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Abnormal 13 week U/S - Heart Development
I just had my 13 week ultrasound, second screening for downs syndrome, and all the markers came back as negative - phew. The doctor did however say he was concerned that the heart looked abnormal b/c he didn't see the internal dividing line in the heart (septum). The heart rate was 161 which is good (although I was told that one doesn't have anything to do with the other). I know they don't usually do an anatomy scan until 18-20 weeks and was just wondering if anyone else has had this issue? I was told I could do a CVS, which I said no to, or wait for an amnio at 16 weeks to learn more. It's really scary and I don't know whether to be really concerned or if it's just a case of over-reacting. I have a doctor's appt. a week from today where we'll go over my results but was just wondering what experiences everyone has had. Thanks and Happy New Year!
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Re: Abnormal 13 week U/S - Heart Development
This. I am surprised they didn't schedule you for a level II u/s and fetal echo at 16 weeks. They should be able to see the heart clearly at that time. I would definitely get a second opinion if your current OB is not being pro-active.
FX that everything turns out to be ok.
Thanks everyone. That's actually what I was thinking. My initial thought was why wouldn't you want to get a better picture (level II u/s) before you do anything more invasive? I also don't necessarily see the link between doing a CVS/Amnio and detecting a heart defect either, based on everything that I've read. This guy was a MFM doctor and was the biggest a-hole you would ever meet. His bed-side manner was about as warm as an ice cube. I will def. get a 2nd opinion before I do anything more radical. Thanks for the advice and positive thoughts!
My NT scan and anatomy scan ( "level II") were done in my hospital's perinatal unit...using the same machine. It was explained to me that with the " Level II" the u/s machine is the same but because of the baby's size and develoment they can see more than at 12 week, and thereby get a accurate measurements. This u/s machine is way more advanced than the dating type u/s at my OBGYN office. If you were seeing a MFM I would just confirm with his office that that is the case with the facility they use as well. That might be why he didn't refer you to a " Level II".
If he's a jerk is there another doctor to can see within the same practice to go over this with you more? Did the doctor mention an atrial septal defect? If so, that is because it is a soft marker for genetic abnormality. I'm assuming that's why he suggested CVS. Did you do the blood work screening along with the NT, as well? You can also do the Quad screen at 16w to further get an idea of your ratios of there being an issue at all. Best wishes to you and hope you get some answers soon.