Baby Measuring 6 Weeks at 10 Week Scan

[mom0f2]

Hi,

I went in for a scan at what should have been 9.5 - 10 weeks of pregnancy, however, baby was only measuring 6 weeks (barely), but did have a heartbeat of 115. I'm wondering what others experience was like with this? It's really just a waiting game at this point which is so hard! I am almost certain of my dates, which is how I know I should be around 9.5 - 10 weeks depending on when exactly ovulation happened.

Thank you for the information! Good or bad this is exactly the info I was looking for, real life examples. I am even more confused now though because I went for another scan yesterday (4 days since my last scan) and baby had grown some and heartbeat was now 123. None of this makes any sense - I know it's impossible for a baby to just be slowly growing like this when I know the exact date that I last had sex.

Thank you so much! Yes, that's the hardest part - continuing on with life while you have no idea if your baby is ok or not.

@mom0f2 are you having private scans or under the early pregnancy unit? Usually they want 2 weeks between scans as it can be hard to tell the small differences. I know things can be hard in the early stages as measurements can be out, and the waiting is agonising. Can you ask for a blood test?

I have just been going to a private scan! This feels really horrible to me, I have been trying to get in with different OBs and Midwives and the earliest they could do an appt with a scan was 3 weeks... even in my situation. So I feel like I am not getting any support.

Do they know your concerns?

They’re supposed to decline to scan you if it’s been less than 7 days since your previous scan, and ideally two weeks.

Sadly I’ve got experience with the EPU part… it’s brutal but they prioritise pregnancies that are far enough along that they can help, if it’s needed. As there isn’t anything they can do in these early stages, and it’s really just confirmation of how things are at that particular time, there’s often a wait. It’s agonising and I’m so sorry.

I really hope there is good news at the end of this for you x

Yes, they are aware.

I assume since I went to a private scan, and it was 2 different places that was not a factor. I just couldn't help myself, the unknown was unbearable but I left with more questions than answers.

@mom0f2 I did the same with my last pregnancy and had private scans a week apart with a very similar story to yours.

The EPU did see me despite this and then were able to support me through what happened. I think it's very important you're supported by them/ your GP as private scanning places are there for reassurance but won't be able to help you if you need that medical attention. Maybe just keep trying for an earlier appointment, and no more private scans as they won't provide the reassurance, as hard as that may be. Thinking of you xxxxx

Thank you for your support!!

In your case baby continued to grow slightly and have a heartbeat, but was way off from where they should be?

Can I just add that there is precisely zero point is seeing what your HCG levels are doing.
Serum HCG is used as a second best if an intrauterine pregnancy cannot be located. You are pregnant, a heartbeat is visible and there is no role for HCG.
unfortunately nobody on here is going to be able to tell you what will happen. If I were seeing you professionally I would tell you to continue folic acid, eat sensibly, and rescan in 2 weeks.

I think this is good advice, keeping up with your vitamins and nutrition. Hoping for good news soon for you. I remember when I was pregnant I was so desperate for reassurance. I'd purposely go to a fish shop to see it it still made me nauseous. I know how horrible the waiting is. We can all wait with you.

Unfortunately there is nothing at all that they can do.

I know it's awful to be waiting to find out, but early pregnancy losses are very common and being scanned will not improve the outcome.

That's why the NHS doesn't routinely scan women until 12 - 14 weeks. At least there is a good chance that the pregnancy is viable at that stage.

this, 100%. I know how awful it feels to be in this situation but there is very very little they can do and extra scans are not really support if - as so many of us here have experienced - they are inconclusive or show there may be cause for concern. Sadly all you can really do is wait it out, OP. It's brutal.

Thank you! The wait is sooo brutal - but thankfully as time is passing I am finding ways to occupy myself and having the mindset that if nothing obvious is happening that would indicate miscarriage then I am going to be positive and assume the best.

Same sort of thing happened to me, I went in for a scan thinking I was 9/10 weeks, but baby was only measuring 6 weeks with a slow heartbeat. Following week I was re scanned and it was bad news unfortunately. Sorry you are going through this x

I think it's great you've seen a heartbeat twice. When this was me my recurrent miscarriage consultant said such delayed growth might be "just one of those weird things" so obviously it can work out good in ways experts don't really understand. Tightly crossing fingers for you.

I'm absolutely praying for you and your baby, OP.

Thank you so much! That is so kind.

I've had two missed miscarriages and both times the baby was growing behind my dates (which were accurate as I temp).

The second one had a heartbeat and grew a little in between scans but was gone by the time I was nine weeks.

So sorry you're going through this as well :(

I’m currently going through similar.
I had a private scan yesterday where they said baby was measuring at 6w4d and I should be at least 8 based on my ovulation date. They also said there was no heartbeat. The EPU saw me this morning and scanned me again, they actually thought baby was smaller and because it’s smaller than 7mm they can’t say there is no heartbeat (because there wouldn’t be at this size). I am 99.9% certain on my dates and I got my BFP 5 weeks ago so the maths just doesn’t add up. I have to wait a week to be scanned again before the EPU will do anything though. They said I might start to bleed myself though in this wait but after a week and no difference then they can offer options. I hope your outcome is a positive one OP.

Sorry you're in the horrible limbo, @mom0f2 I went through this earlier this year.

I went for a scan at 6+4 due to pain and there was only an egg sac. I knew exactly when I'd ovulated and when we'd had sex, so there were no doubts there. I had a scan 10 days later and there was a little embryo with a good heartbeat. They told me then that my chances of miscarrying went down to 5% and I must have just been off with dates. The thing was, I knew the dates were correct. They booked me in for a follow up a few weeks later to check progression and at the next scan, when I should have been a few days short of 10 weeks, there was no longer a heartbeat and baby had died about a week after the previous scan.

It's harsh and unfair, but if you know your dates and have concerns about the heartbeat, it is best to guard your heart. It doesn't help much, but can help you prepare in the event that you have choices to make. I'm hoping it's a positive outcome for you.

@mom0f2 so sorry you're going through this. I had this occur in Jan this year. Went for a scan at 7 weeks to be told I'm measuring 2 weeks behind, no Hb (private scan). A week later I'm still measuring 2 weeks behind but with a strong HB (at EPU).

Then a tortuous 2 week wait until my next scan at the EPU but unfortunately baby hadn't grown anymore and the HB had stopped 💔

I don't think dates can be that far out and have a good outcome, really wish you all the best xx

Thank you! Even though the information is hard, hearing that others have gone through this as well is comforting. None of it makes sense at all!

Thank you for sharing your story with me. The wait is the hardest part - I have had 2 other healthy pregnancies and everything aligned so there was not much worry during those early weeks, but this one is so much different.

Hi everyone,

Just wanted to update everyone I was able to get in with an OB on Tuesday and they had a bedside ultrasound so we were able to measure baby's growth. Baby was measuring 7 weeks 1 day which lines up with exactly a 1 week growth - he didnt tell me the heartbeat rate but said baby had a good heartbeat. He scheduled me for another appointment in 2 weeks to see if baby continues to grow at that rate. He really didnt have much to say other than he can go off of what he sees in front of him which was a normal growing baby. Will update you all if anything changes!

Oh well that's good news, OP!