Pregnancy Help!

Updated on March 31, 2008
P.H. asks from Sparks, NV
38 answers

i had some "old" blood with no cramping twice. When i went to the dr and got a ultra sound i was suposed to be 7 weeks and 4 days but the baby only messured at 6 weeks and 1 day with no heartbeat! that happened on Monday March 24 2008 and now it is Wednesday March 26 2008 and now ia have started my period i think. I was wondering if that is normal. I am going back to the dr this friday for another ultra sound. i just dont know what to think if anyone can help please let me know!!!

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So What Happened?

So on Monday March 31 i had a dnc and after the surgury i have a fever and had to take anitboticts and now i am fine and go to my next appointment on Monday April 14 and the dr will let me when we can start to try again!

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M.P.

answers from Los Angeles on

You should really go to the er immediately. Dont wait until friday, not that i'm trying to scare you,but at least you'll know if its normal. I was always at the doctor's at the beginning of my pregnancy cause it was my first and i didnt know what was normal. Just go now!!!

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T.

answers from Las Vegas on

P.,

It sounds like you are miscarrying. If the baby had no heartbeat, it has likely died and now your body is getting ready to clean itself out. Unfortunately, yes, it is normal and I'm sorry you are going through this. I've had two miscarriages and it is never easy. The doctor will likely follow up with blood tests every couple of days to make sure your hormone levels are dropping and at least one more ultrasound to make sure there is no leftover tissue in your uterus.

Assuming you are miscarrying, you will likely have quite a bit of cramping. Tylenol or Ibuprophen helps quite a bit.

If it were me, I'd call my OB and go in if at all possible. I'd want to know for sure what is going on and only they can answer that. If you start bleeding heavily, go to the emergency room. Hemmoraging is (from what I understand) pretty rare but it is a possibility. If your doctor doesn't have great ultrasound equipment he or she can give you a referral to an imagining company and they will be able to see what is going on.

Again, I'm very sorry you are going through this. I'm sure you are terrified.
T.

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M.R.

answers from Honolulu on

Aloha P.,

I wish I could have a solution for you, but all I can do at this point it keep positive thoughts and prayers your way. Let us know what the dr says on friday. I pray all goes well and that you have a very healthy pregnancy/baby. Blessings,

Marie-anne

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J.A.

answers from Los Angeles on

I COULD BE COMPLETELY WRONG! I AM NOT AN EXPERT!

However, I wish I could offer good news, but this does not sound like an earth bound baby. I am so very sorry! You are in my prayers tonight.

I have had one prior pregnancy that was originally twins, but I lost one at 10w 4d. I bled so much I had to change pads every 1 1/2-2 hours.

If you are Christian and would like some support, there is a website called Hannah's Prayer that offers support to women going through infertility or pregnancy loss.
( http://hannahsprayer.org/board )

Again- you are in my prayers tonight! I am so sorry.

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L.P.

answers from San Diego on

Call your Doctor to see if you can get in today. If he/she isn't available they usually have someone else on call to get you in to see. Tell the receptionist what is happening and that it it urgent.

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S.B.

answers from Visalia on

Don't wait for you next apt. GO SEE YOUR DR NOW!!!

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E.N.

answers from Los Angeles on

Get back into the Doctor. You need to know why they could not sense a heartbeat. Having a period is not normal but does happen sometimes. They should have told you what to expect or look out for. Ask questions. Good luch to you.

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K.G.

answers from San Diego on

It sounds as though you might be having a miscarriage.....but it could just be residual blood from the ultrasound if they did a transvaginal. Remember sometimes our measurements are not the right ones so it is best to just be positive and hope for the best. I have had three miscarriages and then had two beautfiul boys so I can understan dthe worry you must be feeling.

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R.J.

answers from Los Angeles on

Do the ultrasound again ASAP. Don't wait go 2 the hospital. I had a irregular period all thru both my pregnacys it is rare but possible. U should have heard a heart beat with the ultrasound u took. It is possible u r only 6wks nstead of 7wks. Miss caculation is always possible its only by a few days so no worry there.

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G.T.

answers from Los Angeles on

Go see your dr immediately; if he or she is not available, go to any dr, this is not normal!

Sorry if I sound harsh but I had similar problems and was fortunate enough to have my dr available when I needed him.

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M.G.

answers from Los Angeles on

your body is telling you that something is wrong you should go the your OB asap. if they were unable to find a heartbeat then you might be aborting the fetus but you still need to get checked to make sure nothing stays inside.

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S.D.

answers from Los Angeles on

It sounds like you might be having a miscarriage if there was no heartbeat detected. I'm so sorry. Are they having you to come back to check for a heartbeat, to see if they are wrong and you are earlier than they suspect? I don't recommend a D&C, unless it's absolutely necessary. Your body can do this on it's own, if that is what it is doing. Every time you have a D&C, you run the risk of damage to the uterus and/or scarring that can prevent future pregnancies. Weigh your options when you know what is going on for sure. They should have taken blood work to compare it in 2 days, that will tell a lot you and the doctors more than anything else right now, the levels should double every 2 days in early pregnancy.

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K.C.

answers from Reno on

HI,
I am considerably older than you but when I was 28 ish I got pregnant. I had morning sickness from the get go.( that was normal for me) I went to othe doctor and each time he would say, we can't hear a heart beat yet but it's still early. So I waited & waited. Finally at about 8 weeks when you should be able to hear a heart beat, we still did not. He asked me to give a urine sample. He checked it right then and came back in and said, you are not pregnant. Shocked, I said, well I was wasn't I? He really wouldn't say yes or no. Obviously I was no longer pregnant and looking back I can pinpoint the day I stopped having morning sickness. It was at the end of my first month after testing positive as pregnant. That is when I must have miscarried. But I did not have any release from the uterus. After months going by he said I would abort naturally.. Well my body would not release the dead fetus. Finally 7 month later and talking to other woman friends, I knew there was a shot he could give me instead of going into the hospital for a DNC. I hate hospitals. That was a better option for me. He agreed.
He gave me the shot and said it would take 4 days to 4 weeks to abort natually. At the 4th week on a Friday I called and said I still didn't have a period. He told me to call on Monday if nothing happened over the weekend and he would schedule the DNC.. Well Saturday, it all came out. Per the doctor recommendation, I had 3 more regualar periods, then tried getting pregnant again. BAM I did. Finally after the uterus had 3 cycles. This time all was fine and so was my now 26 year old son. So talk to your doctor and insist on answers,.... and make suggestions of what you want him to do.
Good luck...
K. C

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K.C.

answers from Los Angeles on

no heartbeat and to soon for a heartbeat are 2 diffrent things. At 6 weeks its not uncommon to not hear the heartbeat yet. Have your "levels" been increasing? You said you should be 7 weeks and 4 days, was that a guess? When you say you started your period, was it lots of blood? Painfull bleeding? If you read this soon go right to the ER and get checked out. Lots of people have "bleeding" while they are pregnant, but always trust your mothers insticts. YOur doc. might perscribe somthing called progesterone inserts (sp). Relax and enjoy pregnancy. Good luck!

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C.M.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi Patti,
It's still very early in your pregnancy. Sometimes a little spotting (especially after an "evening of romance" might bring on a smear of blood the next day or two. Also, it's sometimes difficult to pick up a fetal heartbeat at this early a stage. So, here's my advice.
1. As long as you don't see fresh bleeding (bright red color) and the spotting has stopped, chances are that things are okay.
2. Give it time, good nutrition, prenatal vitamins, rest when you're tired, moderate exercise (stick to walks for now)and keep your mind occupied with things that interest you.

Let us know how you follow up visit went.

cindythenurse

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A.B.

answers from San Diego on

Go to the doctor now!

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T.M.

answers from Los Angeles on

Do not rush into a D&C or any other procedure. There are incidences where the tech is wrong, and the Dr. gets a false report. Give it two weeks. Thirty percent of women have bleeding early in pregnancy.

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N.W.

answers from Los Angeles on

Patty -- please go to your OB ASAP. It is possible your body is beginning to miscarry. I am very concerned that there was no heartbeat and the baby was much smaller than expected. What did your OB recommend at that point? Please call and go in as soon as possible. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

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B.C.

answers from Honolulu on

Aloha P.,

Though I can't tell you what might be up, I just wanted to let you know that I am holding you and your baby in my prayers. May God in His great mercy grant your doctors wisdom and skill and grant you and your husband peace, understanding and encouragement. Cling to Him and He will carry you through this! I wish you God's blessings in this time of confusion.

Me Ke Aloha Pau`ole I Iesu Kristo!
(With the Everlasting Love in Christ Jesus!)
B.

S.R.

answers from Los Angeles on

i read that you could have your period up to three months into the pregnancy. unless you are having REALLY bad cramping, it might not be a miscarriage, just prepare for the worst and hope for the best when you go to your appointment this friday.

always go check with your ObGyn and always listen to your body.

god luck and let us know what happens!

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S.B.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi P.,
I'm so sorry that you are going through this. This has happened to me on 3 different occassions and unfortunately you have probably lost your pregnancy. OB's generally either wait for you to miscarry naturally or schedule you to have a D & C. I would go back to your OB and talk over why she didn't explain this to you and why she wants you to miscarry naturally vs a D & C - I never miscarried naturally on those 3 occasions so had D & C's everytime. I had one natural miscarriage but required regular blood tests for a few days to make sure the HcG levels all returned to normal - if they don't you will end up with a D & C. Don't despair though I am the mother of two beautiful boys 6 and 2, so even if you've lost this pregnancy you can still have a baby later on. I would avoid the ER - long wait being miserable amongst sick people. You'll be placed at the bottom of the list for evaluation unless you are losing a considerable amount of blood. Better to go to your OB's and camp out there until you can be seen. Good luck and stay positive

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C.K.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi P.,

I am a nursing student and I'm actually currently going through my Maternity-Newborn training. The discrepancy in age (you stated that you were supposed to be 7w4d but measured at 6w1d) is because the age or due date is only an estimation based on the info you provided on your last menstrual period. Ultrasounds tend to be more reliable as far as age does. And the matter of the missing heartbeat, we can't picl that up on even an internal ultrasound until 8 weeks. But if you are having bright red bleeding I suggest you go into your dr.'s office immediately. If you call and tell them they will usually tell you to come in right away to make sre you and baby are safe. I wish you and your family all the best and hope this turns out to be just a little scare and nothing serious.

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C.M.

answers from Los Angeles on

From what I remember a babies heartbeat is suppose to be detectable at 5 weeks.

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S.M.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi Patty, Im S. and I really hope everthings ok! I dont thnk Its that uncommon for bleeding cause I had My Period with 2 of my kid till they were born and they were premature

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C.G.

answers from Los Angeles on

I had the same thing with my 2nd pregnancy after a perfectly normal first pregnancy 3 1/2 yrs before. Unfortunatley, I did end up miscarrying that time and also with the next one, exact same symptoms. Then, I got pregnant again, had some more spotting, an ultrasound showed a perfectly healthy baby laying on her back sucking her thumb. She was born, everything was just fine. I went on to have 2 more perfectly healthy boys, both normal uncomplicated pregnancies. Not to say that the other 2 weren't very sad for us, but it did happen. i also had no cramping, no real signs of trouble either. Just the same results of the sonogram as yours. that all happened in my late 20's early 30's. However, we now have a 5 yr old daughter to add to the mix, we had her when I was 45. Molly is now Aunt Molly to her 2 older sister's children. Good luck tomorrow, I'll be thinking of you. C. G

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D.W.

answers from Los Angeles on

Go to the doctor now! If nothing else for your own piece of mind. I miscarried last May at about 7 or 8 weeks and it was just like a heavier period. (I am now 9 months pregnant with a healthy boy). The doctors will check your HCG levels and if you do miscarry they will make sure that everything clears out o.k. I called our nurses hotline when I miscarried and they told me to go to the ER. I hadn't been to the doctor yet(the first appt was scheduled) just had a positive pregnancy test a few days before. So definitely go to the Doctor. It is always better to be overly cautious with these kinds of things. I hope it is a false alarm.

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C.P.

answers from Atlanta on

Dear P.,

I'm so sorry you are experiencing difficulties. You've received some great advice already, so I’ll just add a couple of things: it is very common to have an early miscarriage – if things don’t develop well, there’s generally not a whole lot the dr.’s can do, and it’s NOT because you’ve done anything “wrong”. I know this doesn’t take away the pain of your loss, just know that it didn’t happen because anyone should have done something differently. The other thing is that after a miscarriage, you’ll generally be much more fertile for several months afterward. If you should lose this pregnancy, ask your dr. how long you should wait (how many normal periods) before trying again.

I, too, lost my first pregnancy, after trying for close to a year. It was devastating. I did get pregnant the first month of trying afterward, and now have a perfectly healthy 2.5 yr old.

You’ll be in my thoughts this week. Please let us know how you’re doing.
C.

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D.S.

answers from Los Angeles on

At my 1st ultasound, at exactly 4 weeks, I was able to see a heartbeat.

My advise also is to find a new OB. Any doctor who does not hear a heartbeat, be it 4, 5, 6, or 7 weeks out should not be sending you home.

Prayers are with you.

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K.M.

answers from Santa Barbara on

Hi P.,

I had periods for 3 months when I was pregnant with my second child and she is just fine! However, bleeding is not something you usually want to see while pregnant. I am very glad you will be seeing your doctor tomorrow.

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T.M.

answers from Los Angeles on

Dear P.

I am an ob gyn practicing in the community. I recommend that you do in fact follow up with your repeat ultrasound and perhaps blood work that is often ordered to look at the pregnancy hormone bhcg. we usually order it two days apart and if it is not doubling it signifies that the patient is having a miscarriage. At 6wks, depending on the quality of the ultrasound used, the physician may not see the heartbeat and so a repeat ultrasound at a later time would be beneficial. the fact that you measure less than your expected date by less than a week is ok. as for the bleeding, you should definitely call your doctor or go into the closest emergency room so they can better evaluate you.

sincerely,
T.

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E.C.

answers from Los Angeles on

Not to give you any false hope or anything but they didn't see a (pole?) or hear a heartbeat until my 8th week. I also had severe cramping and spotting during the first month of my pregnancy.

Years later, after consulting with an endocrinologist, I found that I make very little progesterone, which is necessary for sustaining gestation. Have your doctors ordered blood tests to check your levels of Hcg and progesterone?

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S.S.

answers from Los Angeles on

If you think you have started your period and had an ultrasound with no heartbeat it is not sounding good. I think you should call your Dr. right away and see what they think. Good luck. Just remember it is best that you miscarry now instead of further along God has a way of making things right.

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K.W.

answers from Los Angeles on

I am so sorry about your loss. That has happened to me twice. Just be grateful you were not further along.

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E.V.

answers from Los Angeles on

Most likely you are miscarrying the fetus. You will have moderate to heavy bleeding and maybe some cramping. Didn't your dr. tell you what to expect? It usually takes a few days for the process to complete. If you have tons of pain and/or fever you might have to have a D&C to remove any remnants of the "products of conception". Retained POC can be very bad for you so keep an eye on it, and if it gets really bad, go to the ER.

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H.L.

answers from Los Angeles on

No heart beat? could be a miscarriage. I had two and since then have had 5 super healthy big babies :) so keep your attention on the future!

Experts tell us that we as women miscarry at least 20 times in our life, mostly with out knowing we are even pregnant.

I remind you that we are really a soul and the body is our vehicle for this life time, like a driver and his car. sometimes these " cars" are lemons and our bodies will expel them if something is not optimum.

hopefully all is well :) but trust me it will solve it self some how :) Love H.

On the other hand I also had a full period with two of my pregnancies , though in the firts month...so lets see what friday tells you :) don't cave in on your self... you WILL have many more chances to have a baby.

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K.R.

answers from Spokane on

Did your doctor tell you you would miscarry? What info did (s)he give you, or instructions for what to do next seeing as there was no heartbeat? It sounds just like the way my fist pregnancy went- I was measuring at 12 weeks then at the ultrasound the baby measured at 6 weeks without a heartbeat. The doctor told me I would probably miscarry within the week but we could do a D&C that day to avoid it. I was in shock and denial that my baby wasn't alive, and told him no way would I do the D&C, I would just miscarry at home. I went back in for an ultrasound every week for four weeks hoping to see that heartbeat, but never did. My original ultrasound was July 3rd and I finally miscarried at home on Aug 6th. If you think you have started your period you have probably started your miscarriage. I would go back to the Dr and request to do a blood test to check your HCG levels - if they are zero (meaning you have no pregnancy hormone) and your bleeding stops within 7 days, then you have miscarried without complication and can try to get pregnant again in a couple of months. I know it sucks to be in this position, but once my healthy son was born a year and a half later I realized that I wouldn't have had him if the first baby had survived - God has a plan for you, even if it doesn't match up with your own, it is the right one for your life. So good luck with all of this, go have a good cry (or two or three hundred) and then when you do have a healthy baby you can count all your blessings and will be that much more greatful! :)

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J.U.

answers from Los Angeles on

I am an ultrasound tech and I can give you my advice based on the info you have given. I know this is an emotional subject, so I want to start by saying I am sorry. Second, it sounds like your baby did not make it past 6 wks and 1 day and your body is now beginning the process of aborting the embryo. Unfortunately we see this all too often. You will have a heavy period and the process will happen naturally, without medical intervention. If everything doesn't come out, you might need a D&C where they go in and clean you out to prevent any problems or infection. The doctor is doing the follow up sono to confirm that the baby has no heart tones again and has not grown....in the rare case that something was missed and/or you were too early to detect the heart tones before. At 6 wks they should have definately have seen heart tones though, so with that ultrasound, plus the fact that you are bleeding it is more than likely a spontaneous miscarriage. I hope this helps and hang in there.

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N.E.

answers from Honolulu on

Hi P.!
TRY NOT TO WORRY!! i know its hard not to, but I went through the same thing. I was at home and also had some "old" blood. I was a little scared but I knew that as long as it wasnt RED RED blood, it was ok. About a week later, I had some red blood and it dripped into the toilet which completely freaked me out. First off, it was red, secondly it dripped!! So i flew it to emergency afraid of having a miscarriage. Everything turned out fine (I was also around 6 weeks i think). They told me that it was probably the remainder of my period that was coming out.And about the heartbeat, if this is your first pregnancy, sometimes the heartbeat wont be able to be heard until a little later. Good luck though and try not to worry. Congratulations on your pregnancy!!

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