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Transvaginal Ultrasound-Low Fetal Heart Rates

I had my first US yesterday.  According to my LMP, I am 7 weeks, 3 days.  The ultrasound measurements indicate an age of 5.5 weeks to 6 weeks of age.  The doctor was concerned by this, and by a "low heart rate".  Although a bit hard to see, we could see the baby's heart motion as it was beating, however they did not pick up heart tones and did not estimate a heart rate.  The yolk sac was there, and the gestational sac looked "a little crinkly" according to the doc.  He used the term "50/50" to describe the odds of survival.  Needless to say, I am upset, and my husband VERY anxious.  I am going back for another US in a week.  If I remember correctly, the due dates for both my (healthy) children were moved further back than I know the date should have been, based on LMP/conception dates.  Is the doc just preparing us for the worst?  Don't the heart, yolk sac, and gestational sac all form around these times?  Is it possible the baby's heart has just begun beating?  I am now asking myself why anyone would have an ultrasound this early??  Just has scared me to death!  Seems it would be wise to wait until 10 weeks...after all has formed and that little heart should be beating away.
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Avatar universal
I am very sorry to hear of your loss.  Please do not feel that you should not try again.  You totally should if you want to.  I was 42 when I got pregnant and my doctor told me I was healthy enough or wouldn't have gotten pregnant.  I had several U/s starting at 7 weeks (due to some spotting) at 13 wk 1 day the little guy looked perfect.  All appeared normal.  Sadly, I lost my baby at 17 weeks so I know your pain.  But we have decided to give it another go and hopefully in the next month or so I will be pregnant again.

Good Luck!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I'm so very very sorry.  I do know how difficult it is.  I've miscarried three times, and for our second pregnancy, we decided to hold off on the early ultrasound.  Echoing what an earlier poster said, I ended up carrying, believing I was pregnant for longer than I actually was.

And also echoing what adgal said, you did noting wrong.  Nothing to bring this on or to make it happen.  Very well-intentioned people may say very hurtful things, and may suggest that you need to take it easy next time, not run around as much, fate, G-d's will...yadda yadda...it is none of that.  It is all about genetics and finding the right egg.  

Be well and take care.
Laura
Helpful - 0
1346146 tn?1299360497
My first pregnancy I had something similar happen.  First ultrasound the heartbeat was 98 at around 7 weeks.  We had a series of ultrasounds after that where the heartbeat was in the 80s and then 60s on so on until finally at 8w5d it just stopped.  I chose to have a d&c because I knew I wouldnt be able to handle a naural m/c.  After that we tried again and I had another m/c at 6 weeks.  We tried for a third time and I got pg with my first son and after some spotting and bleeding episodes we were able to get him here.  I dont think its a sign, it may be that something was wrong and thats why it happened.  The only thing they could tell me bout why I had m/cs was I had low progesterone.  I took supplements and now here I am with 2 sons and pg with number 3(had to have meds. for that one, long story lol) Try getting some hormone testing and it may be something simple that can be fixed.  I know its hard to hear now, but the good news is you can get pg.  You just may need a little help like I did.  I am so sorry your going through this and good luck to you.  
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Wanted to post an update for those who might be interested in knowing how everything went.  I had cramping very similar to menstrual cramps about 3 days after my first ultrasound and I spotted pink from the day of ultrasound until the next US a week later...not enough to require a pad.  A few days before the second US I began to feel less of my pregnancy symptoms...not as tired, stomach not as "bloated", breasts less tender.  I had prepared myself for the worst.  Sure enough, the US showed the baby had only continued to grow approximately 3 days after the last ultrasound and now showed no heart activity.  So apparently it had died sometime around the day I had the cramping.  I was given a choice to let it pass naturally, have a D&C, or to take cytotec to induce a labor.  I chose to take the medicine (which I took a just a couple of days ago).  Although scary, it seems to have worked as intended.  After going through all this stress, I couldn't bear the thought of waiting possibly another couple of weeks to lose the baby.  As so many of you know, it's such an emotionally painful experience to lose a baby.  I know it sounds terrible, but given my older age (40), I have wondered if this is a sign we shouldn't try again...feeling like we may be playing with fire.  This is such a difficult time, and I appreciate everyone's supportive comments along the way.
Helpful - 0
377493 tn?1356502149
I am so sorry your going through this.

First off, please let me assure you that you did nothing wrong.  This is much more common then I think most women realize.  In first trimester miscarriage there is rarely anything you can do to prevent or cause it.  

Some women have signs and symptoms, others none at all when they get the news through ultrasound.  Many of the signs of miscarriage can also be the same things that can happen in a normal healthy pregnancy, so you can't read too much into it. However, they CAN include bleeding..light or heavy (red or brown), cramping, abrupt loss of pregnancy symptoms.  Now many women have some or all of these and all is fine.  At this point the only way to know for certain is an ultrasound, or declining HCG levels (determined through bloodwork).  Again, you did nothing wrong..this happens in about 1 in 3 pregnancies.  It also does not necessarily impact future pregnancies.  I wish you well and hope all turns out ok.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Gud mrgning everyone, last wk was my very first dr's apt.  Technically last wk I was 11 wks a 4 days. This wk I'm actually 12 wks.  When I went to my apt last wk, the dr said I the fetus was only showing up as 6 wks and they could not locate a heartbeat and that there is a possibility that I am miscarriaging ;(  i hve been crying and praying that everything is ok. I was told that my conception date could be a month off and that I have a 50/50 chance that everything is going to be okay. I am scheduled for another ultrasound this thrs at a different location and I'm told that this ultrasound will b able to let us no if the fetus is growing, if there is a hearbeat, ect. Right now I hve been experiencing cramps every now and then, but I have not been bleeding, I am worried that this thrs will be bad news. I have been praying and putting my faith in gods hands. But the way how feel now is not gud. What r signs of miscarriaging and did I do something wrong? Please keep me in prayer and I will let u guys know my results come this thrs ;(  
Helpful - 0
377493 tn?1356502149
I have been through miscarriage a few times myself.  At this early stage it is not unlike what you are already experiencing...some cramping, much like your period accompanied by heavier then normal bleeding.  Physically it is not too bad...it is the emotional aspect that is difficult for some (such as myself) to cope with.  If you find yourself going through this, please know you are not alone.  Unfortunately many of us have been there and we are pretty good people to talk to and lean on.  Take good care, and please let us know how you are doing.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thanks for the feedback.  I do plan to call my doc on Monday regardless, but certainly will if I begin to have heavier or steady bleeding.  Still having occasional spotting and vague feelings of cramping a few times through the day today.  Just feeling uncertain of what to expect if the miscarriage process begins...
Helpful - 0
377493 tn?1356502149
Spotting is not necessarily an issue either.  About 30% of women have some spotting and about 50% of those have a healthy pregnancy.

I know it doesn't seem right now that things will be ok.  Please give your Dr. a call in the morning and let them know what is going on.  If the bleeding gets heavier, such as a pad an hour, then you do need to seek emergency medical treatment.  But there is still the chance everything can be fine.  Hang in there...hopefully you will have your answers soon.  I wish there was mroe right now that could be done then just waiting to see.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Things are not looking good today...some spotting this morning and this evening.  Very discouraged and preparing myself for the worst now.  Just trying to remember God is in control of all things, and if it wasn't meant to be, there must be a reason I just don't know.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thanks all for the well wishes, everyone.  I really appreciate all the feedback.  I am trying to stay postive.  We will continue to pray and wait...wait and pray :)
Helpful - 0
377493 tn?1356502149
I'm sorry your going through such a stressful time.  In my experience Dr's will always prepare you for the worst.  It's just the way they think.    At this point it is what the Dr. says...50/50.  I wish I could give you different info. The waiting is absolute sheer torture, I know.  I too have been there.  I do hope that it comes into the positive 50% area and all turns out.  I will keep all of you in my thoughts.  Take care and try to hang in there.  I know, easier said then done.  
Helpful - 0
1419915 tn?1289257100
be positive and hope for the best.  talk to it and say grow stronger :))
the development rates are sometimes off that what is expected.

as for having the u/s at this stage... in my case, my RE requires an u/s every week post transfer then after 7-wks u/s i was transferred to by ob/gyn doc and though i was expecting another u/s at 8-wks, i was told i will not need to have it again until 12-wks.  not having experience being pregnant before i thought this was all normal.  it turned out the baby died shortly after my last u/s at 7-wks and i was carrying it until 12-wks when i was scheduled for my next u/s.  at that time... i was told the baby stopped developing at 7-wks.  i personally was devastated... i wished that i received an u/s every week so i didn't loose precious time and would have found out that i miscarried early and started the physical healing and grieving process.  i was then told by my RE that if I was to get pregnant naturally (without ART) i would have been scanned at 10-wks (not earlier... maybe this is mandated by the insurance... idon't know??) but since i am getting treated with ART i can be followed until 7-wks.

i told my ob/gyn that b/c of my prior experience and b/c of my age i insist on getting u/s every week.  i guess to each his own.  i prefer finding out early.  similarly, if you know... hopefully you can send good vibes and talk to your little one (and take extra care of yourself) since you know what you are up against.

good luck though.... think positive... i'm praying for you, your dh, and your little bun :)
Helpful - 0
1372516 tn?1297265962
When i first found out i was pregnant i was 6 weeks and the doct couldnt see a sac or anything. I took a sonogram a week later and it showed a sac and we heard a heartbeat. So dont worry to much just leave it to god and he will take care of you.
Helpful - 0
1278093 tn?1294320384
hopefully you are just not as far along as you think....
the week of waiting is going to be really tough, but try to relax and not stress if you can
Helpful - 0
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