Early scan sent me into a head spin - advice welcome

[sophiePotter]

Hello

I am in a bit of shock. This is my first Time pregnant and I've never been more confused.

I last had a period approx 16 Dec I am a late ovulater according to my fertility app / long cycles I ovulated between 01-07 January.

However I booked a scan which was stupid of me as I'm not sure how far I am actually on. You know by the doctors calculations they take it from your last period date and count the weeks forward which I know is inaccurate.

Anyhow, got the scan they couldn't find an embryo just a genstation (16mm) and yolk Sac they recommend taking a test in 2 weeks - as they said it might be too early to tell.

Has anyone any experience with this I can't deal with the unknown

Hi op I’m really sorry to hear about this I have had this myself and I’m sorry to say it wasn’t a good outcome.

What date you test positive and did you ever do one of the tests that say how many weeks you are?

Was this a private scan? I would call gp the morning and ask for an appointment if it was a private one - you should definitely go to the EPU at your local hospital for a scan from them.

Hi @sophiePotter! I am in exactly the same situation, I went for an early scan Sunday (I know, I’m a twat, wish I hadn’t bothered) expecting to be AROUND 8-9wks (rough conception date +2 weeks). I had told myself anything between 7-9 would be acceptable in my head. However, it’s measuring at 5w5d! However they did say that’s what they could measure as it’s so close to the uterine wall, but could guess a range between 6-7. BUT… and this is where I’m confused - it has a heartbeat. Surely if it had stopped developing at that gestation, 3wks ago, that heartbeat would have stopped by now? And if that is right; when I got that BFP on 10th Jan I wouldn’t have actually been pregnant at all! I know there can be discrepancies between ovulation, sperm staying alive for a few days, later implantation etc… but 3 weeks difference? Surely not? Can anyone maybe help me see something I’m missing?

The thing that confuses me is that they always seem to add on those two weeks for your LMP, even if you’re not having periods…

I hope you’re ok, this limbo is awful, I’m in it now too. X

This is what happened to me. Positive test, went for private scan, I had very long and irregular cycles so thought I was probably 8 weeks but wasn’t sure.

That sounds similar to you, as when they say ‘weeks’ pg they count from last period (LMP).

So if day 1 of your LMP was 16 Dec, you would be “nine weeks” tomorrow. That would be on the basis you ovulated on 30 Dec. Assuming you ov later in your cycles like me you would be 8 weeks.

I was told you should be able to see a healthy pg by 8 weeks. My private scan outcome was similar to you. I then went to the nhs for a scan. Then I’m afraid it was confirmed I had mc.

I asked the private provider in his experience how likely it was that I had a healthy pg. He said only 20%

I hope it’s different for you op, but I know you wanted honest answers so I hope this helps

Hi MissHaversham

Oh I'm so sorry it didn't work out for you that must have been torture 😣 I tested positive on 26th January with a normal test and then proceeded to do a digital test which was 2-3 weeks 26th January and then another digital 27th January which said 3+ weeks? Xxxx

@MissHavershamReturns

Was this a private scan? I would call gp the morning and ask for an appointment if it was a private one - you should definitely go to the EPU at your local hospital for a scan from them.

It was a private scan I have the date for my NHS one which is 09 March 🙈🙈 this is going to be hell for 3 weeks??

@CupidStunt24 I’m sorry to hear you are also in this position. Don’t feel bad for wanting an early scan and op shouldn’t too - it’s totally natural to want one.

I would say the same to you as op - try to get seen in your nhs EPU as they will be able to tell you what is going on.

@MissHavershamReturns

This is what happened to me. Positive test, went for private scan, I had very long and irregular cycles so thought I was probably 8 weeks but wasn’t sure.

That sounds similar to you, as when they say ‘weeks’ pg they count from last period (LMP).

So if day 1 of your LMP was 16 Dec, you would be “nine weeks” tomorrow. That would be on the basis you ovulated on 30 Dec. Assuming you ov later in your cycles like me you would be 8 weeks.

I was told you should be able to see a healthy pg by 8 weeks. My private scan outcome was similar to you. I then went to the nhs for a scan. Then I’m afraid it was confirmed I had mc.

I asked the private provider in his experience how likely it was that I had a healthy pg. He said only 20%

I hope it’s different for you op, but I know you wanted honest answers so I hope this helps

This totally helps and I'm so sorry that must have been really awful for you 😔😔 it's the dates on the digital clear blue test that are making me think I'm just over 5 weeks but maybe you're right I ring the gp see if there's anything they can do in between but my booked NHS scan is 09 March the one I went to was private xxx

@sophiePotter it was really really hard. But I hope you don’t mind me saying that I’m sitting here with my two rainbow babies, which I had after my mc. There is definitely lots of hope even if the worst outcome is the case.

@CupidStunt24

Hi *@sophiePotter*! I am in exactly the same situation, I went for an early scan Sunday (I know, I’m a twat, wish I hadn’t bothered) expecting to be AROUND 8-9wks (rough conception date +2 weeks). I had told myself anything between 7-9 would be acceptable in my head. However, it’s measuring at 5w5d! However they did say that’s what they could measure as it’s so close to the uterine wall, but could guess a range between 6-7. BUT… and this is where I’m confused - it has a heartbeat. Surely if it had stopped developing at that gestation, 3wks ago, that heartbeat would have stopped by now? And if that is right; when I got that BFP on 10th Jan I wouldn’t have actually been pregnant at all! I know there can be discrepancies between ovulation, sperm staying alive for a few days, later implantation etc… but 3 weeks difference? Surely not? Can anyone maybe help me see something I’m missing?

The thing that confuses me is that they always seem to add on those two weeks for your LMP, even if you’re not having periods…

I hope you’re ok, this limbo is awful, I’m in it now too. X

Oh dear I know limbo land! I honestly think their measurement is incorrect and you're perhaps further on given the heartbeat detection etc. When's your next scan?

I would try to get to the EPU before 9 March if you can op - in some areas you can actually self refer to EPU.

Just as an example anyone can walk in to St. George’s EPU in London:

“ How do I get referred to EPU? This is a walk in service meaning that you can self-refer and do not need to have seen a GP first. You must have a positive pregnancy test but be less than 14 weeks pregnant. We will see any woman who arrives at the clinic before 11am.”

Just try Googling your local town and add the words walk in EPU

[quote MissHavershamReturns]@sophiePotter it was really really hard. But I hope you don’t mind me saying that I’m sitting here with my two rainbow babies, which I had after my mc. There is definitely lots of hope even if the worst outcome is the case.[/quote]
No I don't mind you say at all that's amazing news I'm soooo pleased for you! We have been in a bit of a whirl wind since finding out I was pregnant end of January. I just hope it's ok but understand I need to be totally realistic also ❤️

I know it might not be very mumsnet but I’m sending big hugs to you op and to @CupidStunt24

I’ve been through this uncertainty and I know how it feels

I was all over the shop and struggled to eat or sleep so make sure you are eating at least something and try to rest when you can.

Thank you @MissHavershamReturns - I don’t think with my dates there’s any chance it can be a healthy 5w5d pregnancy. The only way that fits, is to take away the two weeks added on for LMP (which I didn’t have) so I’m not holding out much hope. I think there is going to have to have been a very late ovulation, a very late implantation, an almost instant positive pregnancy test and a major f**k up on the sonongraphers part with the measurements for this to work out!

@sophiePotter thinking of you, this is shit

Hi OP,

Okay so a gas sac measuring 16mm should put you around 6weeks +2/3 - it is not always possible to see a fetal pole at 6 weeks - sometimes takes 7/8.

I had very similar recently.

My last period was 13th December. Went for a scan end of January expecting to be around 7 weeks, and only saw a gas sac and a yolk sac like you, but i was measuring 12.2mm which was 5 weeks 5 days.

Have been panicking for weeks until my rescan yesterday, where they commented on how quick baby has grown, seen a little beating heart and measured 8 weeks 1day ( around a week or so earlier than i thought given my dates)

The truth is, it could go either way - but dont give up hope! I was in a similar position and it turned out okay for me

I think i researched that is only when the sac size is above 23/24 mm that a fetal pole should be seen/measurable!

brooksidepress.org/Products/Military_OBGYN/Ultrasound/1st_trimester_ultrasound_scannin.htm

[quote wonderwoman26]Hi OP,

Okay so a gas sac measuring 16mm should put you around 6weeks +2/3 - it is not always possible to see a fetal pole at 6 weeks - sometimes takes 7/8.

I had very similar recently.

My last period was 13th December. Went for a scan end of January expecting to be around 7 weeks, and only saw a gas sac and a yolk sac like you, but i was measuring 12.2mm which was 5 weeks 5 days.

Have been panicking for weeks until my rescan yesterday, where they commented on how quick baby has grown, seen a little beating heart and measured 8 weeks 1day ( around a week or so earlier than i thought given my dates)

The truth is, it could go either way - but dont give up hope! I was in a similar position and it turned out okay for me

[quote wonderwoman26]I think i researched that is only when the sac size is above 23/24 mm that a fetal pole should be seen/measurable!

brooksidepress.org/Products/Military_OBGYN/Ultrasound/1st_trimester_ultrasound_scannin.htm[/quote]
This is interesting @wonderwoman26 because when they measured my genstation sac it measured age was 6 weeks and according to this article the fetal pole grows from 6 weeks at 1mm per day which hopefully means there's still hope that it was just undetected? I'm praying like mad.

Its in our nature to automatically assume the worst but Its sometimes impossibel to know when actual conception happened! I still dont really understand when it would of been but it was much later than i thought!

In my head i should be 9 weeks 2 days, but i am measuring 8 weeks 2 days. But had to wait 17 days for a rescan - the dates dont make sense!
My sonographer on my first scan was totally unsupportive and useless. The lovely lady i had yesterday was wonderful - if its not explained to you properly it can cause so much anxiety. i went home and spent hours googling Gas Sac diameters and average sizes compared to weeks and when i should see a pole and when i shouldnt - all that should have been explained to me!

I wish you all the luck OP, please keep us informed xxx

@CupidStunt24

Thank you *@MissHavershamReturns - I don’t think with my dates there’s any chance it can be a healthy 5w5d pregnancy. The only way that fits, is to take away the two weeks added on for LMP (which I didn’t have) so I’m not holding out much hope. I think there is going to have to have been a very late ovulation, a very late implantation, an almost instant positive pregnancy test and a major f*k up on the sonongraphers part with the measurements for this to work out!

@sophiePotter thinking of you, this is shit

Please go and consult a doctor I have spoken with a friend who went through the same thing and there's always room for error. Would you consider another scan to confirm this if for anything peace of mind I feel so sorry for you as all the what ifs eat you alive xxxxx

Sometimes as well - depending on the angles etc, they can miss the fetal pole if its too early! as it looks like an extention of the Yolk Sac!

I'm very regular, I had an early NHS scan at 6 weeks, the pile measured 5+1 which was impossible with my cycle plus my DH had been away so the swimmers must have been around well over a week! Anyway he was born on time, 8lb 15 oz and us nearly 10 ... keep positive 😎

@wonderwoman26

Its in our nature to automatically assume the worst but Its sometimes impossibel to know when actual conception happened! I still dont really understand when it would of been but it was much later than i thought!

In my head i should be 9 weeks 2 days, but i am measuring 8 weeks 2 days. But had to wait 17 days for a rescan - the dates dont make sense!
My sonographer on my first scan was totally unsupportive and useless. The lovely lady i had yesterday was wonderful - if its not explained to you properly it can cause so much anxiety. i went home and spent hours googling Gas Sac diameters and average sizes compared to weeks and when i should see a pole and when i shouldnt - all that should have been explained to me!

I wish you all the luck OP, please keep us informed xxx

Yes that's exactly the same as me doing all the research with absolutely no medical background! I am so glad it worked out for you ❤️ I will keep you posted xxxx

I don’t know what to do to be honest @sophiePotter, feel like I can’t really think straight.

A massive huge good luck to you tonight, please let us know how you get on

If it helps, this was my first scan where nothing can be seen! I always looked for scan pictures to compare but never found any xxx