3rd Trimester

Echogenic Bowel and Short Femur

Hi all.
I am expecting my miracle baby this Summer. I am 30 weeks pregnant and had a baby growth scan today. Baby scored 8/8 on the testing for respiratory, movement, etc. Up until this point my pregnancy has been perfect.
My OB came in and told me that there seems to be a bright spot on baby’s bowel, an echogenic bowel, but that since it has not been there up until this point that I should not worry. She said 90% of the time it’s nothing and goes away on its own. Naturally, I am worrying. OB also said the femur seems to be a little on the short side and is not growing quite as much as the rest of baby, but that measurements like that are off all the time. My doctor didn’t seem worried, but is sending me for additional testing to be sure.
My NIPT came back negative for Down syndrome, and as mentioned, everything has looked great for me and baby thus far. I just can’t wrap my head around not one of these things, but both coming about at this point in the pregnancy.
I’m just wanting to hear of any personal experience you mamas may have had with these two things, and any helpful advice you have for me in the meantime as we wait for more tests. I’m trying not to stress, but it’s been hard since hearing that.
Thank you in advance!

Re: Echogenic Bowel and Short Femur

  • May I ask your age? The nipt is more reliable for 35+ mama's. Also short femur can be indicative of growth restriction or just a super short kid. My 1st has d.s. but I didn't do the nipt test. My 2nd doesn't but I believe around 34 weeks we noticed shorter long bones. I swear he just takes after my brother who is below average height. 
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  • I will be 24 this year! I am a short female myself (5’2) and my partner is 5’10, so not very tall himself. Baby did not have echogenic bowel at anatomy scan or any scan afterwards, it just showed at the 30 week growth scan.
    At the anatomy scan they did mention his femur to be a little short but within a normal range still, but now with the echogenic bowel appearing in the third trimester I’m not sure what to think. We have to wait another week for more tests and I’m trying not to stress in the meantime.
  • @missmiraclemama I had both of those in my first pregnancy and they ended up being nothing. Echogenic bowel ended up going away and I got to have extra ultrasounds because of it (which I ended up loving!). Hoping the same for you!
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