Previous MMC, 11+1 no heartbeat on doppler...

[Catinajar]

Hi everyone,

I had a missed miscarriage in April of this year and after an ERPC, managed to get pregnant immediately afterwards. I was, of course, ecstatic, and we've had 3 scans including one at 10 weeks where everything looked perfect.

Because of my anxieties after the last MC, I bought a doppler which arrived today. I was desperate to try it out as I don't have a date for my 12 week scan yet so I have nothing to aim for in terms of keeping my worries at bay. I spent around 20 mins trying to find the heartbeat and just kept finding mine and a great whooshing noise which could have been anything (pelvic organs, placenta...you name it). I pushed in all the places that I thought I was supposed to, and used a lot of gel, but there was nothing to be heard.

I'm absolutely frantic now that the baby is gone. I am also aware that there is nothing i can do about it if that IS the case, but I would want to know as soon as possible. Does anyone have ANY experience in this area? I don't mind if it was bad experience - I want to be prepared at this stage at much as anything else.

Thanks for your help in advance,

Gem

mrso if it makes you feel better then great, but the sad fact is that if there is a problem with the baby then the heartbeat would be the last thing to go. That's why movements are a much more reliable indicator of a baby's wellbeing and dopplers shouldn't be relied upon as reassurance that everything is ok.

Hoping the scan went well OP and that your mind is at ease

Totally agree with worldsbiggestgrotbag - my sister is about to qualify as a midwife and said the same - with a baby in distress the heartbeat is often the last thing to go so we should never assume all is OK if we hear a heartbeat alone - if you are just listening for random reassurance then fine but if you have concerns re lack of movement etc then do not avoid calling your midwife or hospital just because you find a heartbeat, my sister and midwives that she has trained with think it is crazy that anyone can just buy a doppler as it is dangerous for someone untrained to be using them and assuming all is fine.

Cat, I hope you are OK.

I agree if you are not experienced then a Doppler can do more harm than good, but disagree with all those saying it is really difficult / always a mistake etc. During my last pregnancy (after several losses) it was my best friend. I found DS at 9 weeks and then could reassure myself at any time up until I could feel him moving. But he was in a position that was easy to find - and I spent nearly an hour finding him the first time.

I do hope all is well at your scan.

I think you have to know yourself. I am a paranoid nightmare of a nutbag about this baby and so I didn't get one because I knew it would do me more harm than good. If you can cope with using it for gentle reassurance or even fun, go for it!

Fab news

Great news :)

Just so you know, your name is visible on the scan picture so you might want to report your post

Great news cat. Glad you could get an answer quickly, waiting and worrying is horrible.

mrso2015 I also bought one, quite expansive and watched a few videos on YouTube before giving it a go. I got really lucky on my first go and was able to find heartbeat straight away at 10 weeks. I'm quite petitt so wonder if that helps. At 11 weeks it took me two goes to find the HB and that worried me. I've had my 12 weeks scan and don't plan on using the Doppler anymore.