update transabdominal handheld u/s = no hb

AudUy · October 2012

I just got back from my first OB appointment. According to my calculations I am 7w1d. He offered to use his handheld u/s machine and I fearfully agreed. He could find what looked like a speck to me. No heartbeat. He said that I could be not as far I think (pretty impossible to imagine given when I had a bfp) or the machine just couldn't pick it up or my uterus is in a funny position. Or the baby doesn't have a heartbeat. He sent me for bHCG and I'm waiting to hear back about that. I'm now scheduled for a transvaginal u/s tomorrow morning.

To add to it, my nausea got drastically better between last night and today.

I'm beside myself in sadness and I know this could be the writing on the wall. I don't want false hope but if anyone has something to say to me, I'd appreciate whatever dose of reality you can offer.

UPDATE: OB office just called to say that my betas came back "very high" and the doctor says it is looking good. Today really broke my heart and I couldn't ask her for my exact levels for fear of breaking down on the phone. I will just take their word on it and wait for tomorrow. Thank you for your continued thoughts and prayers.

Mmm79 · October 2012

I have nothing to offer except ((hugs)) and prayers for the best tomorrow.

Ax2 · October 2012

You're WAY to early to be stressing about not seeing things on an external ultrasound. I'm sure you'll go in tomorrow and see everything just fine. I'll be thinking of you!

panacea05 · October 2012

I'm sorry you had to go through that today. How scary. I'm not an expert, but I swear 7 weeks is too early to see anything on an abdominal ultrasound. Don't lose hope. I'll be praying for good news tomorrow morning. ((hugs))

hvtang · October 2012

So sorry you are going through this, but I wanted to echo what everyone else has said. Sending you positive thoughts that you'll get good news!

miakrita · October 2012

I'm really sorry. The TV ones are more accurate. Just hang in there!

SoCoGirl · October 2012

I had an early transabdominal, but they warned me before hand that it might not show everything and that I would need a transvaginal if that was the case (even at 8.5 weeks I was told this).

I would think that a handheld transabdominal wouldn't be sensitive enough. I think that your weight and the quality of the machine are pretty big factors at this point when using a transabdominal. I'm not trying to give you false hope, but there is a good chance that everything will be fine tomorrow.

I'll keep you in my T&Ps for tomorrow's US.

HoolahZinger · October 2012

I have no experience with the transabdominal but I hope what PPs have said can give you some hope. I am so sorry you have to go through this all, and the wait. Huge hugs to you AudUy.

AudUy · October 2012

Thank you everyone. His machine honestly looked like an ipod with a wand. Also, I hadn't drank any water (I wasn't in any way expecting an u/s today). I'm thinking it wasn't the strongest machine and I wasn't ready for it. Also, I'm so early. Your thoughts and prayers are much appreciated for tomorrow. In the meantime I'm going to lie around hoping my nausea returns soon.

orangegoggles · October 2012

Bumgellica216:

panacea05:
I'm sorry you had to go through that today. How scary. I'm not an expert, but I swear 7 weeks is too early to see anything on an abdominal ultrasound. Don't lose hope. I'll be praying for good news tomorrow morning. ((hugs))

THIS. That is why they do transvaginal ultrasounds until you're a little farther along. Try your best not to stress yourself out too much. I hope everything turns out ok tomorrow. (((hugs)))

This. I am really surprised he tried it at all. Glad to see you update too, hang in there hun!

angielayne926 · October 2012

Ax2:
You're WAY to early to be stressing about not seeing things on an external ultrasound. I'm sure you'll go in tomorrow and see everything just fine. I'll be thinking of you!

This! My first external was at 12 weeks.

GraceInCA · October 2012

That's way too early for an external.

I hope all goes well in the morning, and I'm glad the beta numbers were good.

Junebug060609 · October 2012

7 weeks is too early to see things with an abdominal. They should be using vagcam until around the end of first tri.

KMac570 · October 2012

I'm so sorry you are going through this. {{HUG}} I agree with other posters though, you are too early to see much on an external ultrasound, if anything at this point. As hard as it is, please try not to worry! I will keep you in my thoughts and look forward to your positive update tomorrow.

GaiaEarthMom12 · October 2012

I just read your message and your update. I'm glad things are looking up! I really hope that everything's okay and that the machine just couldn't pick anything up.

What a heartbreaking, emotional day it must have been for you. These early weeks are so stressful. *hug*

Gregermis · October 2012

You REALLY need the vag cam at 7wk... I've never heard of an abdominal u/s before 8 before. Hope all looks well again soon!

Albah · October 2012

I'm so sorry you had to deal with this. It's usually just too early for a transabdominal at 7 weeks. I know it's hard but try to rest up until tomorrow's U/S. good luck!!!

mrssoprano · October 2012

I'm so glad to hear that your HCG is high. Best of luck for tomorrow and keep us updated!

pinktrojanbride120107 · October 2012

I'm so sorry you have this scare. T&Ps for good news tomorrow.

arishia · October 2012

I just had an abdominal only ultrasound at 6 weeks, 5 days. The baby was measuring at 6 weeks, 2 days, but we could still clearly see the baby and the heartbeat. She didn't even bother doing a vag cam because she got what she needed from the abdominal.

But, this was at my MFM clinic with really great machines. If it was one of those wheel-in u/s machines, it might not have been very good at all.

Lots of T/P. I know you won't sleep a wink tonight. Let us know how it goes!

Ktrue85 · October 2012

I just want to give you big, big ((HUGS)). I'm sure that entire experience was very exhausting and frightening... PGAL is such a trip sometimes...... At least it seemed that your Dr had a great feeling about your numbers.... Keeping my fingers and toes crossed twice for you!