This is my official good-bye: sad update :( Home doppler- hb at 9 wks,now nothing at 11 wks?

mrsjg2013 · June 2014

Good morning. First of all, I apologize for my absence the last few weeks. Now that finals are here (I teach high school), and I have much more time on my hands, I look forward to catching up with you all.

So after much debate, my husband and I decided to get a home doppler. I went into it with the attitude, "If I don't find it, I'm not going to worry because it's so early." After two great ultrasounds at 6 weeks and 8 weeks, I was feeling confident in the pregnancy, with or without the doppler. To our amazement, we found the heartbeat after only 3 minutes the first time we used it- I was 9 weeks exactly! We tried again about 5 days later and found it after about 10 minutes tops. Boy, did we feel blessed! (We never saw or heard the hb for either of our previous pregnancies.) I was visiting home this weekend and decided to share the glorious sound with my gma, mom, and sister. I tried for at least 30 minutes and found nothing. I've tried 4 times since, and still nothing. (nearly 11 weeks at this point)

I honestly don't think I would've had any worry initially if I couldn't find it, but because I found it so easily the first two times early on and now after repeated attempts I can't, it's causing a bit of worry. We have an ultrasound on Friday afternoon, but as you can imagine, it seems like so long from now. I'm praying and relying on the fact that these dopplers are not always consistent, but I was hoping someone may have had a similar experience (finding it easily, then not) where everything turned out okay.

Thanks as always for the advice and support!

Update: ultrasound today confirmed my worst fears... our little one passed sometime a few days ago

Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers.

My official good-bye and best wishes that all of your little ones continue to grow and bless your families with the joy of a healthy birth. For the first time in this process, I'm considering whether or not I can continue to keep trying only to keep losing. It may just be the raw emotions of this loss- praying I'm back with you all yet again. (My d&c is scheduled for Tuesday- I've been able to pass everything naturally each time before, so this is a new experience for me. I imagine it'll be 3 normal cycles before we can even consider trying again.)

kateitho · June 2014

I had that happen too, and I called my OB. She wiggled me in that afternoon and found LO's hb with her Doppler for me. You might just give your Ob a call. Good luck.

JessicaG220 · June 2014

It's possible baby wiggled him/herself into a place where the HB is difficult to find. I didn't hear it until 12 weeks. I agree with @kateitho‌ to call for reassurance. Friday is so far away for PgAL brain!

rmpar29 · June 2014

It's possible that your baby has moved somewhere that it's harder to get to. I agree with @kateitho, it wouldn't hurt to call your OB and see if she can't get you in for a quick check. Good luck!

jess123456 · June 2014

It does get a bit harder to find as they get more wiggly. When I was about 11 weeks I found the heartbeat on my own at home and my doctor couldn't find him on her doppler that same day so we had an ultrasound and sure enough he was just in a tricky spot. If you are concerned you can always call your doctor. My doctor did warn me about using them only because it does happen that you can't find it and everything is ok.

carlsonbaby2014 · June 2014

I'm so sorry you've not been able to find it - I know the anxiety that can cause PgAL brain (as if we need any more, right?)! I agree wit PPs that the baby could be in a spot that's more difficult to pick up with the monitor, and I have a few other suggestions that I have noticed help me quite a bit:

- Try finding it with an empty bladder. There's conflicting information out there on what works best - full bladder or empty and I've found that each time my bladder is partially or fully full that it's more difficult for me to distinguish the baby's hb.

- Press the flesh. I have to press down quite a bit in order to get the doppler to register the hb. I'm not slender, but really overweight either.

- Move really slowly. Sometimes as much as changing the angle of the doppler will mean hearing the baby versus not hearing the baby. The first time I tried to find the hb, I was moving the doppler all over the place quickly and now I take much smaller movements and start under my belly button and slowly move down towards my pubic bone and my baby likes to hang out a little to the right.

But even with all of this, I've had times where I haven't been able to find it, which is so difficult! I hope you're able to scoot in for a quick appointment and get some peace of mind ((((hugs))))!!!!

slensic · June 2014

I am so sorry for the anxiety that this causes. I found it at 10weeks with my home doppler and then couldn't find it again until 14 weeks. The first 2 weeks I kept trying but realized I was just stressing myself out so I put the doppler down until the NT Scan and then would try about once a week after that. It was very nerve racking but I still think the doppler brought me more peace of mind than stress overall.

mrsjg2013 · June 2014

Thank you all for sharing- it's incredible how much that helps!! My husband and I just keep joking that we'll never be able play hide-and-seek with this little one- he/she is obviously already a master at the game! Unfortunately, my doctor's office is over 30 minutes away and my physician is only in the office on Friday this week. Guess I'll be learning the lesson of patience this week!

@carlsonbaby2014- Thank you for the advice. I've tried each of your suggestions (empty stomach, after eating, after urinating, with a full bladder), but nothing seems to work.

@slensic- I agree, even though it's causing me some worry right now, I don't regret using the doppler. Being able to hear that heartbeat the last two weeks was priceless.

carlsonbaby2014 · June 2014

Let us know how it goes on Friday, ok? I'll be thinking of you!

mrsjg2013 · June 2014

Will do

JCM285 · June 2014

Totally agree with PPs that its possible baby wedged itself into a new spot. FX for an awesome U/S on Friday :-)

mrsjg2013 · June 2014

Thank you all again for your support and sharing your stories... glad to have you all to turn to for my PGAL brain moments!!

iflovecouldhavesavedher · June 2014

I know you will always worry, but for what it's worth... I'm an ER nurse and we will routinely try to find a heart beat via Doppler starting anywhere from probably 8 week+. But we never concerned or think twice if we can't find it prior to 12 weeks via Doppler.

Praying you find a peaceful heart until Friday ...

sberke · June 2014

I just noticed your update and I am so so sorry and sad! In my heart I feel that I am in the same position you are. I am 10W5D and I have had COMPLETE loss of symptoms for 4/5 days now.. I mean complete. I know that people say that really isn't a strong indicator but for some reason I just feel like it is for me.. this time at least. I tried to call my Dr.'s office to get them to fit me in next week instead of wait for my NT apt on the 17th but they really weren't having it, they told me it's common and if there are no cramps or bleeding I am ok to wait until the 20th. That just broke my heart because it took so much courage to break down and call.

I will be thinking about you and hope that the next time around will be your rainbow for sure!

KMW08 · June 2014

I'm so sorry for your loss. Ts & Ps are being sent your way. (((Hugs)))

MrsHamon09 · June 2014

Huge hugs I am so sorry

jess123456 · June 2014

I am so so sorry. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers and sending hugs your way.

haleyusf · June 2014

I'm so sorry for your loss. Sending thoughts and prayers to you and your family. ((hugs))

taberbtb · June 2014

I am so sorry for your loss.

JessicaG220 · June 2014

Oh hun I am so sorry. I was so saddened to see this. Sending you lots of hugs.

sgio7485 · June 2014

I'm so, so sorry.

[Deleted User] · June 2014

I am so, so sorry for your loss. ((Hugs))

JCM285 · June 2014

I am so so sorry. Sending big ((hugs)) your way!!

gingerkid9989 · June 2014

I'm so sorry. ((Hugs))

carlsonbaby2014 · June 2014

My heart is breaking for you. I am so, so sorry love.

SuperKim13 · June 2014

I'm so sorry to see this. (((HUGS)))

mrsjg2013 · June 2014

Thank you all for your kind words. I am heartbroken to say the least... seems like we won't be getting any answers to the most burning question of "why?" I appreciate your thoughts and prayers.

@sberke- praying for you as you await your appointment. I'm so sorry that your Dr's office isn't being very supportive of your concerns. I'm usually all for honesty is the best policy, but you could claim cramping if that's what it takes to get an appointment? HUGS to you and best wishes for a healthy little one

luciddreamer106 · June 2014

I'm so sorry for your loss. (( hugs))

SamanthaLaura16 · June 2014

I am so sorry for your loss. Sending Big ((Hugs)) your way.

alleycat39 · June 2014

My heart goes out to you. I'm so incredibly sorry.

LilNugget19 · June 2014

I'm so very sorry for your loss. You and your H are in my T&P's.

CaitNMatt · June 2014

You are in my prayers during this time.... I am so sorry for your loss.

fallfever · June 2014

Incredibly sorry for your loss.

T&Ps for you.

[Deleted User] · June 2014

I'm very sorry *hugs*

creativesoul83 · June 2014

So very sorry. I understand. It had hard to keep trying sometime.... hopefully you will find peace later when you're decision. after three losses this past year. this is my last pregnancy regardless! (((((hugs)))) thought and prayers for you and family

JustinsGirl2011 · June 2014

I am so so sorry for your loss. ((Hugs))

Eliz77 · June 2014

So very sorry to read this update. T&Ps and lots of ((HUGS)) your way.

nighthawkswife · June 2014

so very sorry. each one is sooo hard. wish i had something useful to say.

Roxycc55 · June 2014

I am so sorry for your loss.

Robinischo · June 2014

I am so so very sorry. *big hugs*

MommaAshley12 · June 2014

I am so sorry for your loss and that your worst fear came true. I will have you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Big ((((hugs))))!

Want a personalized experience?

This is my official good-bye: sad update :( Home doppler- hb at 9 wks,now nothing at 11 wks?

Re: This is my official good-bye: sad update :( Home doppler- hb at 9 wks,now nothing at 11 wks?

Began trying for a baby January 2012
BFP 4.25.2013 EDD 1.3.2014 MMC 6.3.2013 D&C 6.19.2013
BFP 11.3.2013 CP 11.6.2013
BFP 3.31.2014 EDD 12.10.2014 Baby boy Carlson born 12.19.2014

Began trying for a baby January 2012
BFP 4.25.2013 EDD 1.3.2014 MMC 6.3.2013 D&C 6.19.2013
BFP 11.3.2013 CP 11.6.2013
BFP 3.31.2014 EDD 12.10.2014 Baby boy Carlson born 12.19.2014

Began trying for a baby January 2012
BFP 4.25.2013 EDD 1.3.2014 MMC 6.3.2013 D&C 6.19.2013
BFP 11.3.2013 CP 11.6.2013
BFP 3.31.2014 EDD 12.10.2014 Baby boy Carlson born 12.19.2014

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Want a personalized experience?

This is my official good-bye: sad update :( Home doppler- hb at 9 wks,now nothing at 11 wks?

Re: This is my official good-bye: sad update :( Home doppler- hb at 9 wks,now nothing at 11 wks?

Began trying for a baby January 2012BFP 4.25.2013 EDD 1.3.2014 MMC 6.3.2013 D&C 6.19.2013BFP 11.3.2013 CP 11.6.2013BFP 3.31.2014 EDD 12.10.2014 Baby boy Carlson born 12.19.2014

Began trying for a baby January 2012BFP 4.25.2013 EDD 1.3.2014 MMC 6.3.2013 D&C 6.19.2013BFP 11.3.2013 CP 11.6.2013BFP 3.31.2014 EDD 12.10.2014 Baby boy Carlson born 12.19.2014

Began trying for a baby January 2012BFP 4.25.2013 EDD 1.3.2014 MMC 6.3.2013 D&C 6.19.2013BFP 11.3.2013 CP 11.6.2013BFP 3.31.2014 EDD 12.10.2014 Baby boy Carlson born 12.19.2014

Choose Another Board

Search Boards

Began trying for a baby January 2012
BFP 4.25.2013 EDD 1.3.2014 MMC 6.3.2013 D&C 6.19.2013
BFP 11.3.2013 CP 11.6.2013
BFP 3.31.2014 EDD 12.10.2014 Baby boy Carlson born 12.19.2014

Began trying for a baby January 2012
BFP 4.25.2013 EDD 1.3.2014 MMC 6.3.2013 D&C 6.19.2013
BFP 11.3.2013 CP 11.6.2013
BFP 3.31.2014 EDD 12.10.2014 Baby boy Carlson born 12.19.2014

Began trying for a baby January 2012
BFP 4.25.2013 EDD 1.3.2014 MMC 6.3.2013 D&C 6.19.2013
BFP 11.3.2013 CP 11.6.2013
BFP 3.31.2014 EDD 12.10.2014 Baby boy Carlson born 12.19.2014