The Anatomy Scan thread

cmbt2

It’s May, which means we’re all heading into anatomy scan time!

post about your A/S here!

cmbt2

Wait, am i first?

Little miss is measuring 2 days ahead, 8 oz, and looks perfect; I even get to wait 6 weeks instead of 4 for my next weight check. She was modest and didn’t want to uncross her legs 😂

nachellebeck13

I'll be 16 weeks on Sunday, so I have anywhere from 2-4 weeks before mine. 
I see the OB on the 16th, but they've yet to refer me back over to the MFM for the AS. 

emily1052

cmbt2 said:

Wait, am i first?

Little miss is measuring 2 days ahead, 8 oz, and looks perfect; I even get to wait 6 weeks instead of 4 for my next weight check. She was modest and didn’t want to uncross her legs 😂

Yay!!  So exciting!!  💝

jal88144

I just want to add a little word and of advice and encouragement as a lot of first time moms are headed in for their Anatomy scans. It is VERY common for the scans to pick up abnormalities that end up being nothing in the end. This can be due to having the scan done just a little too early or other reasons. This happened in both of my pregnancies. In the first they thought there was a problem with his bladder, had to come back 2 weeks later and everything was fine. In my second they thought they found a cyst on the brain ( I forget the technical name) but I had to meet with the specialist and I was a wreck.  I was googling everything and was a worried mess until I went back for additional scans and everything ended up being completely normal.

While it's so exciting to see the baby and it's amazing what they can pick up that can be very REAL, I do just want to point this out that in some cases it can be nothing. 

alinic916

@jal88144 I agree. My OB found an echogenic foci (white spot) on DD1's heart and referred me to MFM for further testing. They both stated it was a very common finding that usually means absolutely nothing, but it is still investigated because of it's link to down's syndrome. My regular OB and the MFM mentioned the newer ultrasound technology picks up so much more than it used to and they still express caution when finding things that usually mean nothing.  So FTMs, try not to freak out right away if something abnormal pops up until it is further investigated.

galentine

General question about anatomy scans: so my A/S is being done at a radiology place associated with (but in a different office than) my OB. I assume they'll send images/notes over to my OB, who will review them within a few days and contact me if anything doesn't look good. ...Right? Assuming that's all correct, is it safe to assume I'll still get a good feeling from the ultrasound tech about whether everything looks ok or not? I'm pretty anxious about the A/S and I'm just wondering whether I'll be able to breathe better immediately after it's over...?

jcbh2018

galentine said:

General question about anatomy scans: so my A/S is being done at a radiology place associated with (but in a different office than) my OB. I assume they'll send images/notes over to my OB, who will review them within a few days and contact me if anything doesn't look good. ...Right? Assuming that's all correct, is it safe to assume I'll still get a good feeling from the ultrasound tech about whether everything looks ok or not? I'm pretty anxious about the A/S and I'm just wondering whether I'll be able to breathe better immediately after it's over...?

Mine is also in a different office than my OB. Yes, they will send over all the information, But, they’ll also discuss everything with you while you’re there. So, breath easy.. cause they won’t leave you curious. 

cmbt2

galentine said:

General question about anatomy scans: so my A/S is being done at a radiology place associated with (but in a different office than) my OB. I assume they'll send images/notes over to my OB, who will review them within a few days and contact me if anything doesn't look good. ...Right? Assuming that's all correct, is it safe to assume I'll still get a good feeling from the ultrasound tech about whether everything looks ok or not? I'm pretty anxious about the A/S and I'm just wondering whether I'll be able to breathe better immediately after it's over...?

No word from your OB is good news! Whether the tech can say anything or not is state specific, to be honest, so you’ll have to ask your OB or tech directly. 

andrawrmeda2

What @cmbt2 said for me. Ours here are done at the hospitals, unless you pay out of pocket or drive an hour+ away for a private place( A lof my friends have driven to a place near Chicago called Peek-a-Baby when they wanted gender results early). All of my ultrasounds at the hospital, the ultrasound techs weren't allowed to discuss much with me. I had to wait til my OB called or an appointment. I don't know about clinics but I've always had to hear from my doctor after an ultrasound scan. 

jal88144

@galentine typically the techs are not aloud to discuss anything. With my first, the tech never mentioned anything being wrong. I received a call from the OB 2 days later going over the results and made an apt to discuss. With my 2nd the tech DID tell me there was an issue and that my OB would be contacting me to discuss. She wouldn’t tell me anything else. Honestly, I wish she never said anything to me. I was a nervous wreck waiting for the OB to call me to tell me what was wrong. Thankfully my OB did call me that day to discus the results but still. 

But yeah typically no news is good news!

kindbytealikat

This U/S talk is crazy to me. I always see the doctor right after my scans to discuss the results. Even with my first pregnancy when I wasn’t high risk. They were in a different office, same building, and I was given an envelope with images to give to the doctor for review. I think the wait would drive me crazy.

jenferlee82

@kindbytealikat Same here - I can't imagine waiting. For my A/S on Friday, I go to the US department for the scan, then straight upstairs to my appointment with my OB. He will get the results before he calls me in and we'll go over it right away. Any kind of wait would just be awful!

galentine

My OB didn't have any available appointment times after my A/S because she is on vacation starting Monday at noon. I have her last appointment time at 11:45 and then my A/S later that day. She is out the rest of the week, so it might even be more than a few days before I hear back 😥

ETA - but maybe I can ask her to have one of the other providers from her office look at the results and call me so I don't have to wait so long?

jenferlee82

@galentine It would be worth asking, I think! I'm right there with you on stressing about this scan, so if there's anything that could help you get feedback faster it's worth trying.

jal88144

kindbytealikat said:

This U/S talk is crazy to me. I always see the doctor right after my scans to discuss the results. Even with my first pregnancy when I wasn’t high risk. They were in a different office, same building, and I was given an envelope with images to give to the doctor for review. I think the wait would drive me crazy.

I’m at a new practice with just midwives with this pregnancy and my ultrasound is next Tuesday with an immediate apt right after to discuss. I was shocked! I said to her “wow, I see you that day to discuss?” And she looked at me like I was crazy and was like of course!  Looking forward to that change this time around. I guess it just really depends on the size of the practice and amenities. 

andrawrmeda2

When they thought DS had Down Syndrome, I got a call back that day. They had me do blood testing to screen. But then I don't get a call for a week after that and I forgot about it with my work schedules and classes and when I called finally my OB said oh if I didn't call nothing was wrong 🤦🏽‍♀️ with DD I had my first scan (2nd trimester technically) and did as much of the blood testing that would have been first trimester asap. But we didn't discuss ultrasound results til 2 weeks after cause that was when my appointment was. Even with this baby,I've they found two small bleeding spots under my placenta, but it's not considered a risk so she didn't discuss it til my appointment 2 weeks later(which was an annual physical actually) I have never been talked to about ultrasounds til next appointment, so I figured that was normal. Only friends that were high risk had appointments right after. My SIL we're all the same way, next appointment was discussion. Its probably per OB/area/hospital or clinic rules I suppose. I totally spaced I have an appointment tomorrow(thank goodness for reminder calls, I just got mine before getting on😂) so I'll probably get my A/S appointment set up tomorrow. I'm gonna have her try to have a Wednesday appointment so we can take our babies and SO can go with ♥️ 

stephanie123456

Just had my anatomy scan this morning. My OB refers me out to another practice for NT/anatomy scan (but it's in the same building) and that doctor is a MFM and he does the ultrasound, not a tech, so he discusses with me right away the results and sends to my doctor as well. He said baby girl looked really good, but I caught some of the measurements he was taking on the screen and while everything seemed in order, the "cereb (nicolaides)" value was 1.69? It showed that the number was 20.8% GP and age was 16w6d... I'm trying not to get myself worked up over nothing but... help? For reference, I'm 18w1d.

jenferlee82

@stephanie123456 I don't have any clue what that means - hopefully one of the experienced moms can weigh in. But I would say if the MFM said she looked good then there is nothing to worry about. Easy for me to say of course, I don't blame you from stressing some over it. But I really think if it was something to be worried about he would have mentioned it and there would be some kind of follow up! Do you have an appointment to talk to OB about the results too?

stephanie123456

@jenferlee82 No, I had a regularly scheduled appointment with my OB in two weeks though. I will most likely ask her about it then. I did some Dr. Google research and seems fine so I'm going to just try and relax (easier said than done). 

jenferlee82

@stephanie123456 That's good to hear! Sometimes Dr. Google is a good thing. So in that case, yay on your good scan! Hope you got some great pictures of the little lady.

cmbt2

@stephanie123456 What was the overall gestational age measured? It’s pretty common to have one or two measurements come out at a whack estimate as long as the average is close to what you are. 

stephanie123456

@cmbt2 It says "GA(AUA)" is 18w5d. 

junebabyh

@stephanie123456 Sorry, I don't know what that means either, but I feel like the MFM would have the power to let you know if there was something concerning. A tech and an MFM doc are very different. If he assured you everything was checking out fine then I wouldn't worry. For what it's worth, my sister is pregnant, due in June, and she told me over the weekend that her baby is measuring two weeks behind. I was shocked. TWO WEEKS! But her doctor isn't worried. She's just growing a petite lady in there.

jal88144

junebabyh said:

@stephanie123456 Sorry, I don't know what that means either, but I feel like the MFM would have the power to let you know if there was something concerning. A tech and an MFM doc are very different. If he assured you everything was checking out fine then I wouldn't worry. For what it's worth, my sister is pregnant, due in June, and she told me over the weekend that her baby is measuring two weeks behind. I was shocked. TWO WEEKS! But her doctor isn't worried. She's just growing a petite lady in there.

I agree with this- I wouldn't worry either if he discussed everything with you and showed everything looked good. And as @cmbt2 definitely common for the estimate to be off by a couple weeks! 

stephanie123456

@junebabyh @jal88144 Thank you ladies! I agree, I feel like he would have definitely said something more had he been concerned (as he is a high-risk doctor and well-qualified). 

cmbt2

stephanie123456 said:

@junebabyh @jal88144 Thank you ladies! I agree, I feel like he would have definitely said something more had he been concerned (as he is a high-risk doctor and well-qualified). 

Did he mention any additional growth scans? The fact that you’re overall measuring ahead would mean you’re on track

stephanie123456

@cmbt2 He did not. They scheduled me for another ultrasound in 12 weeks but didn't mention it was for anything in particular. As this is my first pregnancy outside of Kaiser, I'm not sure what the "usual" protocol is.

cmbt2

stephanie123456 said:

@cmbt2 He did not. They scheduled me for another ultrasound in 12 weeks but didn't mention it was for anything in particular. As this is my first pregnancy outside of Kaiser, I'm not sure what the "usual" protocol is.

That would be a growth scan. It’s basically to check baby’s weight and to make sure you’re still measuring within 2 weeks of your EDD

ETA- it’s becoming more common to offer a growth scan in 3rd tri; it wasn’t always a thing, but I have seen it become more common over the last 2-3 years

ab920

stephanie123456 said:

Just had my anatomy scan this morning. My OB refers me out to another practice for NT/anatomy scan (but it's in the same building) and that doctor is a MFM and he does the ultrasound, not a tech, so he discusses with me right away the results and sends to my doctor as well. He said baby girl looked really good, but I caught some of the measurements he was taking on the screen and while everything seemed in order, the "cereb (nicolaides)" value was 1.69? It showed that the number was 20.8% GP and age was 16w6d... I'm trying not to get myself worked up over nothing but... help? For reference, I'm 18w1d.

Hi! I am NOT a doctor but mine told me 2-3 weeks either way from your GA is fine. My first baby was 4 weeks BIGGER than my GA and I had to undergo quite a few tests to confirm no gestational diabetes or head problems. But, that was just my doctor's opinion! 

longhairdntcare

@galentine it probably depends on your practice/hospital group. For me, my practice is part of my hospital. So I go to a different location for my anatomy scan, but I still see a DR (an MFM) there, immediately after the tech is done. And then they also send everything to my OB who reviews after the fact as well. Hopefully yours will be similar, because waiting until days later sounds awful!

jane101757

I had my anatomy scan yesterday.  It was such a relief to see her moving around because I haven’t felt her move yet!  The Dr said that one part that looked abnormal was what he called “single umbilical artery”.  He said it’s usually not an issue and he suggested I not google it.  He said there is one vein and 2 arteries normally in the umbilical cord bringing blood to and from the baby.  For some reason I only have one artery.  Any other moms out there have this noted in their a/s before?  

nnaelilak

Had our anatomy scan today. It was only a tech and my midwife appointment isn't until next Tuesday... They did not mention anything and so I feel a bit nervous waiting to see if everything is normal. I'm going with no news is good news, but I can't wait for Tuesday. 

He was also not super cooperative so I may need to go back as they didn't get every look at the heart they needed

cmbt2

jane101757 said:

I had my anatomy scan yesterday.  It was such a relief to see her moving around because I haven’t felt her move yet!  The Dr said that one part that looked abnormal was what he called “single umbilical artery”.  He said it’s usually not an issue and he suggested I not google it.  He said there is one vein and 2 arteries normally in the umbilical cord bringing blood to and from the baby.  For some reason I only have one artery.  Any other moms out there have this noted in their a/s before?  

My friend had this with her DS. She did growth scans and NSTs at the end (which ultimately she got induced for because the baby failed one), but other than that, had a pretty normal pregnancy

jal88144

@jane101757 it's always so reassuring to see the baby moving around normally when you haven't felt anything! Peace of mind 

@nnaelilak the wait is hard. You feel like you're in limbo until you can discuss the results. Try and keep your mind occupied until then! 

andrawrmeda2

Scheduled mine on the spot at the Drs yesterday for 5 pm yesterday, then they called and pushed it back two weeks 😭 so now I have to wait til the 29th(my niece and youngest SIL bdays, she was like oh you have to find out, it would be the best day gift🤦🏽‍♀️) for my A/S 😑

jane101757

Thanks @cmbt2!  It’s nice to hear I’m not the only one.  The doc said babe was measuring fine and to re-scan in 9 weeks. 

PenelopeSnuz77

galentine said:

My OB didn't have any available appointment times after my A/S because she is on vacation starting Monday at noon. I have her last appointment time at 11:45 and then my A/S later that day. She is out the rest of the week, so it might even be more than a few days before I hear back 😥

ETA - but maybe I can ask her to have one of the other providers from her office look at the results and call me so I don't have to wait so long?

They send us to MFM at their associated hospital for ours and the attending physician comes and explains all results immediately after scan is done. I think it’s so strange to have to wait! 

grapeskittles4lyfe

20 week scan today, with in-depth scan on Monday with check up of all the organs and such. But baby boy was out and proud for all to see today. The girls are most definitely getting a little brother. No modesty here

marbellie

A/S today at 19+5 went so well! He was punching and flipping around, but the tech could still get all of the pics that were needed. I have low PAPP-A levels so the doctors were worried about the placenta/growth but everything looks perfect. So now they want to do my next growth check up in 2 months rather than 1 month.

elle-0409

@marbellie That’s such great news!! I’m so happy for you! ❤️❤️❤️