What should I expect and when?

[tryingsolo]

Hi.  This is my first post.  I have been TTC on my own with a Fertility Specialist for the last 8 months.  Last month I did my first IVF after 5 failed IUI's (3 natural, one with clomid and one with puregon).  I had success with my first IVF and was over the moon happy; however, I just went for 6 week U/S today and was told that my gestational sac was empty and to expect miscarriage.  If it doesn't happen by Monday, I am to come in and they will give me something to induce miscarriage.  I don't know what to expect.  This was my first positive pregnancy, and am obviously devastated by the news today.  Any help would be appreciated.  

[adgal]

It is not uncommon for your HCG levels to continue to rise for awhile.  Our bodies do not always recognize a loss.  Typically, once your HCG levels begin to level or drop, that is when bleeding, etc. will begin.  You are not being unsensitive.  This is a good place to talk to other women about their experiences, and I know that always helped me.  Again, I am so sorry you are experiencing this.

[seattleview]

Thank you.  I'm so nervous/anxious after 2.5 years TTC and the ectopic last year.  Yes, I had hcg tests Wed, Fri, and Sun. 268, 661, and 1856 respectively. How were your hcg levels leading up to this?  I hope you don't think I'm being insensitive - I'm just trying to learn as much as I can about all the possibilities.

[BabyJazz2010]

I see adgal already mentioned this.  Will you have a second US before moving forward with the induced M/C?  I would.  Not everyone sees anything in the sac right at 6 weeks.  I would rather be absolutely sure.

[adgal]

I'm sorry.  I too have been in your situation and I know how devestating that news is to get.  The first time I went through this, I opted to wait and have a second ultrasound just to be certain.  There is nothing wrong with doing that.  As AnnieBrooke said, there is no need to rush.  Again, I am so sorry, and I wish you well.

[tryingsolo]

From my understanding, an empty sac is the same thing as a blighted ovum.  It is easy to say, try not to worry, and so hard not too...but try not too.  I am keeping my fingers crossed for you.  Are they monitoring your hcg levels?

[seattleview]

I'm so sorry you're experiencing this, but I agree with Annie that you shouldn't let the doctor rush you into anything you're not ready for.  I was diagnosed with an ectopic last year and the RE staff was totally trying to rush me into the methotrexate treatment - I know it was supposedly for my own health and safety and the health of my tubes, but they really weren't acting sympathetic at all and quite frankly it pissed me off and I told them so.  Is an empty sac the exact same thing as a blighted ovum?  I am currently 4 weeks 6 days pregnant after my first IVF and can't stop thinking about everything that could still go wrong, especially blighted ovum.

[AnnieBrooke]

I wouldn't wait forever to miscarry naturally, but if you don't want to go in on Monday and get something to induce miscarriage, you certainly have time to wait.  It seems like doctors always are ready to do it the moment they give the person the news, I don't understand that.  There is a complication you can get if you wait too long when a miscarriage has happened, if it does not leave you, and that is scar tissue.  But it is not like you learn one day that the pregnancy has faded and the next day you have scar tissue.  In your shoes, I would wait the weekend or even a week, and even have another ultrasound, just to allow your mind to grasp what has happened.  If the sac doesn't pass in a week or two weeks, then talk to them about the methotrexate or whatever they are suggesting.  Good luck, I'm sorry, that really bites.