Automatic head u/s

mommyof4boys

Is it supposed to be standard practice?  The NICU didn't do this on any of my boys.  The developmental pediatrician said had they done one they would have noticed that our youngest's brain structure is not correct.  He has a genetic syndrome and we were told they would have known at birth had they done the u/s.  Hindsight is 20/20 right now as we've only known for a year about his syndrome. 

He had an infection at birth, wasn't maintaining O2 levels, had apnea and bradycardias and came home on a monitor.  He also couldnt' maintain his temp.  He couldn't breastfeed and it took us about 10-12 bottles before we found one that worked for him.

ShannonSky

How early was he? What level NICU were you at? I've heard of it being done a lot on here, but it seems like it tends to be the really early babies and the higher level NICUs. But I could be making that up, I've never really looked into it. Anyway, DD was born at 33w6d at a relatively small NICU and she did not have a head u/s done. I'm sorry they didn't catch this earlier...would it have helped his prognosis/treatment?

ssg73

I believe it is standard practice for babies under a certain gestational age and birth weight.  DD was 30 weeks 5 days and 2lb 5 oz and got several head ultrasounds the base line ultrasound done a few days after birth.  I am sorry that your son's problems were not picked up on sooner and I hope that you are now getting the help you need.

mommyof4boys

He was at one of the best NICU's in NJ, St. Peter's.  Although he wasn't as premature as others, he was 35 weeks and was 5 pounds 8 ounces.  HE had more issues than my twins who were 32 weekers.

lexismom1008

I'm so sorry you are going through a hard time. DS was 3lbs at birth and he did have a head ultrasound, but I think it was mostly because of his IUGR.

kar5162

DS didn't have a head ultrasound either, but does have PVL - some brain damage from birth.  He had a very tight nuchal cord, so they are thinking it was oxygen deprivation + prematurity.  He was 34.3 and 5lbs, 6oz so wasn't tested because he wasn't below the gestational age or birth weight cut-off.  Kids his age/size generally do not have this damage, even with the cord issue so it doesn't seem unreasonable to me that he didn't have a head ultrasound. Though I certainly wish he hadn't gotten the short end of the stick here either.

lemen99

Andrew had them.  We were not asked.  I don't know when they do them automatically, other than the fact that we had one.  he was born at 26w2d and 2 lb 3 oz and had grade 2 and 4 bleeds.