Low fetal heart rate at early scan

[Blossom321]

Hi Everyone

I'm hoping someone can help. I'm currently 7+4. My previous (and first) pregnancy ended in a MMC in January, diagnosed at a scan at 10 weeks, after seeing a healthy heart beat at 7 weeks (126 bpm).

I had an early scan at the FMC last week, I was measuring 7 weeks, although I suspect this is a few days ahead because I am sure of my ov dates. By my dates I would have been 6+5. The FMC were great, we saw the baby and the heart beat, however the heart rate was measured at 86bpm. Having googled extensively on the subject (I can't help it) almost everything I've read indicates that the heart rate is too low to be viable and the pregnancy will end before the end of the first trimester. Likelihood of it continuing seems very very slim indeed.

What I am most confused about is that the doc didn't suggest there was anything wrong at all, he didn't even mention the HR, I only panicked after reading it on the report afterwards. He seemed pretty happy with everything.

I have to add, I was very anxious when we walked into the scan room, as it brought back all the memories of finding out our first baby was gone. The doc could see this and I wonder whether he didn't mention the hr because he didn't want to worry me further.

I'm booked for panorama in 2 and bit weeks time. Feeling like I should prepare myself for the worst.

Anyone else been in a similar position?

Thanks in advance

[icedcherrytea]

Not been in your position exactly before but Please stop googling that's the worst thing you can do and stress is no good to your body or mind.

You may have been 2 or 3 days behind in growth and in baby time that's a massive massive difference. What could of been 86bpm that day could now be 120bpm + today.

This is a new pregnancy, a new womb lining a new embryo so relax.

When I had a scan at 6.5 weeks I didn't even see an embryo.. just the gestational sac and 1 yolk sac. 2 weeks later at 8 weeks there were 2 babies kicking around. Baby B is behind her sister by a few days... so please... don't worry at this stage. (I know it's hard) x

[Blossom321]

Thank you so much for your post, it has helped to think a little more rationally about everything. And I know I need to stay away from Google. I promised myself a wouldn't Google this pregnancy, but I failed!!

Your story is wonderful! Huge congratulations, that is so so exciting!! Are they your first (& second!)? What an amazing blessing, you must have been so shocked to find out!

I guess what will be will be and I need to keep myself distracted and away from dr Google until my next scan. X

[icedcherrytea]

No problem. It's a very stressful time anyway without adding Google into the mix.

Everyday repeat the mantra. Today I am pregnant. Nothing will go wrong. I trust my body to do what it needs to do.

I had a nightmare 2 weeks waiting for the next scan. I even went home and put a pad on. I wasn't thinking straight and was googling and researching radiology papers. I convinced myself it was bad news.

But no imagine my shock at the 8 week scan lol yes my first pregnancy and I needed help to ovulate so my whole pregnancy has been err interesting :) 32 weeks now so nearly there.

Keep the faith. Everything will be fine!! X

[novemberchild]

I know how much of an anxious time this is for you, and it is very hard to resist Dr Google, but ultimately you are looking for answers that will only come with time.

I miscarried in December, and became pregnant again in January. At 6 weeks, I was told there were 'faint, slow heart pulsations'. I was nervous but they seemed happy with it (and the FMC are superb). I'm here at 17 weeks and all seems well, still praying, but looking forward. Good luck - most likely you will be all right. Week by week, you will find yourself less anxious x