Clinched left hand during anatomical scan

zhenoli · March 2014

Today I had an ultrasound and the babys left hand was clenched the entire time. I saw he moved his wrist and his thumb was in and out but the rest of the fingers didn't open up. but the right one was open. the tech and doctor said baby was fine and healthy. Doc said it's up to me if I want to repeat the scan in a week or so. Did anyone's baby had clinched fist and then finally open it up at follow up scan? I'm worried if there is something wrong with my baby.

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AmericanInOz · March 2014

my baby had his hands open at the beginning of the scan, but by the end both hands were clenched

I wouldn't worry, but repeat it if it's worrying you! I agree that it's such a short period of time

fmb2011 · March 2014

I wouldn't worry too much because in my experience babies have their hands clenched most of the time

but like others said, if it bothers you a lot go for the repeat!

BoraBoraBaby · March 2014

Hugs!!! It can scare the hell out of you but I'd take a lot of comfort in their expertise. Certainly another scan is something you can do to ease your mind but if baby's hand is still clenched if may still very well be nothing concerning.

kmawb · March 2014

My babies, DD and this one too, have always had their hands clenched on u/s (once or twice we've seen thumb sucking and once at about 37/38w we saw my DD holding her foot in utero). If it would help ease your fears get the scan.

FWIW as a newborn my DD slept with her hands clenched for about the first 5-6 weeks, she used to leave little marks on the palms of her hands from her nails she would clench them so tight in her sleep. It was just her comfy position that she was used to.

BW1088 · March 2014

This LO did that, too. He had one hand mostly open, but the other was in a fist most of the time. He did shift his hand to give us a "thumbs up" at one point. DD worried me a little more because she always kept her hands covering her face (when her face wasn't right up to the placenta). We had a terrible time getting a good view of her cute little mug. She's still a tiny bit rotten...

Try to not overthink it and worry too much, but definitely take them up on the repeat scan if you need the reassurance.

ETA: typo

zhenoli · March 2014

Thanks ladies! You all are so supportive. Many of too said that you baby had thumb up and suck on it. Mine did give us thumb up too but didn't suck on it . Anyways, I scheduled my follow up scan for next week and I hope my little one will open his hand and wave momma hello

.

mamakiss · March 2014

LO only unclenched her hand for a quick moment before she went back to sucking her thumb, I wouldn't worry about it!

yurmom · March 2014

I can understand the concern but I would think it's fairly normal? After DD was born she kept her hands clenched frequently for the first month or two. It did worry me a bit but she's just fine...perfectly capable of pulling my hair and pinching me now

pfeilele · March 2014

Sorry you're worried! All I know is that it's normal for newborns to have clenched fists, and it's a milestone when they start to open them more. I can't imagine it is a huge issue if the thumb was moving and the other hand was open. Nonetheless, I'll be thinking of you and hoping for a great follow up if you choose to do so.

TRS48 · March 2014

I had no clue clenched hands meant anything but I've never seen my babies fingers either... They always look clenched or are sucking their thumbs during ultrasounds... A new thing to worry about, joy. Anyway, all my bloodwork came back negative if it makes you feel any better (& haven't had yours yet). Not sure if they go hand-in-hand but I would think so? Hopefully at least. I'm sure your little one is just fine though!

yurmom · March 2014

Using this opportunity to AW my DD and her clenched hands...

Come a little closer, and I'm gonna punch you in the face

I think she was singing along to Celine Dion (also the hat is ridic, not sure what I was thinking)

And...maracas!!

So those are nb-1 month photos, but I just went back and she didn't start unclenching her hands regularly until after 3 months.

seells · March 2014

During every ultrasound DDs fist was clenched in front of her face. She was even born like that. There is nothing at all wrong with her hand. She is right handed and uses it constantly and has zero issues. I guess it's just how she was comfortable?

Ps: hope my nakey newborn doesn't make anyone uncomfortable...

zhenoli · March 2014

Hi ladies,

I have an update. I went for my follow up a/s today and my baby did the same thing again. Kept his left hand clenched the whole time we only saw his thumb moving in and out but other four fingers were clenched. His right hand was doing hi five. Tech said that we can see all bones are there in left hand but for some reasons she doesn't wan to open it. Then doc came and said that she advises to do amnio test because clench hand can be sign of abnormalities. She said even though your nuchal results were clean it's only 80% accurate. So now I'm devastating... I def will do amnio test but can't stop thinking that it might show that my baby boy has some issues. I can't believe it's happening...

tourqeyes · March 2014

I'm sorry. Thinking if you and that everything is ok with baby.

yurmom · March 2014

I'm hoping it's only just a fluke. Sending positive thoughts your way. Keep us updated.

Nichole8787 · March 2014

I don't have any experience but I do hope everything is ok. Take them up on the scan just to have some peace of mind. Thoughts and prayers your way.

seells · March 2014

Good luck! Sending positive thoughts that it's nothing and that's just how he's comfortable!

CONativeGal · March 2014

Sending T&P your way!! Big hugs to you and your family!

BoraBoraBaby · March 2014

I agree that it's odd that an amnio just for a clenched fist is being suggested. Would they let you opt for a blood test instead such as the MaterniT21? As PPs said it sounds like it's not totally abnormal for a perfectly healthy baby to keep her fists clenched.
At any rate I am so sorry you're going through this, the worry alone is sickening. God knows I understand exactly how you feel and I wish I could take away the darkness. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
When are they doing the amnio and do they provide FISH results? I believe those come back in something like 3 days.

zhenoli · March 2014

birthjunkie13 said:
Do you have any other markers for abnormalities? I'm really surprised they would suggest an amnio just for a clenched hand. I'm sorry you're having to worry about this.

FWIW, DD had her right fist clenched at every u/s I had and also had it positioned on her face. The little feisty thing was born with her hand on her face (called a nuchal hand). She's almost 13 months old and she still comforts herself by pushing a closed fist into her face. It's just one of her self soothing behaviors and it started in the womb.

Try to relax about it all. The stress and anxiety will only make your body tense and ache.

zhenoli · March 2014

No they didn't find any other abnormalities. His heart, kidneys brain etc works perfectly. I'm also under a shocks that such a little things requires amnio testing.
After sleeping on it hubby and I decided not to go through this amnio procedure. I don't want to take a risk. Deep down inside I really believe that my little guy just keeping his fist because that's the way he likes.
Thank you so much for all your support and prayers. You ladies made feel much better. Healthy pregnancies to you all!

alygoo615 · March 2014

It's definitely odd they would recommend amnio for clenched fists. I could see them recommending it if the parents were very concerned and wanted additional answers. With that said, I personally wouldn't go through an amnio for clenched fists.

We opted not to do amnio with our baby after many markers of a chromosomal abnormality and instead found out he has Trisomy 18 through a Verifi non-invasive (blood) test. Verifi is only the brand- there is also Maternit21, and others I'm drawing a blank on right now.

Good thoughts that all is well with your baby. If it would help minimize your stress- I'd look into getting the blood test.

reils500 · March 2014

Sorry you are going through this! I hope you can find peace in that the rest of the scan was normal. Thoughts & prayers!

KayP79@msn.com · March 2014

irish1213 said:
Lots of positive thoughts for you and your baby. FWIW mymoo son was born missing 3 fingers and some of his fingers were fused together by skin and bone. It was a total random act of nature. We had no idea until birth because he never showed his hands on any ultrasound. I just had my 20 week a/s scan last week and we couldn't get a good shot of both hands and my doctor isn't concerned in the least. I will say if the amino will make put your mind at ease than go for it. Since we had no idea until birth about DS's condition we were at a total state of confusion. We received some really bad advice from a doctor and are so lucky to have a SIL with some experience to put us on the right track. If we were better prepared our first 5 weeks would have gone a lot smoother. I wish you lots of luck and hope everything with your baby is just fine.

I noticed your post, my son has Symbracadactaly and is missing his fingers on his left hand. I just wondered of you have ever heard of The Lucky Fin Project? Check it out if you haven't, it's a phenomenal support group for families with kids who have limb differences!

shesamommy · March 2014

I'm waiting for my second U/S because my boy had his hand open when the tech took the picture. The marker test was negative but they still want to do further testing. After a week of not hearing anything I stopped freaking out. Babies move all around in there. Don't stress

zhenoli · March 2014

@shesamommy: how come they got concerned with open hand? I thought that's what doctors and techs like to see open hands.

shesamommy · March 2014

They said its not proof enough that he can close his hand. I have a dvd from a sonogram place that has him opening and closing his hands but because the hospital didnt see it I guess it never happened. lol

Ive been trying to call them for 2 weeks for the follow up sonogram with no returned call. I'm hoping the high risk doctor just told them they were stupid and I dont need it.

Littlebean312 · March 2014

My LO had his hand clenched but the US tech poked and poked and annoyed him till he moved and then she was able to see him unclench it. First time I have had a tech annoy the baby to make sure what she was seeinibg wasn't just a sleepy baby.

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