Second time PGAL and measuring small

ac5008 · October 2014

Hi ladies! I hope its okay to post this here, I could really use the advice of those who have possibly been here before, and who understand what PGAL brain does to you.

I was here in 2012/13 when pregnant with my rainbow. She arrived safe and sound in August of 2013.

I got my current BFP on September 25th - just a squinter. I guessed I ovulated around September 15, just based on O pains. I usually get a squinter around 7 DPO though, so my dates were probably a little off.

I went in for my first ultrasound on Tuesday the 21st. The sonographer did an abdominal first and the baby and heartbeat were visible, but she reluctantly said shed probably have to do transvaginal to see anything more. I was so relieved to see a heartbeat but that turned sour quickly when she said that what she saw was between 5,5-6 weeks. I knew immediately that was bad because I should have been between 6.5-7 weeks.

She went in transvaginally but seemed to struggle. She didn't get a good photo on the zoom and it took her 4 tries to measure the heartbeat (although it was clearly visible and she got 115 when she did). She took one measurement of the blurry baby, said "see you are 6 weeks!" and that was it. When I tried to argue with her, she just told me shed feel better doing an abdominal ultrasound in 2 weeks.

So, here I sit, and PGAL brain is in full effect. The heartbeat is good for 6 weeks, the uterus looks good, everything is fine, but I know my dates. If I were 6w I would have gotten my BFP at 4 DPO. And I know that's not possible.

There isn't much I can do for the next 2 weeks, but Im a mess. Im paralyzed with fear and my husband is worried because I am absolutely depressed. I don't leave our house if I can help it and I feel like Im just waiting for another loss to start.

My only glimmer of hope is that if she is off by a few days, and Im off by a few days, that would set me right at 6w3-4d and that would work out fine. But I feel like she dismissed my concerns and she didn't really understand why I had them.

I wish I could go back to my old doctor, who was wonderful about this, but my husband is in school right now and we are with him for the next 3 months

I guess my question is, good or bad, did anyone measure a bit off at the first ultrasound? Even if its not good news I feel like I should prep myself.

Thank you for reading this. I really don't know where else to say this or talk about it where people can understand. This got long, so cookies and milkshakes to all.

chicagojackie · October 2014

I think you are putting too much stock in the accuracy of ultrasound. First trimester dating by transvaginal ultrasound is the best we have, but still is operator dependent and can be off from 2-9 days depending on the machine, the view, etc. If they move the crosshairs even a small amount it will change the days by 2-4 depending on the machine.

You don't know when you ovulated (I didn't know either with my daughter or with this pregnancy--just some ideas) so you can't play the DPO game for sure. Even when you are using OPKs you don't know for sure. You only know if you temped and had a great cycle and chart and everything lined up. Even then.

You saw a heartbeat on an ultrasound and that is great news. Are you going to do betas at all for reassurance? Sometimes that helps to see the rising numbers. If not you have another u/s in 2 weeks which will give you the answers you seek. The waiting is the worst. I'm sorry you have to go through this. Today you are pregnant and you love your baby. Also put down the pee sticks.

NoeliaV · October 2014

@chicagojackie said it very well.

Sending you ((( hugs ))) and good thoughts for reassurance at your appointment in 2 weeks.

DenaMaree · October 2014

It's actually rare to see a heartbeat as early as six weeks, most times they won't fine it until closer to six weeks, three or later. Embrace the fact you have that heartbeat and focus on being healthy and loving your LO. Today your pregnant!!

ac5008 · October 2014

Thank you ladies, thank you so much. I feel like Im losing my head, and I just need to keep calm and be able to function. I appreciate you letting me put this here - maybe getting it out of my head will help me feel better.

BookishMomma · October 2014

I totally agree with what PPs have said. I also wanted to add that I get O pains, and they almost never correspond with the exact date of ovulation. Often I'll get them even after O has been confirmed, and for the first few days of my 2ww. So I wouldn't worry too much about your exact DPO. Factor that in, plus the imprecise nature of early u/s measurements, and that could easily explain the date discrepancy. Fingers crossed for you that all is well!

[Deleted User] · October 2014

PP's have covered everything. But I've been where you are and I know it sucks! Hold on to the fact that you saw a heartbeat and your dates may be wrong. ((hugs)) fx that the next 2 weeks fly by!

mrsjg2013 · October 2014

Big ((HUGS)) to you! My RE always said that early ultrasounds could easily be +/- 5 days. I hope you find some comfort and support here as you await your next scan!

KikiCohen · October 2014

I am pretty sure that u/s can be off by up to 7 days either way. PgAL brain is so horrible and I completely understand why you're feeling the way you are. Like PP have said, try to take comfort in seeing baby's heartbeat. Thinking of you!

nursecmc · October 2014

Oh I'm right there with you. I was doing ok until I ran into my OB this AM (I work at the hospital). Now I'm doubting everything and wishing the next 2.5 weeks goes quickly so I can know for sure one way or the other!

PGAL brain sucks so bad and sometimes I just want to yell at it to QUIET DOWN! But, the support here helps- reminds us that we are normal, not crazy! Congrats on seeing the heartbeat!!

teedaalee · October 2014

Aww, momma I hope your next appointment goes well and brings further clarity to you. Until then maybe consider doing things to keep your mind from entertaining that fear? Going on a date with your husband or having a girls night are always good options. Hang in there.

teedaalee0712

sarahbkln · October 2014

Waiting is so hard, I know, and there's no way around it. I'm so sorry this is so stressful for you right now. For what one anecdote is worth, I am now 24 weeks pregnant with no issues, and when I had my first ultrasound at 6+ weeks, she was measuring about 5 days behind. I think there are any number of ways it can happen. A heartbeat is such a good sign. Positive thoughts to you and your little one.

peggels24 · October 2014

A heartbeat is a great sign! I'm sorry that there is so much confusion going on right now but today you are pregnant and you love your baby. FX for a great follow up u/s in 2 weeks!

alleycat39 · October 2014

As PPs have said, early ultrasounds can be off by a few days for sure. Regardless, I know that paralyzing feeling it causes while you are waiting for the next scan. ((hugs)) as you go through these next days/weeks.