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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Tell me I'm being utterly ridiculous please...

13 replies

Katietatie123 · 19/10/2010 15:34

Hi everyone,

I'm 15 weeks today and had an appointment with my MW today. She said that everything is going fine, but when she tried listening to the heartbeat, couldn't hear one. Now, I'm normally a completely rational, calm human being - today, not so much. I think I'm worrying more because i had the flu jab last week and have been slightly neurotic ever since. She could 'hear' the placenta and some kind of movement, but I still have nagging negativity in the back of my head.

Please reassure me wise MNetters!

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ShowOfBloodyStumps · 19/10/2010 15:37

You're being utterly ridiculous.

You're worrying. That's normal. But you don't need to.

Most places won't even try and listen until past 16 weeks as it's hit and miss. If she could hear the placenta whooshing and movements of your baby, that's v reassuring indeed.

Please try not to worry.

sh77 · 19/10/2010 15:38

I have read of plenty of experiences where heartbeat could not be heard at 15/16 weeks. I went in with the expectation that I wouldn't hear my baby's heart at 16 weeks. It could be that you have an anterior placenta. If you are still feeling anxious, perhaps request a scan?

Cakemuncher · 19/10/2010 15:40

Many midwives won't even attempt to listen to the hearbeat before 16 weeks because there is a high chance that you won't hear it before then and they feel that mums will just panic if they don't hear one. If she had any concern, she would have packed you off for a scan faster than you can blink. If you are really concerned, ring your midwife back and ask for some reassurance but, as far as I know, it is not at all unusual to not hear anything just yet.

Albrecht · 19/10/2010 15:41

Happened to me at 16 wks, mw said it is the hardest time to find heartbeat as it can be cushioned / muffled by placenta moving.

Not easy to not worry but is apparently very common and why some mws refuse to try at this point, in case they can't find it and you get stressed.

Can you go back next wk for another go?

CalaLilly · 19/10/2010 16:03

My midwife listened for my baby?s heartbeat last week (13 weeks) and couldn't hear it. I'm not surprised though because it is early days, I know I have a tilted uterus and an anterior placenta- all of which can make it harder to hear babies heartbeats! The probability is that all is well so try to focus on the half full bit of the glass and not the half empty bit

japhrimel · 19/10/2010 18:35

My MW doesn't like to try for the heartbeat before 18 weeks as it's so much harder to pick it up and not being able to do so stresses women out!

CrazyPlateLady · 19/10/2010 18:49

My MW and doc briefly heard the heartbeat at this stage, but it was fleeting before she moved again and they couldn't find it. She is in an awkward position and the placenta is at the front so I just put it down to that. I'm sure if there was something to worry about, the MW wouldn't have just sent you on your way.

Yellowflowers · 19/10/2010 18:54

Mine wouldn't even check until 18 weeks. xx

Julezboo · 19/10/2010 20:26

Mine wont check before 25 weeks! You'll be fine :)

daisystone · 19/10/2010 20:28

Don't panic!! It is a shame the MW had to stress you out like that and I do hope she tried to reassure you.

You are still very early on so it is not a big deal even though it will feel like a massive deal to you.

The worst thing you can do is get stressed out. If you cannot stop worrying, then call the hospital and explain how you are feeling and get their advice. They will no doubt tell you to stop worrying too but may tell you to pop in for a check, although as you are still only 15 weeks I am not sure if they would do that or not. Doesn't hurt to ring them though.

wigglesrock · 19/10/2010 21:27

My midwife won't even listen until 18 weeks either, try not to worry, I know its difficult, good luck with rest of pregnancy!

slimyak · 20/10/2010 13:09

15 weeks is early to hear a heart beat. I have an anterior placenta so it's still difficult to find at 27weeks but I do have the reassurance of a cartwheeling baby.

I think the 15 to 20ish weeks a is difficult and worrying time as you don't have such strong signals about your pregnancy progressing. Go back and see your midwife if you're worried. This is supposed to be the time you can enjoy being pregnant but that is easier said than done.

Do you have a midwife drop in session in your area, maybe at a local Children's Centre? Worth asking about as they can offer simple reassurance without aoppointments etc.

pettyprudence · 20/10/2010 13:50

my midwife didnt even try to hear the heart beat when i went for my 15/16wk check up - i was gutted, esp as i basically ended up wiating 1/2 an hr to have my blood pressure taken and pee in a pot - GRR!

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