3 ultrasounds- is lack of growth an issue?

[diana17]

Hi, we had our first ultrasound in early April because I had a miscarriage in December. At the sonogram, the tech saw a gestational sac, but said that I was only measuring 5w 1d even though we calculated over 7 weeks. We went back a week later and the baby only measured 5 w 3 d with no fetal pole. The doctor wasn't concerned about me being behind because I could have ovulated late, but she was worried about the lack of growth in one week. I went back on April 21st and my doctor was pleasantly surprised to find a gestational sac, a yolk sac and a fetal pole (no heartbeat yet). However, I was only measuring 6 weeks 1 day. She is concerned that the lack of growth could mean another chromosomal abnormality since the baby only grew 4 days in 12 days (this is what happened with my first miscarriage- we had testing). My doctor is sending us back for another ultrasound on May 5th because she said that she has seen cases where lack of growth was not a cause for concern. I am worried that measuring behind four weeks is a big issue. Has anyone ever measured that far behind in growth before? I am still having pregnancy symptoms and I haven't had spotting or bleeding. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Having three ultrasounds and waiting another 12 days is hard.

[adgal]

I am so sorry it didn't work out.  

When I started to miscarry in Jan. I also opted not to have a D&C.  When I saw my OB/GYN, he did another u/s and also gave me a drug to help expel everything (I am sorry, I'm not sure if it was the same drug or not.)  I don't want to scare you, but it wasn't a great experience for me.  I wound up having an emergency D&C about 4 weeks later, and had lost alot of blood to a bit of a scary point.  If I had to make the decision again, I would do the D&C.  As for scarring and problems conceiving afterwards, I can only tell you I am now pregnant again, and although its very early, so far no problems at all this time.  And my conception was natural.  I guess everyone's experience is different, and you need to do whats best for you.  I wish you all the best, and take care.

[diana17]

It didn't work out for us... I ended up bleeding all weekend to find out that the fetus had not grown past 6 weeks and the fetal pole could no longer be seen. Because I am bleeding so much, my doctor gave me misoprostrol to expel everything. We chose not to have a d&c to reduce scarring tissue since I already had one, and the fetus was so small. However, I am finding that this is the worst pain ever. I have major cramps and the clots of blood has not stopped since I have taken them. Does misoprostrol usually expel everything? We are so worried because we plan to try again in two months. Otherwise, we just feel emotionally drained.

[adgal]

Light brown discharge is a really normal occurancy in first trimester.  Something like 30% of women experience it, and its usually nothing at all.  Stay positive, and know theres lots of us here rooting for you.  Keep us posted.  Good luck to you!!!

[kellym]

The brown can be from internal exam, ultrasounds, sex who knows at least it is "old" blood. If it gets heavier it may raise an eyebrow for me. When is your next appt??

[diana17]

Ironically, "cautiously optimistic" is a term my DH and I have been using. So, I have a little bit of light brown discharge. It is on my underwear, not when I wipe and it seems a little tacky. Is this normal? It doesn't look like the bleeding I had during my first miscarriage... or is this a bad sign?

[anne0922]

Diana - I agree with Kelly. I would be cautiously optimistic too.  I've had 3 miscarriages in a row due to a balanced translocation (most likely).  Each pregnancy, I've charted with my temps and used a fertility monitor, so I've always known when I've ovulated within 2-3 days.  Mine each measured small and they told me not to worry that early on, but I told them I knew exactly when I ovulated, so was concerned.  Unfortunately, they all were slow to grow and stopped growing after a while.  I only got to the point of seeing a heartbeat with the last one.  I'm sorry you're going through this, but wanted to just share my experience.  I hope everything turns out o.k. for you.  Sending prayers your way.

[kellym]

I'm so sorry about the wait, believe me I know. The lack of growth would for sure concern me. It is early, but even if it's a discrepency in ovulation ultrasound date to ultrasound is still a certain amount of time and should show that amount of growth in between no matter how far you are.  So if the growth was only 4 days growth in 12 days that must be the concerning factor. (if that makes sense) I would be cautiously optomistic and wonder if for your sake they can't get you in just a squeaky bit sooner. I hope and pray that all is well, please keep us posted.

[rdh1981]

I too also think it is too early! Don't give up hope! Maybe your little bean is a just a slow strater, that does not mean that he/she will not grow into a beautiful healthy baby!! I will keep you in my prayers and I can't wait to hear your good news!

Rachel

[diana17]

Thank you for your support. I have read several posts where you have commented, and you are always so supportive. We are hoping for the best on Monday.

[adgal]

I think its probably too early to know for sure.  I have read posts on here where this happened and everything turned out just fine.  The waiting is the worst, I know.  Try to stay positive, and I wish you all the best.