wishing you luck at your conference call!

CourtJack · January 2016

Good luck on the call! Definitely make sure you write your questions - I'm the same in that I get flustered and forget what I mean to ask.

thinking of you guys!

JonesBaby0624 · January 2016

Thanks to all of you for your support! I will update after our call and let you know what is going on.

BlueJuice · January 2016

Internet hugs to you! I would be super mad that your doctor wouldn't give you straight answers, so I'm really glad to hear that you have a conference call set up to make sure you can get the info you need. I totally second your SO's suggestion to write down a list of specific questions - I'm another person who always thinks of things I wish I had asked after the fact, and having my questions on paper ahead of time is really helpful to me. I also sometimes find it helpful to clarify to my doctor that I'm the kind of person who benefits emotionally from knowing exactly what is on the table, even if more testing is needed or your doctor isn't 100% sure yet that there is an issue. Some doctors prefer to only give 'bad news' when they are certain it's warranted, while others by nature keep the patient more in the loop as they investigate possible problems. Don't hesitate to let him know which approach is more reassuring for you.

If there is a specific issue that your doctor is able to give you, here are some follow-up questions you might consider asking:
- how certain are you that this condition is present? What further testing is needed or desirable, if you aren't sure?
- what are the risk(s) of this condition? Possible premature delivery, increased monitoring, bed rest, hospitalization prior to delivery, etc? Find out what he expects to see and how likely he thinks different possible outcomes are.

Last thing: this phrase is a godsend, and can be used over and over and over until you get the level of detail or clarification that you need. "What do you mean by that? Can you explain what that means?" Some doctors are great at observing when their patients are confused or need additional clarification, while some are better at communicating with medical professionals and need reminding that their patients don't encounter these things as a part of their regular daily life. Any doctor should be willing to break down their explanation into more and more detail, however, until you comfortably understand what they are saying. Use it ruthlessly, whenever he uses a phrase that's vague or even just a technical word that you don't fully understand. It's important that he take the time to communicate himself fully and clearly to you, and it's his job to do that.

Tawny87 · January 2016

My last pregnancy was a monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancy with placental degradation diagnosed. Their solution was increased ultrasounds, one a week and one nst a week. I'm sure with increased monitoring they will stay on top of it. Best wishes!

MsBeachNJ · January 2016

I'm sorry to hear you're going through this but so glad you have a follow up call this afternoon! Prayers there is nothing of concern & its just a week change in your EDD. Stay in the June BMB! Keep us updated!

VikingGirl12 · January 2016

You are definitely welcome to hang around here.
I don't have any experience with this, but I am keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. I am certain that they would be pushing a lot more testing if they were even slightly concerned. Try not to worry too much if everything else appears healthy! I know that's way easier said than done.