Dates wrong?

[MimiArm]

Hoping for some reassurance - My last period was 27 November. On 21 Dec I got a very faint positive on a cheapo test. That was CD25 and I though period would be due the next day. Used a CB early test on 22 Dec and faint blue line.

Since then, the CB digital tests have been going up a week each week. Last Tuesday it showed as 2-3 weeks and this Tuesday it showed as 3+.

My cycles aren't overly regular. This past year whilst we have been TTC my cycles have ranged from 24 days to 31, with one month being a record 61. I discovered I wasn't ovulating so I was on third round of Clomid when I conceived.

When I used NHS due date calculator I input 27 Nov as last period and selected 25 day cycles (on basis that last two cycles were 25 days). I thought I was therefore 6+2 today.

Had an early scan tonight at the private clinic where I got the Clomid and only the sac was visible. It was measured as 5 weeks. The consultant said my dates are either out or it's a miscarriage. I've to wait just over 2 weeks and to go back again.

He said the sac had a good thick white line and there was good implantation. He also said if I am 5 weeks, that's what he would have expected to see.

He then used a round moving chart thing as I was getting dressed and said that he dates me as 5 weeks using that (can't remember the days). But I can't understand how. He also asked about the CB digital and said that as it said 3+ on Tuesday, he reads that as 5.

So I don't really know what replies I'm hoping for. I've convinced myself it's bad news and I now have a hell 2 week wait ahead of me. I'm 39 and this is the first time I've been pregnant. I feel like this is the worst thing that could have happened tonight. I wish the clinic had booked me in at 8 weeks instead of tonight. I didn't ask for a scan this early - I just rang when I had the positive test and asked for an early scan and they picked tonight.

Is there hope realistically?

Don’t give up hope! My last period was 28th November and I’m not 6 weeks yet (28 day cycle). So it maybe you are just earlier than thought because of irregular cycles. I have also got a 3+ on CB which does mean 5. Also early scans can be really inaccurate because of how small things are. A mm can drastically change dating. If I had that scan today I’d be disappointed I didn’t see a heartbeat, but I wouldn’t give up any hope as could very well be feasible xx

@Keyboard91 Thanks for your reply. I understand that dates could be out and that a few days would make such a difference. Think I'm just convinced it's bad because he couldn't see a yoke at this stage - even though he said at 5 weeks he was seeing what he would expect to see!! Arghh x

Hi op, were you tracking ovulation at all? If so add 2 weeks to the date you ovulated and that is then the date to go off. This can be more accurate as if you put in 25 day cycle the calculators will have marked that you ovulated CD11. If you only got a faint positive on CD25 I would imagine you ovulated later than CD11. For reference, I ovulated CD13 (I had fertility treatments with induced ovulation and a scan to check the day before and I tracked my bbt) but I got my faint positive on CD20 which would calculate as 3 weeks 1 day. I had a scan at 5 & 3 and things were measuring a bit small and I was told it could go either way. I’m now 8 & 6 and had a scan this week where I’m now measuring 2 days ahead. Try and get them to scan you next week instead, the EPU tried to send me away for 2 weeks too but instead I convinced them to scan again in 8 day’s... when I went back 8 day’s later they said yeah forget what we said last week, it’s a viable pregnancy.
I hope it’s a positive outcome for you Op xx

It sounds like your dates could be wrong. LMP is only useful when the last period is typical and your cycles are regular. There is no point calculating with a 25 day cycle if it could have been 30 something or more the previous one.

Your dates being wrong doesn’t guarantee a positive outcome but it does make it much more likely.

I had an early scan when my LMP put me at 8w4 and they could only see a 2mm empty ges sac dating me about 4-5 weeks. My cycles are irregular so I know 8w probably wasn’t right and I had no idea what the accurate dating would be.
I opted to wait 3 weeks an when I went back there was a healthy little baby measuring 7w2 with a good heartbeat.

The waiting is the worst x

Sounds like you ovulated later and this cycle would have been longer if not successful. You don’t have regular cycles so really hard to date from LMP. Your scan seems like it was positive so I would be hopeful things are moving on the right direction. Wish you all the best.

I wouldn't give up hope. I went for an early scan due to pain when I thought I would be 6 week but they put me at 4 weeks. My cycles are bang on 26 days so I was sure it was a miscarriage. I had weekly scans for 3 weeks & they pregnancy grown as expected for being 4 weeks at my first scan. By the time I got to my 12 week scan I had moved forward a week. I'm sat here at 25 weeks with baby kicking away.

Try not to worry op, in my last pregnancy an early scan dated me a week earlier than I thought and I was confused like you but by the time of the 12 week scan it was back on track fitting in with my dates. I think early scans can be quite inaccurate at specific dates

When I had an early scan on the nhs they said as long as the scan doesn't differ by more than a week to the date you thought they don't get too concerned. At such an early stage it can be easy to measure slightly out. Hope that gives you some reassurance

Don't get too hung up on LMP date. You could have ovulated late. When I had my early scan by LMP I should have been 6w5d they've measured me at 6w. I obviously panicked (had 3 early miscarriages before and a second trimester one). But it turns out I did ovulate late. Now I'm 19w6d and everything is fine. Try not to stress too much for the next 2 weeks.

Agree with the others saying not to get to on caught up on dates. With my first I knew my LMP, went for my 12 week scan and the consultant (horrible woman) basically told me I was wrong as she measured me 11 days less, 10 weeks plus. So left with a new due date. I obviously ovulated late that month. DS came a week early so I've always felt my dates were more correct.

It is also not an exact science.

Thank you everyone for your replies. They have definitely calmed me down a good bit.

I did use OPKs and got a static smiley face on CD8 that month - but to be honest, it seemed way too early so my body could have tried to ovulate then, didn't, and then ovulated much later. Any other month when I used OPKs they weren't showing as positive u rip around CD18/19.

All I can do is wait it out - it's going to be torture but don't have a choice!

Update: I had my follow up scan tonight and the sac has grown a lot and the consultant could see the yoke and fetal pole. He kept switching between internal and belly scans as he said I have a tiled uterus and the sac is in an awkward position that it's making it really hard for him to see. He said I was measuring 6+6/7 weeks today. He also said he thinks he could pick up heartbeat but it's just hard for him with the awkward positioning.

So, he concluded that he was very pleased with the progress and we are back again in two weeks for another follow up scan.

That’s great news. Seems like everything is heading I. The right direction. Congratulations x

@MimiArm just caught up the whole post, glad you had a good outcome with today's scan! Here's to a quick next two weeks 🤞

Update: Sadly this didn't end well. Went back again on Sunday past and no heartbeat or growth since the last scan. Went to EPU today which again confirmed it and that the sac is now breaking down. I've had cramping last night and today so EPU said they would be hopeful that it will happen naturally (though I've read what others experienced with this way forward).

If I want to change my mind, they are happy to do either medical or surgical management. I think I'll wait a few days and if nothing has happened yet, go for medical.

I knew all long this would happen as the dates were too far off at my first scan 😢

I’m so sorry @MimiArm sending you a virtual hug. Be kind to yourself, I hope things happen quickly for you but it’s good you have the option to go back to the epu.
I had a miscarriage 2 weeks ago today, it happened naturally. There is a really supportive miscarriage thread on the Body and soul > miscarriage and pregnancy loss board if you think it would help to go on there. I found it helpful to read about others experiences as didn’t really know what to expect.

Don’t worry!! I agree that 3+ means 5, as you generally have to add 2 weeks to those tests.

If your cycles are irregular anyway it makes sense, and you may have ovulated late. If you’re not bleeding either, I’d say you’re in a good position.

I know it’s hard not to worry but it really sounds promising, keep us updated xx

Hi OP - I’m so sorry I didn’t see your last post before posting. I’m so sorry for your loss.

I had a miscarriage in October which started with seeing no heartbeat on a scan. If you’d like to talk please send me a message.

Sending you strength and hugs to get through the days ahead. It’s tough for now but things will get better xxx