irregularly shaped amniotic sac

Hi!  At my appointment with my OB/GYN yesterday a transvaginal ultrasound was done and revealed that I have an oddly shaped amniotic sac.  The crown rump is measuring 6 wks 1 day which is exactly as it should be and there is a strong fetal heartbeat.  I have not had any bleeding or cramping.  I have had 2 previous miscarriages, neither of which had a strong fetal heartbeat.  The amniotic sac shown on the u/s yesterday was shaped like a star which the nurse practitioner said is usually indicative of a blightewd ovumm, but with a blighted ovum there is no heartbeat or embryo at all.  I am returning next week for another ultrasound to see if things have changed.  Also, there was a small cyst near the amniotic sac.  It was too small to even measure.  Should I be concerned?  I am also wondering if I need to see a specialist.  My normal doctor is on maternity leave and I am not sure how much confidence I have in the nurse practitioner.  Any advice/guidance you can give me would be fantastic.  Thanks so much!

[Keith Downing, MD]

Hello,

In the presence of a normal fetal heart rate I would try not to worry.  You have an established pregnancy which lowers the risk of miscarriage significantly.  Is there still a risk?  Yes, but at this point there is no reason to see a specialist.  There is nothing more to do other than wait (hopefully not too anxiously, although I can appreciate how that is easier said than done).

I wish you well.

Dr. Downing