Uterine Blood Flow Information

[mrsgladden]

Hi ladies!
We just had our 19 week, 4 day ultrasound. The MFM saw notching on the left side at our 13 week ultrasound, but not the right. She said it was nothing to worry about and to continue with my daily baby aspirin. The blood test results from the 16 week AFP test came back normal, so I was hopeful I had less to worry about. My BPs have been perfect-low, and I feel great. At the 19 week ultrasound today, the MFM finished the ultrasound and said "okay, everything looks good, baby looks healthy and is measuring great, placenta looks good, see you in 4 weeks." When I asked about the notching, the MFM said I had notching today on both sides. She said not to worry and that there was nothing I could do, and she'll see me back in 4 weeks. So naturally, I'm a little worried. Does anyone have any experience with this? I want to be trusting and not worry, but after my experience with my previous pregnancy, I want to be as informed as possible about what this means. My MFM still put my risk of developing PE at 25%. When I tried to ask her specific questions about the notching, she just said not to worry (which of course only makes me worry more bc/ I felt like she wasn't giving me the information I needed). I would love to read any research available on this if anyone knows of anything relevant.
Also, my husband and I discussed seeing another MFM Dr. in the practice. I just felt put off today by the way she just told me not to worry instead of answering my questions about what was going on in my body and what it means. But maybe this is how all MFM Dr.s practice?
Thanks for your time and input!

[Petunia]

I'm not an expert by any stretch...but I can just tell you what I was told by my MFM. First off, in regards to the notching, he said that using that as a predictor of pre-e risk is most accurate after 20 weeks, so it seems maybe a bit early to be doing that anyways? I only had one uterine doppler study done and it was not until 22 weeks because of this. So that's the only info I can give you there, is maybe it's not a big deal because it's really too early anyways... although I'm not sure why she would do it then?

As far as the way she's answering your questions, I'm sorry, that would REALLY bother me. While I understand that our doctors do not want to add stress to an already stressful pregnancy, keeping you in the dark is certainly not the answer. My MFM tells me everything, he told me I had marginal cord insertion even though there's nothing to do about it and it's not a big deal... but he specifically told me because he said he wants to be completely open with us. I would certainly try to speaking with her again and let her know that "don't worry about it" isn't an acceptable answer. It's your pregnancy and in order to be a good partner for you she needs to talk to you. If it's really nothing to worry about, then have her explain why. Or why do the test if the results don't really matter? If you don't get more straightforward answers from her I'd consider seeing another doctor like you mentioned. I know for me it would just add stress if I felt like my doctors were hiding anything from me. I hope she's right though, I hope it's nothing!

[MomTimesThree]

I also don't have experience with the notching, but "don't worry", ugh. That's like telling someone who is crying to stop crying- rarely helps! I would ask her specifically (or change doctors), tell me why this isn't a worry. Like the previous poster I always appreciate doctors who give me all the information so that I can decide on my own not to worry instead of just putting trust in them. And sure enough, when I understand why they're not worried, I'm not worried! But just being told "don't worry", oy, I'd be so frustrated... and of course, worried, even if there really wasn't anything to worry about.

[aajatwins]

I would have hoped that your doctor would have more to say than that. Some doctors just don't like to give too much info on the chance of causing more worry. But as you've said, it can have the opposite effect! On the other hand, I have heard ladies on here say that notching was seen at one ultrasound and then not again at the next. I honestly don't know what it is an indicator of, though. Hopefully, someone else can chime in with more info on this for you.

[angieb]

I had notching in my 2nd pregnancy, no preeclampsia at all. My MFM is so underwhelmed by any indication that it means anything, we aren't even doing a doppler study this time (which is fine with me, last time it just stressed me out for no reason.)

[mrsgladden]

Thanks for all the help and input!