No Fetal Heartbeat at 16 weeks

[SAMomOf3]

This is my 5th pregnancy.  2 pregnancies with no complications.  1 miscarriage at 6-8 weeks.  1 pregnancy with no complications.  

I've been seeing my OBGYN since week 8.  Fetal heartbeat was found w/doppler at 12 weeks.  Had an ultrasound done at 13 weeks - no abnomalities detected, good heartbeat and baby was moving around.  

I just went for my 16 week checkup & no heartbeat was found w/the doppler.  My OB sent me for an ultrasound.  There was no heartbeat and the baby measured between 13w & 1d to 13w & 6d.  I have not had any cramping, spotting or bleeding.  

My OB suggested a D&C and said they would have the "contents" tested to see if there is a reason why this happened.  

I've been reading some other posts/blogs and see that some women had a second ultrasound done (after the 1st failed to show a heartbeat) only to find that their fetus was just fine.  Should I request the same?  I don't want to hold on to false hope, but I don't want to get the D&C done if there is still a chance.

[aabarnett]

I would get a second opinion.  It's not false hope it's making sure they are right.  If there is no heartbeat than I am so sorry but you should make sure that is really the case before you do anything.  In my opinion, your doctor should have already suggested a second opinion.  It's never wrong to double check something and if you don't double check you might always wonder and that just isn't fair to you.  So I would absolutely get another ultrasound done if for no other reason than to erase any doubt.

[ovaz129]

I am sorry to hear about your situation.  I was in your shoes in Sept. 07.  I heard the baby's heartbeat at 10 weeks and 12 weeks.... everything was great.  Went in for my 15 week appointment and there was no heartbeat on the doppler.  So, my OB did an ultrasound and there was no heartbeat and the baby was not moving.  My doctor wanted to be sure, so she sent me next door to a specialist who had "better" equipment and he came to the same conclusion.  I opted for a D & C later that afternoon.  That was our first pregnancy.  

I too, had no bleeding, cramping... anything that would have indicated that something was going terribly wrong.  Unfortunately, they were unable to test the tissue.  

I think that you should get a second opinion.  Who knows... maybe the baby was sleeping in an awkward position and that is why the heartbeat could not be heard or seen.  I don't want to give you false hope, and honestly, if the doctor was unable to see or hear a heartbeat at 16 weeks, there is probably something wrong.  There are a million possible reasons as to why this happened, and one can only guess as to the exact cause, but I thought that I would share my story so that you know there is someone on here who has gone through a similar experience as you.  Good luck and I wish you the best...

[SAMomOf3]

Thanks for your responses.  (Ovaz129, thank you for sharing your experience with me.  It's comforting.)
I spoke with my doctor today and requested a 2nd ultrasound...just for my own piece of mind.  It's scheduled for tomorrow morning.  If there is still no heartbeat, I will proceed with the d&c next week.  
I think what makes this so hard is that I heard the heartbeat and saw the heartbeat twice via ultrasound at 8 and 13 weeks.  How could the heartbeat just stop?  In my head I know that there is a probably a medical reason for it, but in my heart I don't know that any answer would make it ok.  
At least with my 1st miscarriage I was cramping and spotting, so I was kinda prepared for it.  But this time there were no warning signs.
I know I'm not the first (or last) woman that will suffer a miscarriage.  I know I am very blessed to have 3 beautiful, healthy kids.  But it hurts, nonetheless.  
Thank you for allowing me to vent...I'm hoping for a miracle but prepared for the worst.

[aabarnett]

You'll be in our prayers.  Let us know how it goes okak?  We're here for here

[dirtyindie]

i hope things go well at your ultrasound. but if not, know that you're among many women who have lost babies and understand how terrible it is. we'll try our best to help you get through it.

[evthing4reason]

You are in my thoughts.

[sweetangel7]

Just checking in to see how you are doing?  You are in my thoughts and prayers!

[baby_edgar]

just wondering how everything went? good luck and all the best

[SAMomOf3]

Sorry it took so long to post an update...As you might have figured, things did not go well.  The 2nd ultrasound confirmed there was no heartbeat or movement.  They estimated the baby was around 13 or 14 weeks.  
I had the d&c done yesterday.  So far, so good...doesn't seem to be any complications, but I guess that remains to be seen.  The doctor is having the baby, placenta and uterine lining tested to see if there is a "medical reason" why the baby stopped thriving.

[evthing4reason]

I am so sorry you are going through this. I can relate. I pray for strength for you and your family

[blueeyedtabbycat]

I am so sorry for your loss:( My SIL just went through the same thing only she had to deliver her littel girl. She had no signs of a m/c or anything, baby was about 5 months:(

[mandylee4christ]

I am so sorry :( I just went through the same thing just 2 weeks ago. I was 10 wks, 4 dys and the ultrasound showed the baby was only 9 weeks with no heartbeat. I too had no cramping and no spotting. It's what is called a missed miscarriage. It's when your body does not know you have miscarried and so it is common to not have any warning signs. As for getting a second opinion that really is up to you. I thought about that but the fact of the matter is that I was almost 11 weeks - my baby only measured 9. And at the rate they grow I just knew it wasn't a mistake. It was really hard to let go and at times I wondered if the baby was actually dead but my doctors all assured me that at 9 weeks the ultrasound is very clear and there was no doubt the baby died 2 weeks before the ultrasound. At some point I had to let go and just know that it was the end. I had to have the D & C and had lots of complications but hopefully yours goes more smoothly. They are a very safe procedure and I am sure things will go good. After a few months if your heart is in it and you're ready you can try again. I'm sory for your loss. Please take care of yourself and give yourself all the time you need.

[mommy1sttimer]

i have been really paranoid about having a missed miscarriage (1st baby). can anyone tell me if their uterus kept growing after the baby's heart stopped beating? i am continuing to show (10w 5d today) and i heard the heartbeat at 8w 6d. does your tummy stop extending if the baby stops growing? any opinions would be appreciated!!