Six weeks and five day (I think) scan - empty sac

[Onionpeeler]

I booked myself a private scan as I wanted to get some reassurance.

Last period started 24/11 so going by that I’m 6 weeks 5 days pregnant. They scanned me on tummy and vaginally, they saw a sac and a yolk sac but no embryo.

They said not to worry and to go back for another scan, but there would surely be something there, wouldn’t there?

I’ve been feeling so nauseous and had the most banging headaches. I’ve had no bleeding.

I was getting so excited. What a way to start the new year. :-(

Does anyone have any insight?

I'm sorry that you're having this stress, when are you going back for another scan?

I unfortunately had an empty sac which didn't turn out happily but I had very heavy bleeding so had already suspected a mc. While I was waiting for my 2nd scan I did google everything to the point I was getting on my own nerves and I don't think it was particularly helpful!

I think it is best to look after yourself and try to relax until your next scan, I was told to keep taking folic acid and carry on as if I was pregnant, plus obviously step away from google!

When I was 6.5 weeks, I went in for an ultrasound, and I had a gestational sac, but they couldn't clearly see an embryo or yolk sac. I went back at 8.5 weeks, and there was a very clear embryo with a heartbeat. I am now 21 weeks with a baby boy kicking away as I type this.

When is your next scan?

Thanks morningcuppatea. I’m due back in ten days which is quite a long time to wait! The google can drive you absolutely crazy. But so helpful at the same time.

Ok thanks rosewater20, that’s helpful to know, thank you for that.

It was a hard two-week weight, and I remember being sick with nerves the whole time. I also advise staying off Google; it made things worse for me.

I think the fact that you have nausea is a good sign. I read having nausea was a sign that your hormones were high, and this reduces the risk of miscarriage.

I would contact your local hospital epu and go there on monday it will put your mind at rest too xx
I had a reassurance scan and felt like you too its horrible feeling xx
Good luck hun xx

I was seen at 5 weeks 4 days and only gestational sac and yolk sac was seen, went back at went back at 7weeks 4 days and heart pulsations and yolk sac and I’m now 18weeks, don’t give up hope x

It’s really early. You need to wait 10 days because much sooner and you could have an inconclusive result again. It is hard at this stage to see everything on a scan. Best wishes for the next scan

The start of your last menstrual cycle gives a rough guide to your potential due date but you won’t know your actual due date until your dating scan around 12 weeks so your pregnancy might be a little earlier than you think depending on the length of your cycles. I had a scan at around the same time and was told because it was so early it would be unlikely they would be able to see very much but the yolk sac apparently confirms the pregnancy is in the right place and not ectopic (so a good sign for now I would say?). Nausea in pregnancy is super normal and to do with hormones and so are headaches (according to the pregnancy+ app) it’s a great sign there’s no bleeding but if there is defo see a dr or go to an early pregnancy unit? I hope that helps a little x

I had this twice, and sadly both times it didn't end well. Have had a baby since then though.

The first time I went back after 10 days and despite things clearly not progressing as they should, they told me it was inconclusive and to come back in another weeks time! I went to the EPU instead but because the first scans had been private they then had to scan me and wait another week before they would confirm the miscarriage so be aware that this could be a lengthy process if you are miscarrying and need intervention.

I didnt have any symptoms though, so fingers crossed that when you go back they'll be a heartbeat there

As previously said, you could be off with your dates so less far gone than you think you are (which at this stage makes a massive difference).
I had an early scan when I thought I was 7+5 going by LMP but I have long cycles and pretty sure I ovulated later than 14 days after LMP. Baby only measured 6+1 and I was a nervous wreck!
I just had my follow up scan after 2 weeks and baby is growing proportionately with a string heartbeat.

If I'd gone when I thought I was 6 or 7 weeks I wouldn't have seen a thing x

Okay thanks for all your advice x

I had a scan at 6+4 (dates now confirmed as have had scans since) due to slight bleeding and they could only see the yolk sac and no sign on an embryo or fetal pole at all.

I had a horrible 2 week wait where I assumed I had no chance but 2 weeks later at 8+4 there was a little baby and heartbeat, measuring 8+4. I'm now 16 weeks.

I've seen many people go through this and it can go either way, but I wish you the best and don't give up hope completely like I did. I was a mess for those 2 weeks, did a real number on my mental health so please look after yourself.

@Onionpeeler, how did your scan go? Fingers crossed it was good news!