Limbo

[WorriedBadger]

I apologise, this is long.

I am deep in limbo hell after some bleeding and 2 early transvaginal ultrasounds.

1st ultrasound (at maybe 6 weeks) - empty gestational sac measuring 5.7mm. Terrible HCG rise of only 16% over 40 hours.

Presumed blighted ovum. I had given up hope.

2nd ultrasound (at maybe 7 weeks) - gestational sac 10mm, yolk sac present, Fetal pole 2.2mm with possible FH flickering.

Scan report says uncertain viability

Way too small for dates but something is developing.

I am 39, diagnosed with primary ovarian insufficiency (high FSH, high LH, very low AMH). Short and irregular cycles. On cyclical HRT. I track cycles, don’t ovulate every month.

My last period was 24/1/25 and my ovulation was around 31/1/25 - 1/2/25, confirmed by BBT. First positive test on 9/2/25 (8 or 9 dpo)

So although by last period dates I would have been 5 weeks and 6 weeks exactly on the scan dates, so the measurements wouldn’t be that concerning. I know that I ovulated early and had the positive test which would put me at 6 weeks and 7 weeks.

I just have no idea what’s going, I’m scared to have any hope. I was fully expecting the sac to have remained empty at the second scan. I have another scan booked for 1 week after the last one.

Extra information - the bleeding was slight and mostly brown and it stopped 4 days ago. I also stopped progesterone 8 days ago as I thought it was a lost cause.

Can anyone shed any light on the dating dilemma? Or does anyone have an experience similar to mine and can let me know the outcome?

I’m quite literally losing my mind!

I dont see that it can be viable without a doubling HCG. I'm sorry, I know that's not what you want to hear. But both of my miscarriages, the EPU have been quite confident to confirm miscarriage based on HCG not doubling.

Thank you for taking the time to reply, and I’m so sorry to hear of your previous losses.

I was convinced it wasn’t viable since I had those HCG tests 13 and 11 days ago. The EPAU won’t call it though, because of the growth between scans. They said HCG doesn’t always fit into a box. But 16% is awful!

I’m worried how long they might drag this on for? I have another scan next week. Maybe they will finally call it then.

There's some leeway in HCG rising, my ivf clinic say it's actually 70% in 48hrs rather than the full doubling, but 16% isn't enough. Presumably they confirmed that it was a intrauterine pregnancy with the scans though - so no worries about ectopic?

I've had good experiences with my EPU but I would say they're VERY chilled about 'come back in two weeks' when in reality that is absolute hell for women. I don't think there's any harm in ringing them Monday, asking for repeat HCGs and for them to confirm with a scan. You may all prefer to wait for the pregnancy to pass by itself (both of mine thankfully did) but you need them to be on board with getting you to a conclusion so you're not living in this awful place for endless days.

Unfortunately they refused to do any more HCG tests, even after I begged while sobbing. Absolutely refused to scan before another 7 days too. Feels quite cruel actually.

Not sure what your finances are like but Ultrasound Direct do scans and blood tests privately. I've used them and been quite impressed.

Also yes, intrauterine pregnancy confirmed but behind my dates. Went from empty gestational sac last week measuring 5.7mm to gestational sac measuring 10mm, yolk sac and teeny tiny Fetal pole at 2.2mm this week. She said she saw flickering FH but to o uncertain to confirm as it’s very close to edge of sac so could just be blood flow.

Sorry, also HCG was 4154 and the 4752 40 hours later.

Hey @WorriedBadger

I’m sorry your going through this.. I had a very similar experience to yourself in relation to scans in my recent pregnancy. I was scanned at what should have been 6 weeks, I was measuring 5 weeks 5mm tiny empty sac), rescanned 5 days later where sac had grown to 10mm and yolk sac present measuring 5w 5d. Scanned 4 days after, sac, yolk sac and fetal pole present with a HB measuring 6w 4d. Scanned again 2 weeks later and there had been no growth in the fetal pole and HB had become weak and irregular. 6 days later confirmed MC as no longer had a HB.

Thats not to say yours will turn out this way, but I think if your absolutely sure of your dates like I was, it could be bad news eventually. I found it all very long, drawn out and worrying. I had so many scans as I paid for a few private in between NHS ones as I wanted to know what was going on.

I think a lot of women where they have positive stories about measuring behind it is generally because their ovulation was later than they thought or they don’t have the typical 28 day cycle everything is based upon. For me my ovulation was confirmed via ultrasound so I knew I couldn’t be a week behind, but drs and sonographers did try to tell me this was possible and I was even discharged from the hospital following seeing the HB initially and I honestly believed at that point my pregnancy was going to be fine. I was only scanned two weeks later as it was a scan we’d booked and paid for when we first found out prior to all the other scans.

I really do hope you have a better outcome than I did and I’m so sorry you’re going through this!

Hi @KT199

I really appreciate you sharing your experience and I’m so sorry, it’s just heartbreaking.

I actually booked a last minute private scan today as I couldn’t cope anymore not knowing. It was bad news. The fetal pole had only grown to 2.51mm and no heartbeat.

I’m devastated, but I actually feel a bit of relief that I now know for sure.

I have an EPAU scan booked for Friday and I’m hoping they will actually call it this time so I can opt for medical management asap.

Once again, thank you for sharing x

Oh @WorriedBadger I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry it wasn't the outcome you wanted but I'm glad you've got some clarity now. I hope EPU are now efficient in getting you sorted so you can begin to come to terms with what's happened x

Oh I’m so sorry to hear this. It’s such a difficult time, but you are not alone in this. I found MN a great place for support. It was my first pregnancy and MC so felt like minefield.

Sending love and hope you have a good support system. Take care of yourself x

Just to update, as I was desperately looking for stories with updates the last few weeks.

I had my third scan today (8 weeks). The sac is now 11mm, fetal pole 2.8mm and no heart activity.

The EPAU tried to make me wait another week for another scan! I completely broke down sobbing and begged to speak to a consultant. The consultant agreed it was a failing pregnancy and gave me medical management there and then.

I am now home, 4 hours later, and the cramping and bleeding has already begun. I couldn’t believe they still wouldn’t call it and wanted me to wait another week. I’m glad I was able to see a consultant, so now I can start to heal and move forwards.

Thank you to everyone who shared their experiences xx

I understand your stress The growth and possible heartbeat flicker are positive signs, even if the timing and measurements are uncertain. The next scan should give more clarity. Hang in there and take it step by step