Can you have a positive outcome from a slow fetal heartrate?

[Need2knowcantwait]

Acccording to my LMP, I am 9 weeks 6 days as of today 1/14 and I tested positive on 12/6/10 confirmed with a blood HCG test on 12/9 and doubled HCG on 12/11. Everything was fine until 1/6/11 when I had my first prenatal visit and u/s showing a heartbeat but only a 6w 2d fetus. 1/10/11 started tiny bit of spotting but strong cramps. Had another u/s that day and doc said slow heartbeat and 6w 3d fetus. Continued spotting this week, always very light and had another u/s 1/13 showing still a slow heartbead but 6w 4d so still growing. Doctor says it's still a viable pregnancy and the baby is very much alive and not to give up but I'm so worried. I misscarried 2x in 2004 and had a baby boy in 2005. Also have a 14yr son. Both of them were healthy pregnancies with no spotting at all.

Is there really a chance this baby's heart rate will go up and the baby will catch up on growth? I go back on 1/17 to check again.

[Elaine Brown, MD]

Hi!
The studies show that a slow heart rate and growth lag are poor prognostic indicators.
I have seen many many babies with slow heart rates perk up and go on to deliver at term though.  If you were my patient, I would repeat a scan in about a week and re-check everything.  There just isn't much else to do except take good care of yourself and pray.
Wish you the best!
Dr B

[lmt9930139]

God bless you! Have faith, hope all turns well. I think youll b finee!