Missed miscarriage, but not certain...

Hi all, new to this and writting on behalf of my partner. We never intended on posting on any forums, but have found ourselves more confused for looking and wanting to ask others opinions on our situation.

My partner got pregnant very quickly, in late december 2011, after an initial DR's appointment, she had worked out that we were around 4 weeks, on 16/01/2012. We had done 6 tests in the few days prior to this appointment, the first being negative and the following all being very faint, we were always uncertain that the 4 week date the DR had initially given was mis-calculated, assuming we may have concieved the week prior to the 6th, the tests were done 3-4 days before period was due. Weeks went on, symptoms became more apparent and we both got very excited. Following moments of spotting and abdominal cramps, on occassions, my partner and I went for an U/S on 01/02/2012, meaning we would have been around 6 weeks pregnant. The scan showed a normal sac and embryo for a 5 week pregnancy and we were told to come back one week later to check for a heart beat. So, one week later, meaning 7 weeks by the GP's dates, 6 Weeks from the Sono's dates and us still uncertain in our own minds, we went for the scan and was told that the sac had grown, but there had been no embryo growth within those last 7 days and no h/b. We were terribly saddened when we were informed that this was a missed miscarriage. That day, coming home from the hospital my partner had heavier bleeding with little clots, but not as heavy as one would imagine for a miscarriage, (potentially due to the irritation of the tv scan)  Looking back, again, 1 week later we are starting to question the diagnosis as my partner is still getting the same signs of pregnancy, no further bleeding and most of all a VERY positive pregnancy test.

I rang the hospital, to demand paperwork from the last scan (which we were not given at the time) and told the nurse about the positive test tonight, she said it can take up to 10 days from the beginning of bleeding, which it has been if you include a lighter bleed 10 days prior.

After reading these forums I question whether perhaps this has been misdiagnosed, or if I am merely in denial.

If anyone can help, it would be sooo much appreciated.

xx

[cassied44]

Hi

Although I have never experienced a miscarriage, I would definately get a second opinion, especially if still getting a positive test. Go to another doctor and get another blood test done to see. I have heard of quite a few people getting period like bleeding during pregnancy. My doctor has also said its better to wait till 8 weeks to get a scan as is more clearer.
Hope this helps and goodluck to you both.

[AnnieBrooke]

Let's see:

On 01/02/2012, an ultrasound showed a normal sac with an embryo the right size for a 5 week pregnancy.

One week later,  the sac had grown, but there had been "no embryo growth" within those last 7 days and no heartbeat.

Here is what I am wondering.  Did they say definitively no embryo growth?  Or were they simply reacting to no heartbeat?  Were the scans compared by overlaying one over the other or by measurement of the embryo from crown to rump?

If there is truly no embryo growth, that is not an encouraging sign.  Lack of a heartbeat this early is hard to be definitive about -- there are legions of stories about someone getting a 5- or even 6-week ultrasound and seeing no heartbeat, and then two weeks later, there everything is.  But I'm concerned about them saying there is no embryo growth.

If you believe the ultrasonographer or the doctor who compared the two ultrasounds is competent, then you have to prepare yourself for the worst at your next scan.  But if there is some reason to believe that the two scans were not compared directly, or possibly you question the competence of the person doing the scan, then there is might be some hope.

I wish you the best.

[AnnieBrooke]

(By your dating, I assume you mean the ultrasound on 01/02/2012, I assume you mean it was February 1, 2012.)

Regarding bleeding, it is not a definitive signal, either.  When I miscarried naturally, I knew almost the day the babies died, because I had coincidentally had two ultrasounds in three days, and in the first one, their hearts were beating, and in the second, their hearts had stopped.  After that point, it took about 20 days for me to finally lose the embryos.  So the nurse chirpily telling you that it takes 10 days is not always true.

Have they offered to do two beta hCG counts 48 hours apart, to find out if the hCG is dropping?  That would tell you what you need to know without having to wait longer for another scan.

Good luck.  Miscarriage should happen to nobody.

[Susieq5]

If someone hadn't told me to ask the doctor to check my progesterone level at my 1st apt, I probably would of lost her. If you are not going to a specialist now, I would find one. Have faith, I had twins my 2nd time around naturally.I haven't ever commented on anything before, so maybe you are meant to hear this, Good Luck!