Is having a second scan necessary?

[NutcrackerFairy]

I think I already know the answer to this... but just read a thread here where the poster was advised to think about having a second scan before she went forward with medical or surgical management for her diagnosed mc.

However the poster was only 6 - 7 weeks [I think] and was told that it may have been too early too visualise a heartbeat on scan.

I was nearly 12 weeks pregnant when I found out yesterday there was no heartbeat. I am due to have ERPC tomorrow... and feel this is the right thing to do... however I am now worried that the scan might have been wrong and I will have a viable baby sucked out...

I know rationally the baby isn't viable [and the idea of a second scan to confirm dates/presence of heartbeat] has never been suggested by the health professionals... but I guess I also would like it to be confirmed by other people who have sadly experienced this and know about the realities of mc.

I suppose I am struggling to believe that baby has really died as I have had no mc symptoms and did not suspect the outcome of my routine 12 week scan. And he/she looked perfect on the screen.

To think I was worried about nuchal test and risk of DS [I am 40 yo] when all along baby had no heartbeat [sonographer estimated baby stopped growing around 11 weeks gestation]

Hello,

This is very hard for you, how long did the sonographer look at the screen?

I had a scan at 12.4 after spotting and the baby had died at 9 weeks, the sonographer took alot of time measuring and checking so I trusted what they said..do you feel that they did a good enough check?

So, my body took three weeks to start giving a sign (spotting) that there was a problem so I suppose your body maybe hadn't started to realise?

What I would personally do, if I wasn't 100% happy with the sonographers examination, would be to push for another scan and have them explain it properly to you exactly what the measurements are.

I feel for you as I am still coming to terms with what they told me as well, also I understand your confusion because the shock can stop you asking the questions you would do with a clear head.

Xx

The sonographer looked at baby as it first came upon screen and immediately asked if I had had any problems or bleeding... I said no... She then said she couldn't see blood flow... or a heart beat. Said she would have to confirm it with someone who came in and agreed.

I think she then started talking about measurements, that baby measured around 11 weeks so had probably died sometime in past week.

Both Dr and Midwife said sonographer was very experienced. So likelihood of mistake is probably low... But should I perhaps ask to be scanned again tomorrow prior to ERPC. Do you know if they can do this, just to make 100% sure?

Aw hun it does sound like they had a really good check for you and bought in the second person to confirm so it sounds like it is bad news.

I have never had ERPC as am having medical management tomorrow but I think it would be worth you asking the nurse if they would be kind enough to quickly scan you again to give you that final piece of mind. Suppose they may not have slots free so you will have to prepare for what your reaction will be if they say that?

Yesterday is still so very raw for you finding out, it took me a couple of days to stop being hysterical.

Hope things go well for you tomorrow and update me and I will update you on my sad day too xx

With my first mc at 13 weeks I also had this worry so I was given another scan before I went to theatre, if it puts your mind at ease I would ask. I'm so sorry NCF and CBY, hope things go well for you both tomorrow xx

Thank you so much for your reply Chosen. I am sorry for your loss too It's really crap isn't it.

I wanted to have D & C as I was worried about having very painful bleeding and cramping either when I am at home or out and about with my two children. I wanted the reassurance that the miscarriage had been completed and managed so to speak...

However now I am just finding myself panicking that I might be allowing the Dr to remove a viable foetus... Ridiculous I know but I don't think it's denial, I feel I can accept that I have miscarried but just feel the responsibility for making the right decision...

Unfortunately I read a couple of articles about misdiagnosed miscarriage [curses Google!] and can't get it out of my head that sonographer was mistaken or her equipment malfunctioned and I am therefore allowing the Drs to remove a healthy baby...

I know it's highly unlikely... but will perhaps ask the nurse if I could be scanned one last time prior to D & C to be completely certain. I just feel so protective of my little one and perhaps can't quite believe he/she is still inside but dead.

to you Chosen... and to all the other posters coping with pregnancy loss. Such wonderful support on this board, I think MN has been keeping me sane over the past 24 hours.

I'm sorry to hear your news.

It is a horrible shock when there have been no warnings before the scan, isn't it.

I had the same as you- a second sonographer came in an confirmed the first, but to be honest I was in such deep shock I just couldn't really take it in at all.

I asked, well, begged for a second scan but was not given one on the grounds that two sonographers had already looked.

I deeply regretted not standing my ground and refusing to go ahead without it and felt very distressed about this afterwards.

As it was they did a PM on the baby (it was my 20 week scan, so they PM's if you lose them in the second tri,) suggested that the baby had been dead for 2 weeks, which of course confirmed that it definitely could not have had a heartbeat and this finally gave me some peace when I got the findings a couple of months later.

I would never put myself in this position again. You know what you can cope with, if you need another scan, INSIST on it, it is you who have to live with your feelings afterwards, not the docs

Thank you Purple. I think, as sad as it will be to have the no heartbeat confirmed, it will put my mind at rest that I have made the right decision.

It's just so hard when you still feel pregnant and have had no bleeding or pain.. to then have to accept that baby has died.

I even thought I felt a movement the other day [at a time after baby is suspected to have died] but was probably gas or something. At the time I was really pleased though

First of all I'm so sorry about your loss. It's such a shock to find out at this stage :(

My experience is similar - mmc diagnosed at my 12 week scan. I had previously had an early dating scan and seen a heartbeat so knew this was the correct diagnosis and not a case if incorrect dates.

Nonetheless, in line with up-dated NICE guidelines and local trust policy, I waited for a two week scan to confirm the diagnosis. In hindsight the wait was ok in the end and helped me come to terms with things before my ERPC. Only you know what is best, but I would wait again, just for my peace if mind.

I wish you the best if luck. But please make sure you wait if you think that there is any doubt in your mind.

I'm sorry Nutcracker and I agree with the others that you should ask for a scan and to be shown on the screen that baby has no heartbeat before you consent to the op. They may be completely satisfied that they have double checked and followed their procedures, but you need to be sure for your own peace of mind. If you go into an ERPC with uncertainty that it's the right thing then you are likely to have that haunt you later.

There is no need to wait a week or two as suggested - that's appropriate if a foetus measuring around the 6 week stage has no heartbeat - could just be too early or dates could be out. If a 10/11/12 week foetus has no heartbeat then it has sadly died.

I hope your wishes are taken into account today.

Thank you all for your advice and kind thoughts.

The consultant did do another abdo u/s with the portable machine as I requested it for peace of mind prior to going forward with ERPC.

This scan also showed no heartbeat or blood flow or movement... which is what I already knew but it did feel important to confirm it. Otherwise I might have worried I had killed my baby if that makes any sense

I had a few wobbles and tears but the staff were all kind and reassuring.

I am now relaxing with a Chinese takeaway, was starving as arrived at Day Unit at 7.30am but procedure wasn't done till about 4pm due to an influx of emergencies to my booked theatre [NHS]

Thanks again to everyone who has taken the time to post, you have all been so wonderful and this has helped make a bad experience somewhat more bearable

well done you for getting your scan,
so glad it is all over
rest up and look after yourself

Glad you got your reassurance. Hope you are being looked after at home now.