Had my first screen 12 week ultrasound today. Soon after the scan had begun, I noticed baby flailing around in an up and down jerking motion. I asked the technician if the baby was having trouble breathing and she said the baby was getting its oxygen through the placenta and that it didn't have the capacity to be struggling for air yet. I asked what then was the problem with the baby as it clearly looked to be in distress and she would not answer me. The baby's entire body was jolting (flailing) up and down and I told her this was bothering me. I asked if the baby was hiccuping and she still would not answer me. This jolting went on for about a minute or so at which time it stopped. Baby then began moving around quite a bit and at one point baby completely moved over to one side of my uterus, bended its tiny little legs and kicked off the side of my uterus like an experienced acrobat. I began laughing so hard it was difficult for the tech to do her job. I apologized, however, she still did not respond. As far as downs was concerned she said everything looked fine. I guess I am mostly upset that she would not tell me what was wrong with the baby and why it was jerking around like that. Is it possible something was wrong or was the problem with the technician and that maybe she had no idea what was wrong or maybe she was just inexperienced? Any suggestions?

At 12 weeks, that's what fetuses do. Particularly during active periods.

No, the baby wasn't having trouble breathing as babies don't "breathe" in the way that you and I do. There is no oxygen in the uterus for the baby to breathe, and at 12 weeks, your baby has no lungs to speak of.

You visited an ultrasound technician, they are only qualified to take the ultrasound. The images then get sent to a doctor of radiology to be read. She couldn't give you any information because she is not qualified to do so.

One cannot rule out Down's Syndrome at 12 weeks, or by ultrasound alone. First, a blood test will be done called an AFP (Alpha-Fetoprotein). If that shows a risk of Down's then an amniocentesis will be required to diagnose Down's inutero.

Is there a reason why you are so worried about Down's?

Thank you for your reply. I am worried about Down's because of my age. I am 43 years old. I am told the risk of Down's is very high. This is my first pregnancy and by no means was it planned. However, I have embraced this pregnancy as though it were and the thought of something being wrong is just too much for me to take in at this time. I did also have the blood tests done yesterday as well (through a poke in my finger) but will not receive the results for 7 to 10 days. So until then all I can do is wait and pray.

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Originally Posted by rainludlow

the thought of something being wrong is just too much for me to take in at this time

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A coworker ended up with an unplanned pregnancy (after having two children) at your age and was also worried about Down's. She had an amniocentesis and found out that her worst fears were going to come true. And then Rosie was born. That little girl has added so much to the family's life and has brought them all even closer together. The two older ones adore their little sister who is funny and cute and totally charming and loving. In fact, they had never know such love until Rosie came into their lives!

I wish you well. Keep us informed.

Hello and congrats on pregnancy! I am an ultrasound tech and a new mother.. so I scanned my belly all through my pregnancy ;)

First,
Your baby is fine and healthy:) At that age, babies are quite the acrobats. Your baby sounds very healthy, and it is fabulous that you got to see the baby move so much. We want to see movement.. but it is also OK if baby is sleeping.

Second, we ultrasound techs are NOT allowed to say anything good or bad unfortunately. It is hospital or office policy. It's a shame because I myself would love to let the patient know that everything is fine or even tell the patient the sex of the baby.. but again we cant.. we basically have to act like we don't know or we have to keep quiet. I myself just say " I only take the pictures, but the radiologist can only read them" as that was what I was trained to say. The radiologist has to confirm before the doctor gets to tell you the results.

Good luck with your pregnancy :)

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Originally Posted by GingerMB

First,
Your baby is fine and healthy:)

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How do you know that? Please read J_9's response.

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Originally Posted by Wondergirl

How do you know that? Please read J_9's response.

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Ok so I wrote that wrong, sorry. What I meant is..
That is normal to see the baby bouncing around. That is a sign of a healthy baby and not a sign of an unhealthy baby. I was referring to that sign alone.. The bouncing acrobatic baby.

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Originally Posted by GingerMB

Ok so I wrote that wrong, sorry. What I meant is..
That is normal to see the baby bouncing around. That is a sign of a healthy baby and not a sign of an unhealthy baby. I was referring to that sign alone.. The bouncing acrobatic baby.

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So a baby with Down's (or any other problems) would not bounce around?

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Originally Posted by Wondergirl

So a baby with Down's (or any other problems) would not bounce around?

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Wonder girl, she asked if bouncing around was a sign that her baby was in distress.. If it was bad that her baby was bouncing around. I answered that question only. All my intentions are good. I am not talking about Down syndrome , only talking about the fact that a bouncing baby at 12 weeks is not a sign of distress. It seems that you want to to find someone to argue with.. Well that is not why I am here. I honestly wanted to give piece of mind to that one question. I don't argue and if that is what you want then I don't think this is the right place to do so. This is a question and answer board and for people to give their opinions. I am answering the one question based on my experience as an ultrasound tech and what I see everyday. I was not answering about brain abnormalities as you have to get tested with blood for that. I don't want to argue on someone else thread. So this is my last post.
Again good luck to the poster of this question.

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I am answering the one question based on my experience as an ultrasound tech and what I see everyday.

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You diagnosed by saying, "That is a sign of a healthy baby and not a sign of an unhealthy baby."

It's too soon to tell if the baby is healthy and that there are no problems. We hope there aren't any and won't be any. And yes, we all wish her well.

WG, Ginger did not "diagnose" by saying that is the sign of a healthy baby because that IS a sign of a healthy baby. It's not a diagnosis.

At 12 weeks we expect to see babies doing somersaults and jumping jacks. I don't understand why you are trying to argue with someone who said basically the same thing I did.

Hi, first I can tell you is this, don't worry too much. To answer your question in regards of the baby is glaring around, is it under distress and so on, I can tell you that the baby is fine. Just because the baby seems to be jumping around like an acrobatic little baby, it is NOT an indication of distress or lack of oxygen. Seeing a baby like that in 12 weeks IS normal. It just shows that baby is active. Now, if you are concern about Down syndrome, an ultrasound scan isn't the method to determine the DS. You have to have a blood test for that.

How do I answer this? My husband is a radiologist and I am an ultrasound tech for years. This is what we do for a living. You are not the first to ask or worry this particular concern.

To give you peace of mind, the baby is FINE and by fine I am referring to the question since the baby (12 weeks) is flaring around, jumping around etc is not ANY indication of lack of O2.

You're fine and the baby is fine. Goodluck with your journey.

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Originally Posted by Wondergirl

You diagnosed by saying, "That is a sign of a healthy baby and not a sign of an unhealthy baby."

It's too soon to tell if the baby is healthy and that there are no problems. We hope there aren't any and won't be any. And yes, we all wish her well.

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WG, I think you are using the word "diagnose" improperly. Just because Ginger said, "fine and healthy" doesn't mean she diagnosed it.

If she said, "the person (I'm referring in general) has a brain tumor, the person Down syndrome, etc." that's diagnosing. However, saying "the baby is fine and healthy" isn't diagnosing.

But let me say this, as an ultrasound tech, we are the eyes of the doctor. Most of the time I work in ER and wrote down on my "TECH" note what my findings are. The following day, the radiologist THEn review my "findings" and if he/she thinks that there's discrepancy then he dedicates it and/or have another scan. And I am not talking about "the baby is jumping around is it an indication of lack if O2." I am talking about acute appendicitis and if the ER doctor believes that it might BE an appendicitis and considering all of HIS/HER "diagnosis" and "symptoms" then they might order a CT scan to be sure.

Let me put it this way, u buy a house. As your contractor at a quick glance I say, "your house is fine and sturdy." Just by looking at it I can safely say that because we are just looking at it at quick glance, but I'm not saying its free of termite because that's not what we are looking at it right now it's just a quick glance. However, if you want me to see if it needed to be check for termites, then we will check it more in depth.