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Original poster

Midwife couldn't find heartbeat at 16+2 weeks - could it be ok?

52 replies

IzzyWizzyletsgetbusy · 08/07/2010 17:56

Just had a thoroughly depressing 16 wk appointment and desperately looking for reassurance since midwife tried for ages but couldn't find a heartbeat

I had a dating scan at 7 weeks, another at 9+4 after some bleeding and the usual scan at 13 weeks and each time everything was fine. But now I'm in a complete panic - surely they should be able to pick up heartbeat by now?!

I've been a bit paranoid because I'm not as big as I thought I would be by now (tis baby 3) but I am slowly growing out of my clothes. Now obviously I'm wondering if something's gone horribly wrong.

I have to go to EPU for scan tomorrow, but just wondering how likely it is to be ok? Has anyone been here and had a positive outcome?

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ivykaty44 · 08/07/2010 17:57

I am sure things will be fine - often the baby will trun around making finding the heart beat really difficult

I am sure there will be others along to hand hold

SagacityNell · 08/07/2010 18:00

Sometimes baby can be in completely the wrong place for HB to found early on. Tucked in at the back as it were.

Emster30 · 08/07/2010 18:02

I would try not to worry if I was you - 16 weeks is about the earliest they will try to find a heartbeat, and it's quite possible the baby is in an awkward position.

Hopefully the scan tomorrow can put your mind at rest.

Original poster
IzzyWizzyletsgetbusy · 08/07/2010 18:44

Thanks for replying. I know, logically, that it's not always easy to find and doesn't necessarily mean the worst, but it's hard to keep everything in perspective and tomorrow seems a long way away!

Didn't help that midwife then suggested we leave the blood tests until after tomorrow, as though she thought we'd just be wasting our time

OP posts:
Pootles2010 · 08/07/2010 18:46

Don't worry too much, my best friend had this at 16 weeks, she was really worried as hadn't had her scan yet, but her little girl was born last week. If midwife was too worried she'd have sent you for a scan.

Hope all turns out well for you.

Pidgin · 08/07/2010 18:50

The MW couldn't find a heartbeat at my 16-week appointment either - I was a day or two before 16 weeks - and wasn't remotely concerned, she said it happens fairly often. I was worried too but everything turned out to be fine. I bought a fetal monitor from Amazon and listened myself a week or so later - got the heartbeat fine.

I know it's worrying but please try not to panic - everything is probably fine. At some hospitals they won't even try at this stage, for risk of causing anxiety.

Hope it goes well for you tomorrow.

sarahscot · 08/07/2010 18:50

Same happened to me when I was 15 weeks, I was terrified. But, I now have a strapping 2 year old to show for it! Please try not to worry. x

Chaotica · 08/07/2010 18:59

Happened to me - took five people in the hospital of increasing rank to find DS's heartbeat. Turned out that he and the placenta were in funny positions.

I hope everything is OK for you.

merlin8878 · 08/07/2010 19:11

Baby could just be tucked away or the placenta could be in the way.

I've got an anterior placenta and it was very difficult for the MWs to find a heart beat at earlier appointments.

I'm now 29+3 and it still takes them a while to find it.

Had you put any cream or lotion on before your appointment? I got told off at one appointment as apparently any cream or lotion interferes with the doppler. No idea whether this is true, but thats what I was told.

Hope all goes well tomorrow.

smokinaces · 08/07/2010 19:24

I had this too.I had literally just come from a scan to the consultant appt when he couldnt find the heartbeat. I cacked it, even though I'd seen everything was ok literally 10 minutes before!!! The consultant even offered me another scan, which was madness!

Needless to say, everything was ok. Hope yours is too.

nymphadora · 08/07/2010 19:30

My baby moves away when they go for the heart beat & it always takes ages. Its so much more reassuring once you can feel them escaping!

Original poster
IzzyWizzyletsgetbusy · 09/07/2010 11:18

Thanks for all your messages, just wanted to update you.

Went for the scan today and unfortunately there was no heartbeat, sadly it seems the baby stopped growing at about 14 weeks

Needless to say we're in something off a state of shock about it right now, and just trying to get our heads round the next steps, but I just wanted to thank you all for taking the time to reply to me yesterday x

OP posts:
strawberrycake · 09/07/2010 11:20

Izzy- thoughts are with you x

grumpypants · 09/07/2010 11:21

I am so sorry

Narketta · 09/07/2010 11:22

So sorry Izzy.

sunchild77 · 09/07/2010 11:22

Aww Izzy Im so sorry to read this, look after yourself and take time you need to grieve..

geordieminx · 09/07/2010 11:22

So sorry.

Poppet45 · 09/07/2010 11:23

Oh Izzy you poor thing, what awful news and a terrible shock. Thoughts and a hug your way. I hope you have people around you who can support you at this time. x

SagacityNell · 09/07/2010 11:24

Izzy i am so sorry

BessieBoots · 09/07/2010 11:26

Oh no. I hope you're okay. Big hugs x

Goodluckbear · 09/07/2010 11:30

So sorry Izzy, thinking of you xxxx

MmeLindt · 09/07/2010 11:32

So sorry to read this, Izzy.

Take care of yourself.

bigmuther65 · 09/07/2010 12:25

So sorry Izzy i know how heartbreaking it is as the same thing happened to me at 16wks .Take care and thinking of you xxxxx.

janski31 · 09/07/2010 12:54

Am so so so sorry Izzy, sending you lots of love and hugs my thoughts are with you.x

differentID · 09/07/2010 12:56

Izzy- so sorry for you.

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