Dr. Marjorie Greenfield
Specializing in pregnancy and birth.
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 Ask Dr. Greenfield
Baby's Spine Hard to See on Ultrasound | | | QUESTION | | | Dear Dr. Greenfield,
I am 26 weeks pregnant. I need a repeat ultrasound at 28 weeks because the the doctor did not see the spine well and my placenta was low. The first ultrasound was done at 19 weeks.
I understand about the placenta, but my doctor said not to worry about the spine because seeing it often is dependent on how the baby is lying. But what I've read says that the spine should have been quite visable at this time. My doctor was mostly concerned about the placenta. But after reading about neural defects, I am worried. My baby kicks all the time and moves well. Wouldn't that indicate that the baby's spine is fine? The baby also is growing well. Wouldn't there be any other indications? Thank you for your response.— Nervous Mom in Lansing, MI | | | ANSWER |
November 27, 2001 | | | Dear Nervous Mom,
When an ultrasound is done at 19 weeks, the sonographer tries to see all the baby's anatomy. Often, though, the baby is lying in such a way that the spine or the genitalia aren't well visualized. This does not mean they aren't present, just that the specific landmarks can't be well seen.
Since the doctors weren't particularly worried about your baby's spine, they felt it was reasonable to delay another look until a second ultrasound was going to be done to recheck the position of the placenta.
It sounds to me like there is nothing particularly worrisome about your baby's anatomy. I hope that this gives you some reassurance and that you go on to enjoy the rest of your pregnancy!— by Marjorie Greenfield, M.D. |
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