Imminent miscarriage...or freak of science?

jovencita1224 · June 2014

I had a dating US today, and the baby measured smaller than expected. Before anyone says I must have ovulated later than I thought...I will share the dates with you that are relevant. The date of my positive pregnancy test compared with the measurements...PLUS the only day of sex being so early make me think that this pregnancy isn't growing correctly and I should prepare for the worst.

April 24-LMP (CD1)
May 4th-got my baby-making freak on with DH (it was a lonely month for DH, poor guy)
May 22nd-got positive test with afternoon urine on FRER
May 23rd-positive test with digital test and FMU
June 13-sonogram shows a fetal pole and yolk sack. No measurable heartbeat (though the doc said he could see a possible flicker, I saw nothing.) They say I am measuring at 6 weeks.

So...if I'm 6 weeks today...my positive pregnancy test would have been at 2 weeks 6 days. Which obviously wasn't the case, but...with a positive test over 3 weeks ago, I don't see how I could just now be 6 weeks. And I definitely don't see how I could be 6 weeks with the sex being that long ago.

So...should I prepare for the worst? My follow up isn't until the 24th. That is a world of time away. I don't want to have false hope for 11 days. I really can't wrap my head around this being possible...am I missing something?

path75 · June 2014

I wouldnt worry, dates are subjective. You are talking about a week and six weeks is early to see a heartbeat. My advice is not to worry unless the doctor is worried.

LadyXaverian · June 2014

I know it's hard, but try not to worry yet. You had sex on May 4, but you may not have ovulated until several days after that. That would have put you at approximately 7 weeks on June 13, but I've definitely heard of that first ultrasound being off by as much as a week.

Good luck on the 24th. I hope you see a beating heart.

OmSweetOm · June 2014

With my first I estimated my due date to be around the first week of January based on my lmp and the fact that my then fiancé was out of state so I know when we bd.... But my u/a gave me an EDD of Jan 19. The beginning is subjective.... I ended up delivering Jan 5 as his growth rapidly sped up in later months. Ask for repeat betas... It seems they would be helpful at this point.

SweetMelissa5 · June 2014

Unfortunately, a positive pregnancy test at 2w6d really isn't possible, so this doesn't sound like a viable pregnancy. I would definitely call and see if they can get you in for a repeat ultrasound next Friday, though, since a week should give you the answers you're looking for. I am so sorry.

jovencita1224 · June 2014

It is reassuring to hear someone say they have heard the first ultrasound can be off as much as a week, since usually on here people say how the dating ultrasound is extremely accurate.

They won't do repeat Betas because I'm traveling for business next week, across the country. My biggest fear is that I will be there, with no doctor or support system at all, and start to miscarry.

My doctor told me that I shouldn't worry until my next visit, 11 days away. Which is sort-of impossible to do. He said for a six week pregnancy, it looked normal. I said, but what if it was a 7-8 week pregnancy that looked like that? And he said, well, no, but we have to assume it's good for now.' I know was trying to make me feel better, but I don't think anything but my follow up ultrasound being good will make me rest easy.

OmSweetOm · June 2014

I don't understand why they won't do betas if your traveling next week. I have had 3 done in a week. It doesn't take long.... I'm just saying for peace of mind I'd push it. The results are usually I'm the next day or if they stat them, within 6 hours, or better yet if you go to a hospital clinical lab even shorter then that. The betas only take an hour to run.

jovencita1224 · June 2014

Because I live on the east coast, and I will be traveling to the west coast, a 5 hour plane ride away, leaving Monday morning and coming back Friday afternoon. They took blood to test betas, but they are comparing it to the blood work from last week, but they aren't doing the back to back draws because I won't be in the area to have them done.

CreativeD1 · June 2014

The ultrasound can be off by a week and sperm can live in your body for up to 5 days. Both of these could be plausible explanations to the dates being off.

24karat · June 2014

OmSweetOm said:
I don't understand why they won't do betas if your traveling next week. I have had 3 done in a week. It doesn't take long.... I'm just saying for peace of mind I'd push it. The results are usually I'm the next day or if they stat them, within 6 hours, or better yet if you go to a hospital clinical lab even shorter then that. The betas only take an hour to run.

It's because betas are time sensitive - you have to have them done with the right amount of time between draws and by the same lab in order to have an accurate picture of doubling time. It isn't a matter of how long the test results take to come back. OP will be out of town when the second draw needs to happen so it would render the test useless.

OmSweetOm · June 2014

kjkarats03 said:

OmSweetOm said:
I don't understand why they won't do betas if your traveling next week. I have had 3 done in a week. It doesn't take long.... I'm just saying for peace of mind I'd push it. The results are usually I'm the next day or if they stat them, within 6 hours, or better yet if you go to a hospital clinical lab even shorter then that. The betas only take an hour to run.
It's because betas are time sensitive - you have to have them done with the right amount of time between draws and by the same lab in order to have an accurate picture of doubling time. It isn't a matter of how long the test results take to come back. OP will be out of town when the second draw needs to happen so it would render the test useless.

The have LabCorp and Quest diagnostics all over the country. All you do is bring in the script and they fax to your doc. If her or her doc doesn't want to do them, that's fine. It was a suggestion based on what *I* personally would do because I would not be able to wait. That's me.

OmSweetOm · June 2014

They still have an appropriate doubling time even though it may be more then 48 hours.. This isn't my first rodeo, hunny.

OmSweetOm · June 2014

WhoCanItBeNow said:

OmSweetOm said:

They still have an appropriate doubling time even though it may be more then 48 hours.. This isn't my first rodeo, hunny.

WRONG.

Seriously, you are dumb. Please stop giving advice and making us correct you. Someone will probably listen to your idiocy.

Here- learn something if that is possible.

https://www.baby2see.com/preconception/hcg.html

Looks like you should give that a scan yourself as it just reiterated what I already said. As hcg increases so does the doubling time. However there is still a normal range. It's not rocket science.

OmSweetOm · June 2014

WhoCanItBeNow said:

OmSweetOm said:

WhoCanItBeNow said:

OmSweetOm said:

They still have an appropriate doubling time even though it may be more then 48 hours.. This isn't my first rodeo, hunny.

WRONG.

Seriously, you are dumb. Please stop giving advice and making us correct you. Someone will probably listen to your idiocy.

Here- learn something if that is possible.

https://www.baby2see.com/preconception/hcg.html

Looks like you should give that a scan yourself as it just reiterated what I already said. As hcg increases so does the doubling time. However there is still a normal range. It's not rocket science.

96+ is not a range, and they could still double faster than that. It means that betas are contraindicated at that point in pregnancy.

It's a range. It's a guide. If they double faster then that I'm pretty sure any one with half a brain would know that is positive. If it's been several days and it's barely moved, stagnated or in many unfortunate cases fallen miscarriage it is very useful information. The end.

jovencita1224 · June 2014

But for that matter...a repeat sonogram in a certain number of days would also tell the same story as betas, no? Or a more accurate story if there is no growth and no heartbeat again.

I am guessing the doctor would have ordered a repeat sonogram sooner, but for the fact I'm traveling. He was really nice and told me that the fact he saw a fetal pole and yolk sack and that the gestational sack was rounded and not irregular borders was a good sign. He said that there have been times where nothing makes sense, as far as timing/dates goes and there was still a healthy baby at the end. So, that, along with my current morning sickness, is what I am holding on to.

I'm hoping that the frantic pace of my business trip keeps me distracted, and that I have good news in 10 days. Thanks for the input. I am hoping for the best but aware that only time will tell the outcome.

OmSweetOm · June 2014

jovencita1224 said:

But for that matter...a repeat sonogram in a certain number of days would also tell the same story as betas, no? Or a more accurate story if there is no growth and no heartbeat again. I am guessing the doctor would have ordered a repeat sonogram sooner, but for the fact I'm traveling. He was really nice and told me that the fact he saw a fetal pole and yolk sack and that the gestational sack was rounded and not irregular borders was a good sign. He said that there have been times where nothing makes sense, as far as timing/dates goes and there was still a healthy baby at the end. So, that, along with my current morning sickness, is what I am holding on to. I'm hoping that the frantic pace of my business trip keeps me distracted, and that I have good news in 10 days. Thanks for the input. I am hoping for the best but aware that only time will tell the outcome.

Safe travels & here's to hoping those days pass quickly! FX for you!

ImJessesGirl · June 2014

Try not to worry!!! My doctor told me that betas sometimes to wonky things for certain women, so they use ultrasound to measure/date. I think if you're not cramping/spotting, then try to look at that as a good sign. Unless you were charting your temps, you don't know when you ovulated, so the sperm could have just been in there a few days waiting on the egg.

I hope everything is fine!

jovencita1224 · June 2014

This has nothing to do when i ovulated. It is the fact that I had a positive pregnancy test 3 weeks and 1 day before i was 'measuring' at 6 weeks exactly. That is what doesn't add up. You have to ovulate and implant before you get a positive test. Adding in the fact I only had sex on the 4th...it really gets strange. Unless DH had some bionic sperm.

They haven't run betas, at least not the kind that can show doubling because they were a week apart. The biggest issue here is that I had a positive test at what would have been '2 weeks, 6 days pregnant' (assuming I am actually 6 weeks pregnant as the ultrasound indicated.). We all know that's just...not right.

OmSweetOm · June 2014

jovencita1224 said:

This has nothing to do when i ovulated. It is the fact that I had a positive pregnancy test 3 weeks and 1 day before i was 'measuring' at 6 weeks exactly. That is what doesn't add up. You have to ovulate and implant before you get a positive test. Adding in the fact I only had sex on the 4th...it really gets strange. Unless DH had some bionic sperm. They haven't run betas, at least not the kind that can show doubling because they were a week apart. The biggest issue here is that I had a positive test at what would have been '2 weeks, 6 days pregnant' (assuming I am actually 6 weeks pregnant as the ultrasound indicated.). We all know that's just...not right.

I'm confused, are you saying you did have betas but they were a week apart?

ImJessesGirl · June 2014

Well, correct me if I'm wrong, when you implant, you are technically considered two weeks pregnant, right??

jovencita1224 · June 2014

Yes, I had blood work done on June 6th. They looked at the betas (and whatever else they look at) and told me to come in for the ultrasound on the 13th. Then on the 13th, they did a pelvic exam, did various swabs, and took more blood. They expected me to be 7-7.5 weeks along or so, and I was measuring just 6. The nurse kept telling me I must have been confused about the date i had a positive test. Umm, no. I definitely was not confused about that at all.

The betas they drew, both last week and this week were not specifically to check for doubling. It was just part of the overall picture of what they are looking at.

jovencita1224 · June 2014

And on a 'perfect' 28 day cycle, you ovulate at 2 weeks. Implantation happens 6-12 days later, and presumably it takes some time to get a positive test as the hormones build up after implantation.

OmSweetOm · June 2014

I'm just stating as far as betas go even if you didn't have them 48 hours apart you can still check their doubling rate, reguadless. In any case, good luck and I hope you get the outcome you wish for.

jovencita1224 · June 2014

I wasn't being snarky-just explaining that I did have two betas, but it's likely they won't give a definitive answer before the next ultrasound because of the timing.

And maybe I'm extra sensitive, but hope I get the outcome I wish for? Is there any desirable outcome besides a healthy baby? Since the alternative is a miscarriage...and I would want that instead? I was with you and appreciating your thoughts but this statement really rubbed me the wrong way. I'm hoping I am just being cranky and over sensitive and misinterpreted a nice sentiment.

OmSweetOm · June 2014

Yes you took it wrong. I didn't imply as an either or... obviously your hoping it turns out positive so I'm saying I hope you hear what you are hoping to hear. I've had several mcs and I pray every chance I get that this baby sticks, so i just meant in that regard. I apologize if it came out wrong. I was just in a long winded debate with someone else over being insensitive so, of course I would never intentionally mean to be hurtful.

jovencita1224 · June 2014

Thanks for the response. I'm sorry for your losses. This is my third pregnancy and I have been so lucky to have two feisty and healthy little girls. This pregnancy was a surprise, since we were preventing, and at first I was a little freaked out, but in those few short weeks between the BFP and now, I sure have grown attached to the little bean.

Thank you for taking the time to clarify. I hope you have a sticky and healthy baby.

luvbunnies · June 2014

Just to let you know... I got a positive pregnancy test at approx 3 weeks, so it is possible. Went to the Dr & he couldn't see anything, which completely freaked me out. Also thought he should've been able to see more by the time I got a positive hpt. (got in really early due to previous ectopic) Went back 2 weeks later & he could see the amniotic sack & measured about 5 weeks. At the next scan, my dates changed again. Dating on the scans are really on
only a guestimate when you're that early along. I'm now 9 weeks along & everything's going well so far. I know it's difficult, but try not to overanalyse. You'll only drive yourself crazy. I'm sure it'll be fine

luvbunnies · June 2014

WhoCanItBeNow said:

luvbunnies said:

Just to let you know... I got a positive pregnancy test at approx 3 weeks, so it is possible. Went to the Dr & he couldn't see anything, which completely freaked me out. Also thought he should've been able to see more by the time I got a positive hpt. (got in really early due to previous ectopic) Went back 2 weeks later & he could see the amniotic sack & measured about 5 weeks. At the next scan, my dates changed again. Dating on the scans are really on
only a guestimate when you're that early along. I'm now 9 weeks along & everything's going well so far. I know it's difficult, but try not to overanalyse. You'll only drive yourself crazy. I'm sure it'll be fine

No. They are quite accurate unless you have a bad tech doing it. You can't see anything at 3-4 weeks, with makes me question your doctor's competency for ordering one at that point.

That's pretty bold to say you are sure it will be fine. How can you promise that? You don't know.

If you actually read my post, you would see I had a previous ectopic, which is why I went for an early scan.... All I did, was tell her that it is possible to get a positive at 3 weeks and to try and relax. Why is everyone so cranky on this forum??? On every single post I read, I just see people (without medical degrees) questioning their doctors & correcting each other using their years of expertise attained from Google. Bye!!! I don't need this. Hope it turns out well for you OP.

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