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Pregnancy

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

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Original poster

Slow growth and slow heartbeat, anyone had a positive outcome??

9 replies

Staverton · 08/10/2011 14:17

Not sure whether to put this in miscarriage or here.
I am meant to be 7 and half weeks by dates. I had a miscarriage 2 months before conceiving this one.
I was anxious and had a very small amount of spotting so had an early scan a week ago last Friday. It showed I was 5 weeks when I thought I was 6 weeks and 3 days. I've had a lot of old blood and mild cramps this week so was expecting the worst but a scan on Friday showed a 6 week size sac with a fetal pole with a heartbeat that was difficult to spot but was under 100 beats per minute. So I've to go back next Friday. (oh the waiting...). the sonographer( a midwife) said it was it was a sign of a failing pregnancy but the registrar said it was 50/50.
I'm pretty sure of my dates and would have got a positive pregnancy text 3 days post conception if their dates are right
Has anyone had similar and had a positive outcome? From searching the web/mn archives it seems most end in miscarriage. What I'm really worried about is that a slow heartbeat, if the embryo survives the first trimester can double the risk of structural and chromosomal abnormalities..

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Original poster

Staverton · 08/10/2011 16:45

Anyone?

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lisad123 · 08/10/2011 16:47

no idea here, but didnt want to read and run.
< offers and litening ear

icooksocks · 08/10/2011 16:49

Well is it possible the positive pregnancy test occured because you still had hormones from the previous mc?
The baby has grown the expected amount between the 2 scans so thats good. As for the heartbeat I have no knowledge so cant help you there.
I hope all goes well.

Original poster

Staverton · 08/10/2011 17:05

Thanks for replies

Lisa you are so sweet! Its such a worrying time!

I had a negative preg test after last m/c and the dates don't work out at all though so it's def growing slower than expected. (although this last week has been ok iyswim)
Thanks!

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LadyMaybe · 09/10/2011 12:14

Hi I can't do a link as am on my phone at the moment but have google of baby2see ultrasound, it states that the normal heartrate at the end of week 5, I.e beginning week 6 is 60-90 bpm, and that the heartrate itself at this stage is less important than the fact that one is present or not. There are no guarantees, but you've had a week's growth in a week and a hb has been established. That's not bad news. Pg after mc is awful - I'm currently 10 weeks after 3 mcs - do feel free to come and hang out in the freakout room (in conception) if you want support and handholding. Good luck!

Original poster

Staverton · 09/10/2011 14:08

Hi thanks for your reply

I think it is the combination of slow heartbeat and the fact the growth is 10 days behind that is freaking me out...

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Original poster

Staverton · 09/10/2011 14:08

Ps good luck with your pregnancy, how far along are you now?

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phlossie · 09/10/2011 14:18

I wouldn't worry too much about dates simply because they seem to vary massively. I was pretty sure of my dates, but got put forward a whole week at a dating scan which meant I would have conceived only 7 days after my period, which would have been impossible! Take heart from the fact that you have a heartbeat and keep your fingers crossed. Good luck - I really hope it's a sticky one!

KatAndKit · 09/10/2011 14:23

I wish i could offer you reassurance and it is certainly not impossible that it will work out ok.
However, in my experience of a similar situation it was not a good outcome, although the heartbeat was only in the 60s that time and the growth was further behind.
If you are sure of your dates then I think your doctor is being realistic by giving you 50/50 odds at best. A heartbeat under 100bpm is below average even for 6 weeks. Under 90 and you can be almost certain that the pregnancy is not viable.
If there is a chance that your dates could be a week or more out then there is reason to be optimistic.
I wouldn't worry too much about the abnormality side of things. At this stage I think if the embryo is abnormal it isn't going to make it.

I'm very sorry you are going through this. I have had to do the long wait myself and it is just the most awful thing if you know you are just waiting for that little heartbeat to stop. I really really hope you have a good outcome after all but I would advise thinking about your options for miscarriage management in advance of your next scan so you are prepared for both possibilities.

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