8 Week Ultrasound Measuring 6 Wks/low Heart Tones

Updated on November 20, 2012
S.A. asks from Chicago, IL
8 answers

I had my first OB appt and ultrasound today. I am supposed to be 8 weeks based on the first day of my last menstrual period, but the baby was measuring only 6 weeks. The u/s tech had a hard time seeing it, then saw a little flicker. She said the heartbeat is only 111 bpm. She said it could go either way. The OB was much more optimistic, and said that it's only 6 weeks and anything over 100 bpm's is good.

I know I'm not off on my dates, so why would it be measuring small????

I'm scheduled to go back next Friday for another u/s to check growth and heart tones. I'm trying to be hopeful, but have a bad feeling. Has anyone been through this and had a healthy pregnancy?

Thanks All for the good thoughts and support! I am choosing to be hopeful that next week there will be growth and a stronger heartbeat. Will update in my SWH after the appointment.

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So What Happened?

I am sad to report that this pregnancy is headed for miscarriage. The repeat ultrasound showed no growth in the last week, and a very faint heartbeat. It wasn't able to be traced, but she could see if flickering slightly on the screen. Since there is a flicker, I have to go back next Fri to have another ultrasound and check if it's gone. If so, I will have a D&C unless I start to miscarry on my own first.

More Answers

J.M.

answers from Philadelphia on

only time will tell. could be a few things...you'll still worry like crazy

i hope the outcome is good=)

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L.M.

answers from Dover on

I know this will sound easier said than done but try not to stress too much.

When I was pregnant with my son, they gave me a due date of 10/5 based on the 1st day of my last period but I knew that I did not get pregnant for almost 2 weeks afterwards so I suggested my due date to be 10/16. They said "no way". My first ultrasound showed my due date (based on size...which the earlier the u/s are, the more accurate the date is based on size) to be 10/14. So, they figured me to still be due 10/5 but I went in labor, on my own, on 10/17 (the same day they were going to induce me because I was almost 2 weeks late according to them). With my daughter, they gave me 12/10 due date and I knew that to be accurate within a day or two...went in labor on my own on 10/4 (two days before they were going to induce due to Gestational Diabetes).

With my sister, they gave her a due date of 1/16. Then they did the ultrasound super early and had basically the same comments as you have listed above. So they started testing her hormones constantly, expressing concern because they were low and the fetus size was smaller than they expected. To this day, I think she was just not as far along as they thought (just barely pregnant). Anyway, due to her blood pressure causing her to not be able to see they induced her early. According to them it was only two weeks early (1/2) but based on his size and initial issues (that of most premature babies) I think he was closer to a month early (and that would coincide with the early ultrasound concerns).

I strongly urge you to not stress (it's not good for you or the baby). I also urge you to follow doctor's orders (regarding bedrest or anything like that) and do all you can to avoid an early induction. The doctor is telling you your are at 6 weeks (and they count full term to be 40 weeks)...try to make it to that date...example: if 8 weeks would make you due on August 30 and 6 weeks would be September 14 do not let them induce you until at least 9/14 if you can avoid it (if it is medically necessary that is different).

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H.M.

answers from Dallas on

Don't stress out that's all you can do right now. All that stressing will do is make things worst!!!! Take it easy and see what you find out at your next apt.

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C.K.

answers from Chicago on

Hello Suzy,

You have received some good answers. I myself have been told in my last 2 appointments that I was measuring smaller by a month and so I had an ultrasound done and my baby's growth is right on track. I hope all goes well for you. It sounds like everything should be fine. Best of luck to you.

N.G.

answers from Dallas on

Try to relax, you know what stress can do. It could be any number of things. LMP predictions are never exact (my LMP due date is a week off from my actual due date), just depends on when you actually conceived. I pray everything turns out fine! Keep us posted.

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D.B.

answers from Fargo on

Yes and she just turned 1. I went in for 8 week apt and they couldn't find her. A week later they found a piece of rice with heartbeat.....6 weeks. Im still not sure how that happened according to LMP but she's fine.

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E.D.

answers from Boston on

Had they checked your hcg's?

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M.C.

answers from Washington DC on

I have, but my heart rate was low (85-90). My OB told me from the get go to not get my hopes up. My pregnancy did not advance past 11w.

One reason that your numbers could be off would be if you actually have a 5 week cycle instead of 4. It is also possible that you became pregnant on the last day instead of the first. The calendar date range is just a starting guideline.

Again, only time and other u/s will tell. Just know that you are not alone and many will be sending healthy prayers your way.

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