Is there still any hope?

[marabe]

Hello all. Looking for some feedback/advice from the group (maybe even some hope).

We had an IUI done on November 27, 2019. The procedure was successful, we got pregnant and we couldn't be happier. Our first visit back at the clinic was on January 6, 2020, where they did a vaginal ultrasound. The doctor had some bad news to share with us. He was unable to detect a heartbeat on the ultrasound and apparently, we were "behind on all measurements". Per the Doctor's records, we were supposed to be 6 weeks and 3 days pregnant, whereas the ultrasound showed us at 5 weeks and 6 days pregnant (4 days). Apparently, 4 days at this stage is pretty significant for the baby's development. During the pregnancy, I had spotted only once. Aside from that, I did NOT have any pregnancy or miscarriage symptoms such morning sickness, cramps, bleeding, nausea, etc. The only pregnancy symptoms I had was that I was getting tired and needed to pee more frequently.

The doctor seemed pretty confident that we were going to have a miscarriage and suggested that we wait 2 weeks and hope that during this time, that the miscarriage happens naturally. The natural miscarriage was the only option really given to us at this point. He seemed pretty hopeful that we do not need to resort to a D&C. Not sure why.

We trust our doctor very much and have started the grieving process. Could the doctor be hopeful yet pessimistic that there is a chance this pregnancy continues? Why were we only given the option for a natural miscarriage? Should we get a second opinion elsewhere? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

I hate to see people given false hope but....understanding is that measurements can be 5 days either side even at the early stages.
And I've definite heard of people not being able to see a heart beat at 5+ weeks but there's been one at 7 weeks.
But then again the doctor is presumably a fertility expert and should know what he is talking about.

I know the not knowing will be so painful but all you can do now is wait and hope for the best while preparing yourself for the worst.

Good luck xx

It depends how big the visible fetus was - if over 4.7mm there isn't hope, if under then there is. That's based on much research of the medical journals

I was told I’d miscarried. I hadn’t and an ultrasound ten days later showed a viable foetus hiding behind a 3cm clot. If I’d had the D&C I would have lost my son.

To add to the above.... Based on the November 27 IUI procedure, and Last Menstruation Period being roughly 14 days prior, wouldn't that mean that the pregnancy was technically at 7 weeks and 5 days (vs. 6 weeks and 4 days per the doctor)? Can someone explain this?

@Wanderer1 yes, the doctor is a fertility expert who runs a fertility clinic. I left there just being told that we were going to miscarry. No other details were given (ie. size of fetus, when it died, etc.)

Maybe part of this doctors procedure is to limit any information which he may believe is unnecessary?

@Izzybuzzybuzzybees - how far into your pregnancy were you told that you had miscarried and when did you find out that in fact you were not. I am so happy that you ended up having a successful pregnancy! :)

Answered this on the other thread, but here it is again in case you don’t check the other!

Hello, I’m sorry to hear you’ve had bad news and that you’re so worried, it’s such an anxious time.

I had an early scan (for pain) which showed me at 5+3, but we were expecting to be 6+0 from calculating LMP (last menstrual period). There was only an empty sac seen.

The following week, the foetal pole had appeared with a yolk sac and was measuring 6+5

The week after, we saw a heart beat and baby was measuring right on track again! Now waiting for 12 weeks scan next week

I’m surprised you doctor was so pessimistic as the heartbeat usually can’t be seen before 6-7 weeks and scans are notoriously inaccurate at such an early stage (hence why 12 weeks is the official dating scan)

Obviously I’m not your obstetrician and they might have more information than is in your post to make them pessimistic, but my experience is that scans are inaccurate at such an early stage so I’d definitely agree with waiting for the next scan before making decisions about D&C

@Nelbert19 when you went in with pain at 6+0 and the doctor told you that you're showing at 5+3. Did s/he ever suggest that you may be having a miscarriage?

Thank you very much for your comments! Means a lot to me. Xo

@marabe No they were very unconcerned and said it could be normal for a scan this early, but organised the following scans to make sure we were progressing as expected.

I got the impression that it was pretty normal, but they couldn’t rule MC out completely until they’d seen the heartbeat

@Nelbert19 thank you for all of your support. My pregnancy was via IUI, so the doctors pretty much accurately know my ovulation date was and are likely right with their assessment based on the early scan... but your posts have given me a glimmer of hope that maybe something is missing and I could hear some good news soon. I still do not have any signs of a MC. They've taken me off the progesterone supplements, which I was taking daily up until two days ago.

I'm so happy when I hear positive stories from mums in this group. Thank you for sharing your story! Good luck with your 12 week scan next week! :)