Ultrasound Scan and BMI

I have a high bmi, and my baby is absolutely awkward on the ultrasounds! I’ve had 3 private scans to try get a decent picture but he plays up every time! I wouldn’t take it to heart to much but the fact they put it down to bmi is a bit personal x

In my first pregnancy, it was almost impossible to get my daughter to get in a good position. She was stubborn at almost every scan! They said my BMI was high but honestly, it’s nothing to worry about. I’m not even sure why they put it down to your BMI - I was told it just happens. Don’t worry girl, you’ve got this 🫶🏼

Both my pregnancy they put it on my noses as bmi, yes I'm big but second time round they had difficulty bc of my csection scar and sonographer said that himself but on notes he said bmi. I feel like when ur on the bigger side they just blame everything on that 🤦🏽‍♂️

I strongly recommend the Instagram and Facebook group for The Heavyweight Midwife. Lots of people there with experiences similar to yours.
If you're a book person, then Plus Size Pregnancy by Dr Sara Wickham is fantastic and very useful for informing yourself with data etc so you can advocate for yourself in appointments.

My first pregnancy I had a high BMI, i was considered high risk pregnancy and was given extra scans, which I found reassuring really. I also had low papp-a which is poor blood flow from the placenta and can be associated with high BMI. Despite this, I had no notable complications throughout pregnancy. I went into early labour naturally at 37 weeks and had to have a c-section because he was breach but I dont think this had anything to do with my BMI and he was born healthy, not requiring any medical intervention. I had a healthy BMI for my second pregnancy and she was 5 weeks prem, requiring medical intervention, so I dont think it matters what your BMI is. 🤷🏻‍♀️ I wouldnt worry hun. It just means you get extra scans to make sure baby is ok. ❤️

I didn’t read my notes, but I believe my BMI is/was normal. They did however have difficulty with the ultrasounds du to baby’s position.
They managed to measure everything except the water thing for downs etc.

I’m an ultrasound tech, do not feel discouraged or anything by what they put on the paper. Babies in the womb are already hard to get good images and measurements on so just because you have a high BMI does not mean it will cause an unsafe or unhealthy delivery! Baby’s move all the time during ultrasounds and sometimes they are sooo stubborn that we need to reschedule ultrasounds cause we can’t get accurate images. I had a high BMI for both my pregnancies and had big very healthy babies (my husband is 6ft and I’m barely cutting 5ft)!

Side note: half the time when we can’t get good images in patients, we usually blame it on body habitus (BMI) when that has nothing to do with it. Our anatomy is different and some organs are deeper than others which makes it harder to see. I’ve used it multiple times for patients that are way below or have normal BMI, so do not think less of yourself or of your body bc it’s growing a beautiful life and every lb, stretch mark or beauty mark is worth it!

My BMI is 52 and it says at the top of every scan that the scan was difficult due to my body. The thing is, they’ve always managed to get good photos and measurements with one exception where baby wasn’t in a good position. You’re fine mama. Many of us go into pregnancy with high BMIs. I’ve had to do additional things like early GD test and equipment evaluations too and that doesnt always feel good but you just remember you’re creating life! A life you want in your life! The medical staff are all pros and usually don’t mention it. Things are going to be great.

I had a high bmi- didnt affect my pregnancy in anyway. Only thing was a nutrition antenatal class about diet and things.
And had a growth scan due to high bmi and was fine.
Wouldn't stress tbh, bmi is outdated and not really a concern for baby

Thank you all so much for sharing ❤️ you've really helped put my mind at ease. Lots of helpful advice. Love you all Mummas x

My BMI was 30 and they told me at my 12 week scan it was hard to get a good image.

I don't have a high BMI and I don't have any 'cute' pictures from the ultrascan - they all look like blury blobs or unidentifiable things! The ultrascan person got me a cute picture of a foot because the rest were so pants! I think it's probably luck of the draw and not just your weight/ bmi ❤️

They put it on everyone's. Its a safety net for if they miss anything.

Mine said difficult scan due to gas 😂😂😂 my pregnancy BMI was 30 and it was never mentioned or relevant to anything. I think they have to put a reason but that's an easy out but it's more than likely irrelevant.