7w6d u/s with fetal pole but no hb

Hello,
I went for my first ultrasound 2 days ago with a midwife.  She was super nice but young so she called in another midwife when she couldn't find a heartbeat on the u/s.  I was told that I am only measuring around 6 weeks according to the ultrasound.  My husband and I were perplexed by this since we pretty much know when we conceived since we were using an ovulation predictor kit.  The midwife explained that sometimes a baby just stops growing.  She sent me for a ton of bloodwork (hcg levels 35,000) and told me to come back for another u/s in a week.  She did not seem too optimistic and gave me advice on how to handle the miscarriage.  I just don't understand how I could have something not alive in me for 2+ weeks and not have had any spotting or cramping.  Is there any possibility that they just were not able to detect a heartbeat yet or that my baby is just growing slowly and will catch up?  This waiting and not knowing is making me crazy.  Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[CarlaLP]

It is possible that your dates are off which happens often in a natural pregnancy. That is a definite possibility.

On the other end it may be a missed miscarriage which means that the development stopped but your body has yet to recognize it hence no spotting or cramping. This too can be called a blighted ovum- where a fetus fails to develop.

You can wait a weeks or two and then go for another ultrasound which should give you a definitive answer. Also, you may end up miscarrying during that 2 weeks.

If you are indeed over 7 weeks there should be a heartbeat.

Good luck to you.

[meg12784]

I went 5 weeks without knowing my baby was dead. I had no spotting no cramping..nothing. Then I started having light pink spotting and went to er and then I found out baby had died 5 weeks earlier. That was the most confusing and hardest moment of my life. I could not understand how or why. Especially concerning God, how could he let me think I was 12 weeks and the whole time my baby was gone?? Ugh I'm still struggling.

[adgal]

I agree with all the other ladies have said.  The fetal heartbeat is typically detected between 5 1/2 and 6 1/2 weeks.  Now, it is common to have dates be off and, depending on the quality of the equipment being used, for a heartbeat not to be detected until later on.  I think you are doing the wise thing..a repeat ultrasound.  I am so sorry you are going through this and I wish you well.