8 weeks no heartbeat

[BlahBlah36]

Just had an early scan at 8+4. Baby is measuring at 7+6 and no heartbeat.
I have to call the GP tomorrow to get a referral to the EPU. Does anyone know what I can expect next?

I’ve had no cramping, bleeding or anything to indicate an issue. I’ve had nausea, sore boobs etc so this is very out of the blue.

I'm so sorry BlahBlah36, it sounds like you're having what's called a missed miscarriage. The baby has died but for some reason your body hasn't recognised that. It can take several weeks for hormone levels to drop, leading to a physical miscarriage. The EPU will need to scan you again to compare measurements and confirm there has been no further growth. This is often done using a transvaginal ultrasound. You'll be given the option to wait for the loss to naturally occur, take medication to begin the process of miscarriage or have surgery to remove the pregnancy manually. I will post a leaflet with more info on this.

Hope you've got some good support around you. The Miscarriage Association has a helpline if you need more detailed advice: 01924 200799. The charity Tommy's is also a good source of info.

Sorry for the terrible pictures, hopd you can read it all! Please keep in mind that different NHS trusts have their own ways of doing things:

Thank you so much. That’s really helpful.
Do you know if the weeks in pregnancy in the table mean how far along I am now or what week they are measuring?

@BlahBlah36 the EPU will advise on that as it depends 1) how many weeks the baby grew to and 2) how many weeks the surrounding structures sac etc grew to. I'm so sorry and wishing you all the best x

@IWillBeWaxingAnOwl Thank you so much. I have to ring the GP tomorrow to sort a referral. Dreading trying to get through on a Monday.

DH and I were really shocked and it’s been a difficult day. Luckily DS was with MIL all day so we could have our time to sort through our feelings.

I’m really scared about the medical side of things but have been reading loads of threads about the personal side of the options so feel armed with some knowledge at least. Thanks to @Vincitveritas for the amazing advice. I like to be prepared so the leaflet is really helpful.

No problem OP, glad I could help. As IWillBeWaxingAnOwl said, the intervention will depend on your personal situation so it's best to ask when you get to the EPU. There is specialist counselling available for women who have experienced a loss and they can put you in touch with someone if you need this.

Also I don't know about your area but in some healthboards you don't need a GP appt and can self refer to EPU

So so sorry for your loss OP 😔