No heartbeat on 2 scans, now waiting two weeks

[JoyousTurtle]

I’m just looking to share my position right now and if anyone else has been through something similar and any advice or support.

I got my first positive digital test which said 3+ weeks around 12th Feb and booked an early assurance scan for when I thought I would be around 6 weeks (possibility of further along though, which looks to be the case now). I was told at this private scan that there was no heartbeat with the gestational sac measuring at 8 week 5 days but the foetal pole measuring a few weeks behind and only 2.6mm. The scan felt thorough and went on for quite a while before she delivered the bad news so I don’t doubt the legitimacy of the results. I was given leaflets around miscarriage and told to call my EPU. This was on a Sunday and they were unable to see me until Tuesday. At this appointment it was much the same in terms of foetal pole size (measured around 6 weeks), still no heartbeat and when I asked about the discrepancy in size between the pole and sac I wasn’t given a clear answer as I don’t think it was good news? The nurse was great though and very apologetic and explained that NHS rules require me to wait two whole weeks for them to scan again before it can be confirmed and medically managed if needed. Has anyone had the same experience as this and how have you coped with the wait? Should I book another private scan in between just to allow myself to begin to accept this and not give my hopes up anything will change

I feel like I am going insane waiting as I’m pretty confident the outcome won’t change. I was told to basically prepare for bad news, and I picked up on the vibes from the NHS scan that she wasn’t confident or happy with how it went, but had to follow the two week rule. I was due to travel with work this week and was strongly advised against it which makes me feel I will naturally miscarry before my follow up? All of my pregnancy symptoms have gone (larger sore breasts and nausea/couldn’t look at food that wasn’t plain beige) and as of today I have back pain and cramps similar to menstrual pain, with no spotting or bleeding yet but a yellow discharge. I am also exhausted but I think that could be the emotional toil.

Is there a chance I won’t even bleed and just have to wait the two full weeks and then make a decision on pills vs. surgery etc?

Hi @JoyousTurtle I'm so sorry you're going through this. I was in a similar position two years ago - the gestational sac was measuring 8 weeks but nothing inside it. They also made me wait two weeks - if I remember correctly it was for two reasons: firstly ideally you would miscarry naturally so surgical intervention is not needed and secondly they really want to make sure there is no growth and no possibility that it is viable before intervening.

I was very upset during the two week wait and just hibernated really and allowed myself to feel heartbreak and shock and anger. I did not miscarry naturally and needed surgical intervention, which was very quick and successful. I felt much better afterwards (but I was suffering from terrible sickness which instantly disappeared after). I am so deeply sorry, I would suggest rest and tears and anything that brings you comfort - silly movies and good food and maybe some time off work if you're able to. ❤️