Low fetal heartbeat

[ZNC2020]

I went for a private scan yesterday. I had calculated I was 8+3. They could only see an empty sac so did an internal scan. They found baby but said I was measuring 6+1 and the baby’s heartbeat was slow. I know have to wait two weeks for next scan. They said the Sac looked good and couldn’t see any evidence of bleeding. But if I bled in meantime to go to EPU. I’ve also had minimal pregnancy symptoms. I’m pretty heartbroken right now as they made me feel like MC was inevitable. Anyone have any experience of slow heart rate at early scans?

Hi OP. I'm sorry you're feeling so low. I haven't experienced this, but just wondered if it's possible you have miscalculated your dates? Although a slow heartbeat can sadly mean a miscarriage is more likely, there can be other reasons for it too. The heartbeat would probably be slower than anticipated if the pregnancy was not as far along as you thought. Also, sometimes a heartbeat can be temporarily slower, for example.... caused by pressure on the uterus from a transvaginal scan. How sure are you of your dates? Conception and pregnancy is such a rollercoaster, isn't it? I wish it were an easier process x

Exactly same thing happened to me about 6 weeks ago.. here’s my post

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/pregnancy/4030740-Worried-after-early-scan-at-EPU

Hopefully it reassures you a little, I have my 12 week scan tomorrow 🤞🏼

If you can’t be bothered to read through thread then basically I was told the same as you, I couldn’t wait 2 weeks so booked a private scan a week later and went and babies heartbeat was strong.. went back to EPU 1 week later and all was good.

It was the worst 2 weeks of my life

Hi OP, we had a slow heart rate at 7 weeks and I was terrified too. I'm so sorry you're going though this. I'm now 26 weeks and all is going well.

Is it possible your dates are wrong? If so, the heart rate isn't necessarily a bad thing - at 6 weeks, the heart is just getting started and can be variable. When we went back at 8 weeks, the heart rate was normal and it has been normal ever since.

I would recommend not reading the studies out there about heart rate and miscarriage. They tend to have small sample sizes and aren't great studies.

Thank you all for your replies. Littlebee1990 so pleased it turned out well for you and all the luck for your 12 weeks scan. The change in dates is also making me anxious. If I was only 6 weeks 1 day that would mean I conceived on day I got a positive test so really can’t be right and baby is 2 weeks behind in growth as well as slow bear rate. The scan was private and they have booked me back in on 9th to see if pregnancy is “viable” I’m trying to stay positive but fear the worst.

Sarah. Thanks so much for talking the time to reply and for the feedback. Glad all is progressing well for you x

@ZNC2020 I was going to link @Littlebee1990 post but seen she did. How did you calculate your dates? Do you use your LMP or ovulation dates as that may explain the discrepancy. Hopefully it'll be alright, sending you best wishes

Thank you for your wishes. I had calculated it from my LMP which was 29/8 I don’t know my actual ovulation date but was on peak fertility on 10th September. So the dating from private scan is scaring me that the baby isn’t growing properly as well as low heart beat. Tried to take a little comfort today that still no bleeding and sore breast seem to have returned. Just dreading this two week wait like @Littlebee1990. It feels like an eternity of agonising. I did ring the private clinic today but they can’t fit me in any earlier and we’re reluctant to scan till two weeks had passed xx

@ZNC2020 Honestly it’s 2 weeks of torture but you’re already a day down, it is soooo easy to get measurements wrong at this early stage. When I went to EPU they said somewhere between 5.5-6.. then 1 week later they had me as 6+4 and then exactly a week later they had me at 8+1.. I’m technically 11+3 tomorrow but I am sure my scan will say something else. There really is such a margin for error this early on.

I know how hard it is but try and keep positive, being negative and feeling low and not looking after yourself isn’t going to prevent anything bad happening but it will hinder positive mental attitude. Tell yourself that no bleeding is a good sign. Here for you ❤️❤️

@Littlebee1990 thank you. I have really appreciated all the support on this thread today. This And support from Dh has calmed me from hysterical mess I was this morning and trying to stay positive . Enjoy your scan tomorrow xx

@Littlebee1990. Hope your scan went well. Been think about you!

So kind of you! It was amazing, baby is healthy and waved! Due 16th May xxxx please keep me posted xxxx

Ahh. I’m so pleased for you. Lots of love x

@ZNC2020 hope you're ok, I know the wait can be torturous. Fingers crossed all will be well. Thinking of you

Thank you so much @Mishmased. Pretty emotional and spent far too long trying to make the date work out with my tracking. But know I just have to hang in there and wait. Thanks for the thoughts
X

It is tough but you'll get through. I had bleeding at just under 5 weeks and was told they don't scan until 6 weeks. Gave me an appointment for 10 days and it was a tough wait. All turned out fine so I'm hoping the same for you.

I’m sorry to say I lost the baby. Started bleeding on Sunday. I’m incredibly sad and it’s been a horrific experience but I’ve had amazing support from my Dh and just getting through each day as it comes. Thank you all for your support xx

Oh im so sad to hear this, I'm sorry :(

I am so so sorry, heartbroken for you. Focus on you and recovery. This bub is my second after a loss so hopefully some reassurance it can and will happen again (I only had 1 period inbetween) xx

@ZNC2020 I'm so sorry to read this ❤️❤️
It is tough to go through but you will be fine. Glad to hear DH is looking after you. I had two straightforward pregnancies before my miscarriage in July and it really shocked me because it was never on my radar. I got pregnant 8 weeks after the mc and things are going well. Just remember there's light at the end of the tunnel no matter how dark it feels like now. Sending you lots of virtual hugs and strength ❤️❤️

Sorry for jumping on the end of this thread and so sorry for your loss @ZNC2020. I hope you’re doing okay.
I’ve just come back from EPU and outlook isn’t great for me either. Should be 6 weeks 3 days and measuring around 6 weeks but sonographer said heart rate was very slow and basically prepare for the worst. I’m heartbroken, this is my third pregnancy, last two ended in miscarriage also. I feel numb to all of this. It’s just so far away from what I expected pregnancy to be like. Why do we have to go through this? It’s just so unfair. 😢

@whatsgoingon22 so sorry you're going through this. Do you have to go back for another scan soon? Look after yourself.x

@ZNC2020 how're you keeping?

@Mishmased thank you, yes, next Tuesday but the nurse has also booked in a potential surgical procedure for me for Friday week so that’s how unlikely it is that I will have a positive outcome 😔

@whatsgoingon22 really sorry but sometimes it may not always be bad news. The wait is tough but hopefully there will be a miracle. Try and rest, not easy I know.x

@Mishmased hmmmn I’m not hopeful but thank you for your support xxxx