Early scan after MMC & coronavirus

[MrsMGE]

I'm unexpectedly pregnant after a MMC and a natural early miscarriage during the last 14 months. The MMC was a total shock, diagnosed at a second private scan, after a positive first scan (NB the first scan was v early on, around 6 wks). I had medical management which didn't go well and I wouldn't choose to have it again.

Question: I'm gradually getting more and more anxious with regard to waiting for my 12 week scan. I'm unsure whether to have an early scan and looking to hear your views if you've had a similar experience.

I'm mostly concerned that if it's bad news, D&Cs aren't currently offered according to the RCOG guidance because of COVID. I'm really unsure how I'd feel about waiting for things to progress naturally if it's another MMC. Medical management is off the table for me after my previous experience. Waiting another 4-5 weeks will get more and more difficult and I'm aware it may turn out to be a bad decision if it's bad news as it will mean I've waited for 3 months for nothing which inevitably would be upsetting.

Does anyone have any thoughts? I'm feeling stuck between a rock and a hard place.

Sorry, I should have said clearly, I'm 8 weeks now.

Hey. I’m in pretty much the same position although I’m 7 wks. I had a MMC in October - picked up at my booking scan. I’d had 2 early scans as I have had several early miscarriages in the past. Saw a heartbeat at 7 and 8 wks. Baby died around 9 wks. I had surgical management - it was horrible and I wouldn’t do it again.

I’ve decided not to pursue an early scan. My feeling is that it doesn’t change the outcome. All it does is provide false reassurance. I’m a dreading my booking scan (if I even get there. I also dread going to the toilet and checking the paper) so I’ve taken the mature and adult decision to act as if the whole thing isn’t happening. I will leave it until I’m at least 9 wks to even refer to midwifery services and I don’t think I’ll really consider myself pregnant until after the booking scan.

So sorry you’re going through all this. I did do a miscarriage odds calculator and was amazed at how high the chances of a successful pregnancy are despite all my losses and my advanced age (39). Wishing you lots of luck.

@Moo678 Thank you for your thoughts. I'm really sorry for your losses and keeping everything crossed for you

When you said this:

so I’ve taken the mature and adult decision to act as if the whole thing isn’t happening

this was me right up until now! I also felt like waiting till 12 weeks was a mature thing to do. I know it won't change the negative outcome. I also know that sadly things may still go from positive to negative. You're completely right.

I guess it's getting harder and harder to wait now. I felt so proud I got till now without huge wobbles, although I have had my worries. But it's still only halfway there and even though I'm trying my best to keep busy, time seems to have stopped. I'm also concerned that I might have to tell my employer about the pregnancy before 12 weeks because of the upcoming changes to the restrictions. I don't want to do this, and certainly not if the pregnancy isn't viable. They know my history, but on this occasion I would really prefer to keep it private. I'm so confused 😔

I was kind of joking when I said waiting was the mature thing to do! I’m not sure burying my head in the sand is particularly grown up. In a way I think I’m avoiding an early scan because I don’t want my hopes to be dashed. I’ve had a lot of wobbles. I had a bit of cramping last week and I told my husband I just wished I would start bleeding because at least then I would know what was happening.

I think if you would genuinely feel reassured by an early scan then you should have one. Now you’re 8 wks if you see a heartbeat your odds are very very good and maybe it would help. I have been considering getting the harmony test at 10 wks - partly because of my age - but partly because it would include a scan after the point where my last baby died but only 3 wks away rather than 5. I’m confused too. I don’t think there’s a right answer in our situation.

@Moo678 I said that to my DH today, I think in my head I'm convinced it's bad news again and I'm trying to push the scans away (and indeed any acknowledgement of my pregnancy, including my booking appt, which I've only enquired about today!) because this also pushes away the bad news. Maybe it's fear, not maturity. I've had this very firm mantra "What will be, will be", but after so many weeks it's getting difficult to just ignore this pregnancy. Much like you say about cramping, I'm on progesterone now and convinced that if I stopped, I would just miscarry now. It makes no sense, but what does in pregnancy?

I'm planning to get the NIPT (Panorama) done but after the 12 ws if I get that far.

I wish someone could just decide for me on this one.