Anatomy scan/ "suboptimal heart"

soontobemomof6 · May 2014

Hi ladies, I had my anatomy scan today and all looked good, except they couldn't see 4 separate heart chambers like they should, so I'm going to for a high risk scan in 1.5 weeks. I know I shouldn't be overly worried- they assured me that maybe they just couldn't see it well or that it's just not all the way developed quite yet, but of course in worried sick. Anyone had this happen? How did it turn out? Just wanting to hear some other experiences and what to expect if it turns out there really is an issue.

MrsLaLaBug · May 2014

I think there are quite a handful of ladies here having a second scan simply because the doc couldn't see everything optimally the first time, myself included. Try not to worry!

biokitty42 · May 2014

Try not to worry -- easier said than done, I know. I hope that everything checks out okay and the 1.5 weeks goes by really quickly. I'm sorry you're dealing with this.

sapphires-and-diamonds · May 2014

I had a fetal echo this week due to results from my A/S. Similar situation where the tech and OB could not get a clear shot. One frame showed blood crossing chambers where it should not indicating a hole in the septal wall. They OB was amazing at explaining everything and easing our fears. She said most likely it was just a bad shot and because baby was so active that day she just wanted to be sure.
Fetal echo went well and the pedi cardiologist said he "thinks" the heart was normal, but I will have a follow up echo in June just to be sure.
I would trust your Dr and try not to over worry yourself until the next u/s.

mrsdanielleM2010 · May 2014

zoeygirl1105 said:

Try not to worry even though I know it's hard. It sounds like they just couldn't get a good view of it. FX that your next scan goes well!

This. I hope all turns out well, and at your next scan baby gives you a good view!

babyd143 · May 2014

With my first pregnancy they could not view all 4 chambers at my A/S. They did a follow up ultrasound at 28 weeks and easily saw all 4. xo

emmylu30 · May 2014

Best wishes for your follow up scan. Try not to worry too much.

jg1011 · May 2014

Hoping your next scan goes well! Will be thinking of you!

JustCricket · May 2014

I hope your second scan goes well! I'll keep you and the LO in my thoughts and prayers! And I'll echo the pp's try not to worry too much.

JSS1002 · May 2014

I had my a/s on 4/21 and they are making me wait 6 weeks to come back for a rescan because they didn't get a close enough look at the heart and mouth. They said they don't have any concerns, just didn't get a good enough look and want to be SURE because it could affect where I deliver if something is wrong with either of those two things.

I had a week of being a basket case about it, and now I'm just assuming everything is fine unless I Hear differently.

Irisheyes1247 · May 2014

We had to go back with dd2 because they couldn't get all the views of the heart needed, and we'll be headed back with this baby for the same. Our tech was having trouble because baby was being less than cooperative, so I'm trusting that.

nilvero · May 2014

At my A/S they put suboptimal because they couldn't get a good view of the heart. Baby was on his stomach and they kept having to get a shot through his shoulder. Dr. said it's normal and happens a lot when babies are uncooperative.

Still, I know it's hard to not over analyze it! FX that you have a great scan in 1.5 weeks!

chardonnay24 · May 2014

I hope your second scan goes well! We had ours done at a perinatal center for a separate issue, and the tech told us that most of her patients are there because they couldn't get a good look at their original a/s. I think it's pretty common.

hadeelb · May 2014

This happened to me and I had to go back for a limited scan about a week later. The tech assured me that it's not because she had seen something abnormal, but it was because my LO was not in a good position to look at the heart. In the follow-up scan I saw all 4 chambers and at my MD appt he said everything look normal. Try not to worry.

mcstrepp · May 2014

Hope everything goes well at the next scan. Thinking of you.

kayemgi · May 2014

T&Ps and fingers crossed that everything goes perfectly in your second scan. Try not to worry too much!

blue+skies · May 2014

I'm on mobile so I apologize I can't see tickers/siggies, but how far a long are you? Both my mw and my sister's OB prefer doing A/S's closer to 24 weeks because the heart and arteries are more fully developed and easier to see. Try not to stress, I'm sure it's just a precaution and very likely everything will be just fine. I always tell myself don't worry until I know I have something to worry about (although often easier said than done!). Positive vibes to you!

LifeofCat · May 2014

I'm getting a second A/S next week to take a closer look at the heart (I'll be near 23 weeks at that point); I'm being followed a bit closer due to previous losses, so it was scheduled in advance knowing that they can only get a good look at the heart around then. I'm not really worried for some reason (defence mechanism?); I see it as another opportunity to see my little lady dance in there

I know it's easier said than done, but try not to worry, the second scan will come so soon! (((hugs)))

lovesazzie · May 2014

I had a similar situation with my second and it was so nerve wracking waiting for the next u/s. Chances are that everything will be fine though - sending you t&p!

soontobemomof6 · May 2014

blue+skies said:
I'm on mobile so I apologize I can't see tickers/siggies, but how far a long are you? Both my mw and my sister's OB prefer doing A/S's closer to 24 weeks because the heart and arteries are more fully developed and easier to see. Try not to stress, I'm sure it's just a precaution and very likely everything will be just fine. I always tell myself don't worry until I know I have something to worry about (although often easier said than done!). Positive vibes to you!

That is very helpful, thank you! I was exactly 20 weeks the day of the scan, but baby was measuring 10 days smaller (although that's well within normal, they just said the size estimates get more inaccurate the further along you are).