when should the fetal pole be evident?

[kittymommy]

I am hoping someone can offer some clarification.  I received bad news today at my 1st u/s.  I am 7 weeks 2 days since LMP, and the Dr saw a gestational sac but no fetal pole or heart beat.  He is certain that the fetus never developed, and that a miscarriage is imminent.  I asked that another doctor review the u/s findings just to be sure, and she agreed with the diagnosis.  I guess my question is does anyone know at what gestational age the fetal pole should be apparent?  I can't really find anything on the internet that specifically addresses this.  Everything I have read says that the heartbeats may not be detectable until 8 weeks, but I can't find anything concrete on the fetal pole development.  As many of you can completely understand from your own experiences, I am devastated by this news and am just trying to be absolutely 200% certain that there is NO BABY before I make my decision about the D&C.  I had a miscarriage in July 04 and it completed itself naturally, but it took 6 painful weeks to do so.  I am considering the D&C this time to bring some closure and to move on with my life.  What a crappy thing to have happen especially right before the holidays.  I am thankful that I found this website, it has been a source of great comfort and clarification to me during the last several months.  Thanks for any info you may have to share.

[Lornadoo]

Just wanted some advice really,I had a us 9 days ago found a sac but no baby!!today I had a internal scan and still the same!,been told it's not a viable pregnancy and a tablet to help me miscarry is being offered to me tomorow!!dont know what to do??ive had my bloods done once but that was nine days ago so have nothing to compare with,hcg levels etc!!part of me wants to take the pill and get it over and done with but a part of me is thinking they are wrong!!heads all over the place!!any advice would be much appreciated!!apparently the sac is misshaped but hasn't changed in size in 9 days !!i should be 7 weeks according to lmp and got all the sickness feelings of being pregnant and frequently going toilet !!all the usual pregnancy feelings and positive pregnancy tests!!just feel like that small chance that they are wrong!!dont know what to do!!i have no bleeding or discomfort!!

[believe58]

Thanks so much for your posting. Reading it was like reading what I'm going through at the moment. I had a vaginal u/s done a few days ago (at 6wks 5days) and the technician gave me the devastating news that she could see a gestational sac but no embryo. I didnt even know this was possible. After crying myself out, I met with the doctor who said there is no cause for concern at this stage. He ordered a blood pregnancy test which came back with hcg at 27,000 (which I thought was too high but seeing as yours was even higher...). I am scheduled for another u/s next week. Praying and hoping it turns out just like yours: that at 7wks and a few days, we will see the little blip that evidences a bun in the oven. Thanks again for brightening my day and renewing my hopes!

[believe58]

b

[somi842]

hi i am 5 weeks according to my LMP found sac size 3mm no fetal pole or heart beet doc said it is just for 3 weeks and i have mild discharge in brown colour as well by last day.i had miscarrage in April please help very worried.
thanks

[tea_cee1]

Thank you for posting on this board.  My daughter texted me today devastated that she had no fetal pole, no heartbeat.  She told me she was positive of date of sexual activity date and that she was barely 5 weeks along.  This board is proving to me and to her that she should NOT lose hope yet nor make decisions at such an early date.  Thank you thank you thank you!
Terri C.

[wishingwell67]

Hi caringmum, what a pleasure it was to read your posting. I am 45 yrs old and have just fallen pregnant for the first time. My Mum had five kids, I am the youngest and she said exactly the same thing as you, that there is too much information available to us now and that it only stresses the body at a time when it's meant to not be stressed. I had a scan at 6 weeks 1 day and there was sac and yolk but no fetal pole. I wasn't worried because it's relatively early but the doctors practically told me it was going to miscarry! You're right that we shouldn't be scanned until 13 weeks and just let nature take its course. I will be scanned in 6 more days unfortunately but if I can remain mentally strong, I should do ok regardless of the outcome. It is what it is and will be what it will be, que sera, sera! I think I will not opt for the D&C and just let it happen naturally.