Is Absence Of Fetal Heartbeat At The 9th Week A Symptom Of Miscarriage?

Posted on Fri, 15 Jul 2016

Question: Went for my nine week visit, didn't see the heartbeat on ultrasound, sent me for trans vaginal ultrasound, said maybe wait a week, also sent me for blood work there that day, and have to go again in few days to check levels again, I am not feeling many of the usual symptoms of pregnancy at this time. Is there a possibility that I am still carrying baby and baby is ok? I really don't want to be crushed a second time here, cause you know I cried my eyes out leaving office that day and to sit here a week to do it again is killing me, I cry daily with worry. Should I even stay optimistic, or call it a wrap and try to get on with my life. Oh I'm 41 and this will be my 5 pregnancy, 1 abortion when young, 1 miscarriage, and 2 beautiful girls, now this, I am already very attached of course. Please...honest answer...

Answered by Dr. Manisha Jain (40 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Repeat scan is a must

Detailed Answer:
Hello Mam, thanks for trusting health care magic.
I understand your agony and despair but it is too premature to comment.
Frankly chances of viable pregnancy without heart beat at 9 weeks are minimal but still it can be a delayed conception too so it's a sin to arrive at a negative decision so soon.
You should definitely wait for a week and get a repeat scan.
Till then take rest and avoid exertion and even intercourse.
All the best.
Regards
Dr Manisha Jain

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Manisha Jain (8 hours later)

Shoot.... I sent a new ? I hope you get it. Sorry didn't see this little follow up ? Button till now..this pertains to my previous email. The mention time of conception. My LMPwas 4-20-16 is it possible iI didn't conceive in April but maybe May and was not quite far enough along for the heart beat to be seen or heard? I know I must sound stupid but when do us ladies ovulate. I never really bothered to read up on that. I just know it happened seeing as I have 2 children already. Grasping at straws here.

Answered by Dr. Manisha Jain (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Ovulation in 12-18 days of cycle

Detailed Answer:
Ovulation in a lady with normal regular cycle occurs in between day 12-18 of the cycle and thus in case you have ovulated on time then this ultrasound will correspond to fetal demise.
But since in at least 1-2 cycles in an tear there can be delayed ovulation a repeat scan after a week will clear the situation better.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar