6 weeks and no heartbeat

[Kimec4]

I am 42 and had a transvaginal ultrasound yesterday-which showed me to be 6 weeks pregnant.  However, while we saw the baby and the sac, there was no heartbeat.  The doctor is concerned because she thinks it should be there.  I am having another one next week, and she said that if there isn't a heartbeat I should consider a D & C.  I am frightened and do not know what to do.  Isn't that a little soon to be rushing into terminating the pregnancy?  She said I could wait for my body to take care of it-so far I have had no cramping or bleeding.  

[IsabelleCanada]

I'm sorry, truly. You must look ahead to what's in your future and try not to dwell in the past... I know it's easier said than done but the positive attitude is the only thing that will carry you in the direction you want to go...

I'm really sorry again for you loss, I'll pray for you!

[Miranda9]

Dear Kim, I'm so sorry to hear that.  You are right in that the not knowing is so very stressful.

I just turned 42 last month and had a m/c last month.  I've taken a practical attitude and my doctor gave me the go ahead to try right after I get my first period.  So that's what I'll be doing!

Please keep in touch.

Sending hugs your way:)
M

[Betsta]

Kim, I'm sorry for your loss, but I'm happy to hear you are doing better.  You're right, the not knowing is absolutely the worst part (it was for me too).  Good luck!!

[Prayerful2528]

I am sorry for your lost as well, you are in my prayers  Sending hugs your way.

Yolanda

[7preg3b]

I'm so sorry for your loss.. My thoughts and prayers are with you..

[Kimec4]

The second ultrasound was not good...the gestational sac was irregular, the embryo was not really in any definite form, and there was no heartbeat.  It was also not growing.  I had a D & E yesterday with no problems-no pain and surprisingly no bleeding.  I am sad, but remarkably OK with it all-I think the not knowing was the worst part-once I knew it wasn't viable, I was able to process it and look to the future-the doctor was very reassuring that it wasn't anything I had done, and that it is very possible that my next one will be healthy-we intend to try again in a few months.  Thank you all for the encouragement and prayers and well wishes, and I wish everyone health and happiness...hopefully I will see you again soon!
Kim

[adgal]

Lots of luck.  Please keep us posted.  

[Betsta]

Good luck and keep us all posted!  We'll be thinking of you!!!!

[mamaof6]

Good luck and I sure everything goes well for you tomorrow :)

[Kimec4]

Tomorrow is the day-wish me luck!

[kellym]

The  heart should start beating around now so he's probably being cautious.  I think that maybe more times than other the heart is seen beating right now or they would make them 7 week ultrasounds not 6. Not trying to discourage you. At 6w 1d, my ds heart was only at 89. They gave me a 50/50. It obviously had just started to beat and has to start somewhere. I wouldn't change dr.'s if you like the one you have. He's a "DR" and we are all just hormonal women, hee, hee.. At 7 weeks you should definitely see the heart beating so I can understand the discussion on a D&C if one isn't found.  I certainly pray you have a positive outcome!

[Kimec4]

No, the doctor has run no blood tests on me to check my hormone levels-just the initial blood work to check for HIV, rubella, etc.  I will ask about that though if I need to-and I have already considered getting another doctor in the event there is no heartbeat next week.  I appreciate the support and will keep everyone posted.   I didn't mention earlier-but it is also my first pregnancy, probably not hard to tell that :)

[Kimec4]

Thank you all for the encouragement.  I am going to do exactly that and relax...I don't have a lot of people to talk to about it with-this is very helpful to me.

[adgal]

Betsta is right, this comes up here all of the time. I can tell you that at my 6 week ultrasound I was measuring behind with no heartbeat (and I was using an ovulation predictor kit, so was sure of my dates) and my OB did not even mention the word miscarriage at that point.  He redid the ultrasound at 8 weeks, and it was then when there had been no growth, and my HCG levels had dropped that we decided on a D&C.  I cannot begin to tell you how many women have not seen a heartbeat until 7 weeks.  I am actually very surprised your OB is talking like that.  Did they run your HCG levels?  2 bloodtests, 48 hours apart, can tell you alot at this point.  Also, I am assuming they scheduled an ultrasound for a week or 2 from now where they can see the growth?  I know what a scary time this is, but its not uncommon to not see a heartbeat at 6 weeks, so try to relax if you can.  If it were me, I would find another Dr.  This one seems to be jumping the gun a little too quickly.  Please take good care, and keep us posted as to how you are doing. We are here to support you and cheer you on!!

[Betsta]

I seem to read this more often than not, that if a doctor doesn't see a heartbeat right away, they go right to the D&C conversation.  I haven't personally experienced this situation, but 6 weeks is still very early and many women on this site will tell you they have been through the same thing and at 7 or 8 weeks they found the heartbeat.

Enjoy the fact that you are pregnant and stay positive that next week or the following week you will hear your babies heartbeat and try not to think about what your doctor told you until at least your 8th week for sure!

Congratulations on your pregnancy!!!

[Helen72]

You may not see a h/b till 7 weeks.  I know that it's very stressful but you just have to wait and see what the next u/s shows.

[IsabelleCanada]

wow, you should get a second opinion before stressing out... I mean your doc might be right but it is very unusual to see the hearbeat this early... I got a vaginal U/s this morning to make sur it was in the uterus and not in my tube (I have a history of ectopics so I have been on close watch) and we did see a tiny blob at 6 weeks but we didn't even look for the hearbeat because it is assumed that we can't see it yet. Couldn't see a baby, no sac, no yolk nothing... and my doc said all is well, we'll see ya next friday!

seriously, relax and try to enjoy today. You're pregnant and that's all you need to think about at this point... you can't go through life with sweaty palms!!!