Is an empty Gestation Sac at 5+4 normal?

[jojojo82]

Me and my bf have been trying to conceive for almost 2 years and finally got a BFP 2 weeks ago :)

However during my first prenatal appointment they did a scan, and found a nice clear gestation sac, but it was empty. Because I was charting I know when I ovulated, so it would have been 5+4 at the earliest (more likely 5+5).

The doctor didn't seem too concerned and said we needed to be patient and booked me in for another scan in 2 weeks, and I've read on official websites that first scans are not really advised before 7 weeks because of confusion with not seeing anything.

But as this if my first pregnancy, and I'm at an 'advanced maternal age' (I'm 39!) I can't help but think the worst.

Has anyone else not seen a yoke sac at an early scan and then gone on to have a healthy pregnancy?

I didn't see anything I till about 7 weeks and I'm not 13+3.. you'd be so surprised how quick they really grow!! Try not to worry if there's no bleeding or painful cramps there shouldn't be any concern. Good luck for your scan in 2 weeks time!! The time is going to go so long in that wait try keep yourself busy!xxx

This exact thing happened to me and when I went back in 2 weeks there was a fetal pole with a HB. I'm now 19 weeks pregnant with what so far seems a healthy baby.
Chances are it really is just too early. I really wish scans before 7 weeks weren't allowed as it often causes so much anxiety. Stay positive until you have any solid reason to think otherwise x

Thanks for your replies @Lucyf1995 and @LunaDreams !

It is definitely reassuring knowing that others have been in the same situation and all has turned out ok, it is helping me to stay positive.

I haven't had any cramps or anything and I do still have minor pregnancy symptoms, like sore breasts and tiredness, plus my BBT is still very high.

I just kinda wish I didn't have the scan so early as these next 2 weeks are going to drag by!

I had an ectopic check at 5+4 (as I had a previous ectopic, not because of concerns in this pregnancy.)
At 5+4, they saw an empty sac and said they couldn’t confirm in the pregnancy was viable due to no fetal pole or heartbeat. However, they were not at all concerned and said even 1 or 2 days later and they would’ve seen more.
I’m now nearly 23 weeks so it was all good!

@jojojo82

Thanks for your replies *@Lucyf1995 and @LunaDreams* !

It is definitely reassuring knowing that others have been in the same situation and all has turned out ok, it is helping me to stay positive.

I haven't had any cramps or anything and I do still have minor pregnancy symptoms, like sore breasts and tiredness, plus my BBT is still very high.

I just kinda wish I didn't have the scan so early as these next 2 weeks are going to drag by!

Yeah it's definitely going to drag by, the wait is horrible!! At least you have your pregnancy symptoms that's definitely a good sign!!! Mine all went and have still gone from about 6 weeks apart from being sick. I was so uncertain just like you but everything turned out ok! Is there any chance your doctor could check your hcg level just to make sure they're rising so you've got a little more reassurance xx

Yes it’s very early!
I had the same, 7 weeks+ is best for an early scan

Thank you for the replies, and I'm really pleased for you all that your pregnancies are healthy and going well :)

@Lucyf1995, I didn't think to ask about my hcg levels, or the size of the gestation sac ... tbh I wasn't even expecting the scan! I just thought it was going to be an initial consultation and I'd get the standard 12 week one booked in, so to then see an empty gestation sac and googling afterwards to find out what that meant, I was initially really heartbroken to not see anything. (I'm currently living in Germany so had to go directly to a gynaecologist instead of GP, so I guess they do scans at different times).

I actually really want the morning sickness to kick in to give me some more reassurance haha!

But hopefully by the next scan there'll be more to see! And hearing other peoples similar experiences has given me more hope of that! xx

Just to give an update if anyone searches for this subject in the future, my second scan was very good news :)

There was a heartbeat, head, 2 stumpy arms and legs and it even did a little wiggle on screen while I was watching!

I was told I was 8+2 so the original scan would have been 5+5. Its crazy how much it has grown in 2.5 weeks, from not being able to see anything, to being able to make out the start of limbs!

Anyway, thanks again to those who replied and helped keep me positive!

Awww @jojojo82, fantastic news!! Well done!

@jojojo82

Just to give an update if anyone searches for this subject in the future, my second scan was very good news :)

There was a heartbeat, head, 2 stumpy arms and legs and it even did a little wiggle on screen while I was watching!

I was told I was 8+2 so the original scan would have been 5+5. Its crazy how much it has grown in 2.5 weeks, from not being able to see anything, to being able to make out the start of limbs!

Anyway, thanks again to those who replied and helped keep me positive!

That's amazing news!!! I'm so happy for you!! Xx

@jojojo82 such great news 😊. I'm so pleased it all worked out well for you.
I have had lots of scans in my pregnancy but my one like yours today has been my favourite. The feeling of relief and joy at seeing the little bean after weeks of not knowing and worry!
Just use this experience to warn others of dangers of early scans if you can. I'd never advise anyone has one before about 8 weeks now due to my experience.

Enjoy your pregnancy :)

Congrats @jojojo82 . Wishing you a wonderful pregnancy and birth