12 Weeks Pregnant, can't find heartbeat?

Question

My first doctors visit was March 28th.  He said I was about 10 weeks pregnant.  I was thinking I was only about 7 to 8 weeks along.  Last week I started spotting after having sex with my boyfriend.  It didn't stop so I went back to the doctor.  He thought my cervix was inflamed so possible infection.  The spotting continued and increased a little.  Went back to the doctor again on Monday.  He sent me for an ultrasound.  At this time I should be 12 weeks, or from what I think it would be about 9 or 10 weeks.  They did the regular ultrasound and the trans-vaginal one.  They could not find the heartbeat with either ultrasound.  My doctor said I could go ahead and do a D&C or I could wait it out and see what happens.  He told me that it is possible for everything to be okay.  I'm waiting, he had blood drawn and I go back tomorrow to see if my levels are going up or if they are decreasing.
I'm just curious if anyone has had this happen and everything turned out okay.
I'm trying to hold onto some hope, I'm not so sure anyone, I'm not having any pregnancy symptoms anymore and I'm still spotting everyday.

wannabeamommy22 · Answer

I am so sorry to hear that, I know the feeling though. If you need to talk about anything we are all hear for you

nickieb85 · Answer

AWWW honey, my heart goes out to you. I would definitely wait and see what your levels are tomorrow. I know that it is hard as I have had 2 m/c myself. It is always hard... let us know what your levels look like tomorrow.

Breezy_83 · Answer

Well, back from the doctors.  My hCG level was 498.  So it isn't looking too good.  That is the first time he has done blood work on me, so I'm going to go ahead and have more blood drawn tomorrow.  Then back to the doc Monday to see what that one says.
I know already it is very unlikely with my hCG level being that low, even if I wasn't as far along as I thought.  So we'll probably schedule the D&C then too.
Thanks everyone for all your responses.

ADmomof3 · Answer

I'm so sorry Breezy for all you are going through. I have been that road. I was supposed to be 12 weeks and I was only about 8, with no heart beat. I had to have a D&C. They only thing that helps is alot of support, and prayer. 
Let us know how it goes.

wannabeamommy22 · Answer

I had a m/c at 7 weeks on Feb 17th, trust me you will know if you are. I started bleeding very light sunday night, it got worse and then by wed. my whole pregnancy came crashing down and it was PAINFUL!!!! It was very hard for me to deal with. I am in nursing school and I have studied about everything and you really dont think much of it when you learn about it, but going through a m/c hurts. Feels like a part of you was just ripped from you and you can't do anything about it. I would say if bleeding does not increase to bright red, cause bright red blood is the problem and you dont have PAINFUL cramps, you may be ok. I mean I have heard of stranger things happening. Just know if it is a m/c there is always people to talk to and help you get through it. that is why i joined this forum when i did.

Breezy_83 · Answer

Thank you so much everyone for the info.  I am definitely going to ask for another ultrasound.  I knew it wasn't looking good when they couldn't find it the first time with the vaginal ultrasound... You never know though, hopefully it'll be there.  If not, then it was meant to be for whatever reason.  I'll update when I find out something.  Thanks again everyone for your input.

ArmyPrincess819 · Answer

I agree with DKL. You are totally correct. Once you hit between 10- 11 wks your hcg peeks and the best way to track a the viability of a pg is with a u/s. They can still check your blood and see if the numbers are really really low but I agree with DKL the best way is a u/s. I'm so sorry for you. Best wishes to you and good luck. I would def ask for another u/s. 


AP

Darkestlight · Answer

That is a common misconception among people. HCG levels off  at around 9-10wks. Search the net for HCG and u will find articles about it and also find what ur levels should look like at age wk. You will notice they decrease after 10wks.

SoCalTricia · Answer

Darkestlight is right...HCG levels reach a certain point then begin to decrease. They won't go back to zero, of course, but they will level off. Also, just an increase in HCG alone wouldn't tell you much, because sometimes you can have a chemical pregnancy that will keep increasing HCG. The best way to tell if the baby is growing is by an ultrasound. Even if you are only 7 weeks, you should be able to see a heartbeat on a vaginal ultrasound. So, unfortunately, things don't sound good...but, you never know! I think if I were in your situation, I'd ask for an ultrasound this week, then another next week. Good luck, honey!

Tricia

Breezy_83 · Answer

Now I'm confused.  I thought the HCG levels kept going up during pregnancy.  So I wont really be able to find out much of anything tomorrow, unless maybe the levels are really low?

Darkestlight · Answer

Unfortunately HCG at this point won't pin point anything if in fact you are 12wks pregnant because HCG usually reaches its peak at 9-10wks then slowly decreases.
I'd ask what the baby measured on the u/s. Go back for another u/s in a wk or two. If the baby grew accordingly then thats a good sign and hopefully they can find a heart beat next time. I wouldn't rush any decisions either.

Breezy_83 · Answer

I did have some cramping last month before the spotting started, but everyone said it was because my uterus was growing.  Since I have been spotting I have not had any cramping.  My left side about where my ovaries are I would guess has been a little uncomfortable, it just feels like bloated or something, but not painful.  I am hanging onto hope since I haven't had any cramping yet.  Hopefully I'll have good news tomorrow.
Thank you so much for responding.

chantal21 · Answer

I really wish you the best. And I know, not knowing what is going on is the worst part. Either it's too early or it is a miscarriage. I'm so sorry. Hang in there.  One other question, have you been experiencing bad cramping along with the spotting?

Nini2686 · Answer

I definitly would wait and see if my levels are decreasing. If they are..unfortantly it may be a m/c. I had a m/c in Jan and it was emotionally hard for me. Please keep us posted.

Breezy_83 · Answer

It could be possible I'm earlier than I think.  I really couldn't remember when my last period was. I would think 7 weeks at the very earliest though.  The doctor said my uterus was at about a 10 week size when I went on March 28.  That was just him doing the exam, no ultrasound or anything.
I am waiting to see what my blood work is doing.  I'm just getting so tired of waiting already.  Not really knowing is horrible.
When I had the ultrasound the doctor said they said everything was there, just no heartbeat.  That was also the first ultrasound, they haven't tried to find the heartbeat before.

nickieb85 · Answer

I've never had that experience personally, but I would have done the same thing. I feel like sitting and waiting is probably the best thing that you could do. Keep us posted and update. I know it is an awful feeling to think that you have lost a baby... my heart goes out to you.

chantal21 · Answer

I am so sorry you are going through this. I've had 2 miscarriages myself, so I know how you feel. Before doing anything drastic, I would want to know if your levels are increasing or not and maybe get one more u/s to confirm. Did they at least see the baby on the u/s? Is it possible you are even earlier than you think? To me, the spotting is never a good sign, even though there are some women who spot and everything is fine, but have also had it confirmed by seeing a heartbeat. Please keep us posted!