10 Days no Growth

[Melvin33]

My last period started around Sept 13, I got a positive home pregnancy test October 15 & it was confirmed by my Dr's blood test Oct 20. I went in for my first sonogram Oct 31. My doctor measured me at 6 wks and could see a gest sac and small 'normal' cyst. Ordered a second sonogram to look for fetal pole Nov 9. They did this test, told me all they could see was a yolk sac and I'm measuring 6 wks again. They ordered another sonogram for 2 wks to assess viability. This is my first pregnancy, I'm 32 and trying not to freak out as I know my dates may not be set yet, but what is the liklihood that my fetus isn't growing? I have no typ signs of miscarriage - only some very light brown discharge a few times this week. My doc has not been monitoring my HCG levels, so I don't have that info. Does any of this sound unusual for a 'normal' pregnancy?

[meesh1982]

A related discussion, why did I have a misscariage? was started.

[Melvin33]

I finally heard back from my doctor this Thursday re my scan last Friday - his assistant told me that they thought I was miscarrying. They scheduled me for a follow-up scan to confirm yesterday (Nov16). The intra-vaginal scan picked up the fetal pole (measuring 6 weeks) and a faint heartbeat of 90 bpm. I was told by the technician that I'm a borderline miscarriage case as the heartbeat should be stronger by now. My doc has not been present for any of these follow-up scans and any feedback I've received has seemed anecdotal from the sonogram tech or poorly interpreted by his assistant many days after my scans over the phone. I complained enough at this last scan that they send the unit director in to look at my latest scans. He told me that the baby is developing, but struggling and that it could be fine in a few weeks, but there's a very real chance I could miscarry. I asked about the measurements being 6 weeks each week and he said the fetal pole measurement is the most accurate. I'm curious if my fetus is just developing slowly (since by lmp I should be closer to 8-9 weeks (not sure when I ovulated)). What could be going on? I'm waiting for my next scan scheduled on the 30th . . .

[Keith Downing, MD]

Hello,

Since you have an intrauterine pregnancy there is no need to monitor your hCG levels.  If they haven't seen a heart rate I'd be concerned.  It's hard to know what to make of the measurements, because it sounds like the first scan wasn't a formal scan and so may have been less accurate.  
Try to have patience; you'll have an answer in a few weeks.

Best regards,

Dr. Downing