Absent stomach bubble on scan

Hi,


Have now had two scans at 17w, neither of which has been able to detect the black "stomach bubble".


Have been referred by my OB, however has anyone else had a similar experience?

Sorry I was not able to reply sooner due to my own drama. Pls see other thread.


17 weeks is quite early to detect things I think so I wouldn't take it as gospel. Also I have read that sometimes you cannot see it if other organs are in the way. From my own experience this week I understand that there is a massive difference between "I can't visualise it" and "it's not there".


What you need is a second opinion. At my 20-week scan I was told there was part of my baby's brain missing. At a second opinion I was told that it was clearly visible and that he could not have even raised it. As a result of the first doctors scaremongering I have been a mental wreck for 2 weeks and I had to have an MRI. Luckily the MRI was able to see all things clearly and put our minds at rest.


Good luck, get a second opinion - preferably from someone specialising in Fetal Medicine. I was told that a Fetal Med Specialist has to have looked at many babies with abnormalities and know their onions. Dr. Alex Doo gave me great advise this week about my predicament and he was ready to refer me to a FMS in his practice so you may want to have a chat with him.

Yes, please go for a second opinion and good luck.

Just to let people know that my third ultrasound yesterday was fine.


Incase people are looking this up in the future having been told the same thing, my advice is not to worry too much (I was petrified!) and wait for a repeat ultrasound. The information on the internet is very scary and relates to a tiny percentage of babies. The best advice I received was via email from Tommys, www.tommys.org.uk and have cut and pasted below:


Thank you for contacting Tommy's pregnancy information service regarding your scan.


I am sorry this has caused you to worry and hope I can help to reassure you.


To be honest I have not heard of this before but from what I have learnt it is not unusual. Apparently the absence of a stomach bubble can occur in a large number of scans and so it is not uncommon for the scan to be repeated at a later date. The usual cause appears to be no food in the stomach and so the stomach is not easily seen on scan. It is reassuring that there were no other problems and everything else appeared normal. Usually if there is a problem with the baby other problems will be identified but this is not the case for you. It seems in 90% of cases everything is normal.


It is a real shame the sonographer did not explain things better to you. It is very difficult not to worry if told there may be a problem with your baby. Try to be positive and await the next scan when things are likely to be clearer.


See your doctor if you still have concerns or need more explanation regarding your concern.


I found that most forums did not have follow up posts which was disconcerting, so hope that this may help someone.