What to expect on a Fetal Anomaly Scan ??

Jocelynguillermo2007 · March 2016

Mommies who have gone thru it What to expect ? How to prep for it? Did you find Gender of Baby??

Can't wait to read your replies

beachmama14 · March 2016

If it's the 20 week anatomy scan be prepared for it to take about an hour.. They have to examine all the major parts and organs, if you want to find out the sex and the baby is in the right position you will be able to. There isn't really anything to do to be prepared unless your doctor tells you to
have a full bladder or avoid sugar/caffeine before hand.

pdxmamatobe · March 2016

Do the ultrasound technicians talk about what they are seeing on the scans or is it something you have to wait to talk about with your doctor/midwife? I know with my first u/s the person was quiet and formal about it and I didn't have an appointment with my midwife until 4 weeks afterwards.

Jocelynguillermo2007 · March 2016

@beachmama14 - I will be 19 weeks by the date of my appointment, I hope the baby is a well and healthy and also lets us see if its a boy or girl

Thank you for your comment.

Have a wonderful Thursday

Jocelynguillermo2007 · March 2016

@pdxmamatobe - They called me this morning letting me know about this appointment and she just told the date and time and that it was going to be a Fetal Anomaly Scan. Wasn't much she gave so I wanted to get some tips from the community, till then I will see when the appointment happens.

0SeaMonkey0 · March 2016

pdxmamatobe said:

Do the ultrasound technicians talk about what they are seeing on the scans or is it something you have to wait to talk about with your doctor/midwife? I know with my first u/s the person was quiet and formal about it and I didn't have an appointment with my midwife until 4 weeks afterwards.

When I get mine the tech talks you through every single thing. They show you all the parts, including the sex if you want to know.

What to be prepared for: be prepared to see your baby inside and out

With my first we lay down and the Tech got set up and it was just like bam! Here's your baby's kidney! No cute profile or head shot, just straight to the guts and glory. Honestly, my husband and I left and I was like "I don't even know how I feel about that. I've never seen nearly as much of my own insides and now I've literally seen my entire baby from the inside." It wasn't the cute experience that I was expecting. A bit shocking really (and I work in medical research so I wouldn't have expected that reaction). I think it just felt a little bit dehumanizing somehow. We barely saw his face or his shape, just his insides!

618mom22boys · March 2016

pdxmamatobe they will measure pretty much everything. When they do the bones it will say on the screen what % your baby is in for those measurements. For us our boys always measured behind. The US tech never said anything, although I could read it, but the doc would go over that with us. They will also check your fluid levels as well.

AnnaS930 · March 2016

Agreed with above ^^ Our ultrasound tech would say things like "Ok.. now we're taking pictures of the bloodflow through the cord, making sure we can see all the vessels" etc etc. So it was really reassuring. I went in with a full bladder, my little guy didn't want to roll to give a good profile shot (and we hardly saw his genitals for just a second to know he was a boy). I peed to try to move him around and it didn't do much good... I can't remember if I had some caffeine or not, but did for my followup scan (we didn't get to see everything first time due to his position).

My only warning/word of advice is realize that sometimes baby is just not in a position to get that perfect facial picture or the be able to determine sex. I was feeling REALLY bummed during mine when we were struggling to find out sex, I hadn't considered that to be an option. I should have been focusing on his amazing fingers and toes and spine, etc. But all I could think was "oh gosh, we still don't know what this baby is.. I NEED to know" silly FTM

danielle1290 · March 2016

With DS, the u/s was done right in my doctor's office because they have all the equipment there, and they talked me through the whole thing, pointing out body parts, explaining what she was doing, etc, and we were able to find out the sex. This time I am going to a different doctor, and they do the ultrasounds at the hospital across the street. For my first u/s the tech kind of told me what she was doing but did not tell me any specifics, so I am wondering if they will be able to tell me the sex then or if I will have to wait until I hear back from my OB.

For me, it was so cool to see that little baby on the screen, I remember it taking quite a while but I was so amazed by it and by finding out that we were having a boy that I don't really remember too much about the rest of the scan.

Good luck with your scan, hopefully baby will cooperate and you will be able to find out what you are having (if you want to).

pdxmamatobe · March 2016

Helpful responses everyone! Mine isn't until the 29th so I'll plan on asking a little more at my next appointment. I can't wait!

Tippy05 · March 2016

I had my 20 week scans with previous pregnancies the tech did them right in the doctors office. Although she described what she was doing and looking at, I think technically they can't tell you any results since they aren't doctors. Our tech is awesome and I kind of wish she was doing this one too, but because of my age they want to send me for a level two ultrasound at a bigger clinic. It's cool in that it'll be a bigger screen with more sophisticated equipment, but a little nerve-wracking to know that it's with people I'm not familiar with and of course, still nervous that something could be wrong. I worry so much! Aarrghh!

Jocelynguillermo2007 · March 2016

Glad to know I can find out the sex, but most importantly want to know the baby is growing healthy and strong and that there are no problems.

Can't wait anxiously waiting to have a piece of mind that baby is well

camichael84 · April 2016

My tech also talked me through what she was doing, pointing out organs, body parts, and what she was taking pictures of. My daughter never moved into a position to see her profile or heart, so I had to have another u/s at 24 weeks to see those. She also didn't move where we could see the sex until near the end, and it still wasn't a clear shot. The tech told me she was 98% sure. I made sure to ask that she was still a girl at the 24 u/s, and they were 100% sure at that one that she was. Be prepared to have them pound amd shake the wand on your belly to try to move baby. It'll be kind of uncomfortable for you, but won't hurt baby at all. I took OJ with me at the until 20 week u/s to help wake her up if she was asleep, which she was. But it didn't have any effect on her, and she remained sleepy.

geminigirl16 · April 2016

Has anyone done the 3D/4D scans? Are they worth it? My clinic offers them and said we could do it for my a/s but I've heard that they are not completely safe? I'm doing some research but was wondering if anyone has personal experience or wanted to weigh in?

camichael84 · April 2016

@geminigirl16 I had extra monitoring because of high blood pressure and GD. We had an u/s done at 32 weeks, and the tech turned on the 3d for us at the end. We could see DD's face and hands/feet. It was really cool, and if they offer to do it again at any point with this one I will say yes. I haven't heard anything about them not being safe, other than too much overexposure to ultrasounds may not be good for the baby.

noelani42 · April 2016

They turned on the 3D at my 36 week scan just for funsies. We paid to have it done a few weeks earlier and couldn't get a good shot. If I had known they were going to turn it on at 36 weeks, I wouldn't have paud extra for the 3D scan at the elective place

geminigirl16 · April 2016

Thank @camichael84 and @noelani42 I am leaning towards doing it as it looks neat but obviously don't want to do anything that may harm my baby. I've only had one u/s at 8 weeks so I am really excited to get another look at the little guy!

618mom22boys · April 2016

geminigirl16 said:

Has anyone done the 3D/4D scans? Are they worth it? My clinic offers them and said we could do it for my a/s but I've heard that they are not completely safe? I'm doing some research but was wondering if anyone has personal experience or wanted to weigh in?

My doc offers a free one to every patient at 32 weeks. I heard that you can't get the right measurements with them though when done at the AS u/s.

geminigirl16 · April 2016

618mom22boys said:

geminigirl16 said:

Has anyone done the 3D/4D scans? Are they worth it? My clinic offers them and said we could do it for my a/s but I've heard that they are not completely safe? I'm doing some research but was wondering if anyone has personal experience or wanted to weigh in?

My doc offers a free one to every patient at 32 weeks. I heard that you can't get the right measurements with them though when done at the AS u/s.

Free?! That's amazing! I think I will have to pay an additional fee if I opt for it.

Thanks for the comments on the proper measurement, I will definitely look into that further.

cassloumy · April 2016

These responses are great! As another FTM, I feel so much less anxiety now. I would never have been prepared for things like seeing baby's insides, or jabbing the wand around without your stories. Thank you!

Kimmy717 · April 2016

@Jocelynguillermo2007 when is your scan? we are due on the same date.

My scan is next thursday... i dont know how i will be able to sleep this coming week.

Jocelynguillermo2007 · April 2016

Glad to hear everyone's feedback is making us feel much more comfortable about what is ahead of this beautiful road.

@Kimmy717 - It's going to be Next Friday 4/8 - How kool Kimmy may everything go smooth and fast on our Due Dates right!!

Is this your first child? Hope you keep me posted on your scan.

AnnaS930 · April 2016

Our hospital also offers to switch to 3D mode at the end of the anatomy scan just to get some cool pictures (nothing to be used for measurements, etc). I liked some of the facial shots I got of my little man, especially with the 3D on, he was such a real little baby after that! I would be skeptical of non-doctor's clinics doing super frequent ultrasounds on you, but wouldn't shy away from a 3D scan if it's something you want. Obviously, do your research but it seems pretty harmless.

AnnaS930 · April 2016

Our hospital also offers to switch to 3D mode at the end of the anatomy scan just to get some cool pictures (nothing to be used for measurements, etc). I liked some of the facial shots I got of my little man, especially with the 3D on, he was such a real little baby after that! I would be skeptical of non-doctor's clinics doing super frequent ultrasounds on you, but wouldn't shy away from a 3D scan if it's something you want. Obviously, do your research but it seems pretty harmless.

Kimmy717 · April 2016

@Jocelynguillermo2007 yes this is my first also. I will keep you posted. Good luck to you as well.

my baby will be listening to garth brooks live 4.8, perfect timing, it will be able to hear him.

Sporty1216 · April 2016

Like a lot of pp, the tech turned on 3D at the end of our anatomy scan with LO and gave us some sweet pics of his face. It wasn't on for long, but it was neat to see him like that! I always thought they were creepy...until I was looking at my own kid!

blondie080300 · April 2016

Thanks for starting this thread! This is all really helpful information! So thanks to everyone who shared too!

homebird · April 2016

Disclaimer: haven't read the rest of the replies, so sorry if I'm repeating.

It's about 45 min - 1 hour long. They gave me a good look at the baby first (head, profile, face, etc). Then she went in and did more detailed scans. If you have a good tech they'll explain what they're looking at and be open to questions. I had one scan that was terrible, honestly. The lady didn't explain anything and didn't seem like she wanted to talk.

But they'll check out the heart, the chambers. The brain, feet, limbs, umbilical cord, all that stuff. And if you want to know the gender they'll show you. If not, they'll have you look away because they do need to make sure that everything is as it should be.

It's really fun, assuming everything is ok with the baby.

Jocelynguillermo2007 · April 2016

@Kimmy717 Sounds good, see you till then.... and how adorable baby will become a fan. Have a great time.

Ah825 · April 2016

does everyone get a level 2 scan for their 20 (ish) week scan or just higher risk moms? Jait wondering

Kimmy717 · April 2016

my scan went well, i think. first shot when the tech put U.S. thingy on me was a butt shot. i was like oh my. Must of knew we were waiting to find out about its gender. ITS A GIRL

Measured organs but didnt say too much about anything. i guess they will let me know more in two weeks at my normal monthly apt. But its great to finally know the gender and see her progressing. And more pictures are always nice. lol. Good luck tomorrow @Jocelynguillermo2007

SarahDarah333 · April 2016

20 more days till mine! Technically 19 if I don't count today, because it's basically over. Hoping mine will be butt up and spread eagle lol!

rock1cherry · April 2016

Mine is in 19 days as well.

I have a week long work trip before hand so I'm hoping the time goes quickly. I am so excited to see the baby again and for my husband to be there. He was traveling for work unexpectedly while I had my last one. Plus we can't wait to see if we are having a little boy or girl. We are happy with either, it will just be nice to know finally! Fingers crossed we can find out then.

SarahDarah333 · April 2016

@rock1cherry I took the whole day off because the appointment is at noon- U/S at 12 and doc at 1, and our doctor is about 30 minutes away, so I'll work early that morning but then I have the rest of the day off. I'll be too excited to be around work people lol!

rock1cherry · April 2016

@SarahMConnors that's awesome! I don't really have that option since I will be out of the office the entire week before, but I doubt I will be too productive after that. Haha.

SarahDarah333 · April 2016

@rock1cherry the struggle is so real!!! Once I know the sex I'll be even worse! I can barely focus as it is! I'll just be daydreaming all day long!

Jocelynguillermo2007 · April 2016

@Kimmy717 glad to hear that it was a great appointment. How cute a butt shot. Congrats and it looks like we will both be having our lil best friends too. Our tech was awesome she took lots of pictures and told us we are having a girl. The first half was of her taking measurements and making sure to get all the necessary shots. The next half was when we both saw the baby and she told us the gender.... i am super happy and have already begun getting lil stuff for my one and only future Best Friend.

rock1cherry · April 2016

@SarahMConnors I've been struggling to be as productive as I usually am. I can't help it...haha!

jensou · April 2016

My scan is tomorrow and although I have previously scoffed at those having anxiety prior to their testing - I am finding myself in that boat right now. I had this weird dream 2 nights in a row now that baby only had one ear and that my Chinese in-laws blamed me because I didn't stop cutting things with scissors and knives. I know it's irrational but I think I'm going to have to ask the person scanning if they see both ears!

Jocelynguillermo2007 · April 2016

@jensou Everything will be fine, and totally understand double checking that all if fine (ears) will give you a piece of mind. Best of luck.

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