11 week appt and they couldn't find a heartbeat

lelesmom · January 2015

I went to the OB for the first time Tuesday and I'm 11 weeks. They don't do ultrasounds the first appt but tried on the fetal Doppler. She was unable to find the heartbeat after 10 minutes or so. She said not to freak out because it's still pretty early but who wouldn't freak out?! I can't say I really feel pregnant but I didn't "feel" pregnant with DD till like 18 weeks. Have an ultrasound Tuesday but I'm going crazy in my mind. Any comforting words?

Heavenwhip · January 2015

They couldn't find the heartbeat at 11 weeks with the Doppler in my first pregnancy either, went back a week later and they found it. I had a healthy baby girl September 2013. Try not to worry about it too much.....although I know that can be easier said than done. Wishing you luck on Tuesday.

jenandbrett · January 2015

I'm sorry you have to wait so long for the ultrasound. Do what you can to make the time pass quickly. I have no experience but I know there was a girl on here recently whose dr couldn't find the heartbeat on Doppler and even struggled with an ultrasound because of the baby's placement. Wishing you the best!

Perfect Sonnet · January 2015

With my daughter, my doctor would try to find the heart beat with the Doppler at every appointment and couldn't ever find it until I was about 17 weeks. There was always a few minutes of freaking out while she would drag the portable ultrasound machine in to double check.

I can't imagine waiting as long as you are to make sure everything is fine. Good luck!

KMBC2552 · January 2015

I'm sorry you have to wait. Fingers crossed for a good u/s on Tuesday!

princesslockness · January 2015

I'm in the exact same boat. My 'initial' OB appointment was yesterday. The doc tried for probably 10 min to find the HB. He couldn't. I go back in 2 weeks for another Doppler/checkup appointment.
They won't give me an ultrasound until after 15 weeks.
It's tough, but like my MIL said 'maybe the baby is just shy.'

mhaas28 · January 2015

I have a tilted uterus so my doctor could not hear the heartbeat on the doppler until my 16 week appointment! Baby is most likely a little further back there

llw42614 · January 2015

I have no experience with this but wanted to say that I am sorry for the uncertainty you are dealing with. I wish you the best of luck and hope you get answers soon!

MrsSnyder124 · January 2015

With my first pregnancy I remember having the medical student trying so hard to find the heart beat and I was soooo worried, then the Dr took over and found it instantly . Sometimes the little one is just hiding! If you are in a huge state of panic you could go to the ER...that's really your only option for US if you can't get in any sooner . Stress isn't good for you or baby .

mamaloaf · January 2015

MrsSnyder124 said:

With my first pregnancy I remember having the medical student trying so hard to find the heart beat and I was soooo worried, then the Dr took over and found it instantly . Sometimes the little one is just hiding! If you are in a huge state of panic you could go to the ER...that's really your only option for US if you can't get in any sooner . Stress isn't good for you or baby .

I'm sorry, WUT??? That is TERRIBLE advice. The emergency room is for EMERGENCIES, not "my doctor couldn't find my 11 week old's heartbeat." The fetus is slightly bigger than a prune at the moment, constantly moving/floating around in there AND very low still in the pelvis.

perky8304 · January 2015

At my 11 week appt, they couldn't find it on the doppler either. They also did an abdominal ultrasound and couldn't find it. They finally found it on the vaginal ultrasound. They said a lot of times its too early to find it with the doppler at 11 weeks.

sarawalks · January 2015

I hate waiting. Sorry that you have to go thru this. Tuesday is going to take forever to get here, that's annoying. Try to keep yourself busy and listen to your doctor. Try not to worry too much.

MrsSnyder124 · January 2015

mamaloaf said:

MrsSnyder124 said:

With my first pregnancy I remember having the medical student trying so hard to find the heart beat and I was soooo worried, then the Dr took over and found it instantly . Sometimes the little one is just hiding! If you are in a huge state of panic you could go to the ER...that's really your only option for US if you can't get in any sooner . Stress isn't good for you or baby .

I'm sorry, WUT??? That is TERRIBLE advice. The emergency room is for EMERGENCIES, not "my doctor couldn't find my 11 week old's heartbeat." The fetus is slightly bigger than a prune at the moment, constantly moving/floating around in there AND very low still in the pelvis.

I'm sorry that you don't agree with my advice and maybe I'm reading through pgal lenses, but if I was concerned my pregnancy was not viable I would go to the ER. That's me. I am an "I need answers now" person. Waiting would eat me alive.
But I also go to a clinic where a transvaginal ultrasound is provided if HB isn't detected . So I feel like it was unfair for them to send her away with no answers.

daffodil428 · January 2015

This happened to me and I was sent for a follow-up ultrasound the same day.

I'm sorry that you have to wait until Tuesday.

rmml1331 · January 2015

I did have an abdominal US at 8 wks, 5 days and they were able to find a heartbeat, but my Dr. warned me that I had a tilted uterus and they may have difficulty finding the heartbeat with the Doppler. Sorry you have to wait so long!

Heavenwhip · January 2015

MrsSnyder124 said:

MrsSnyder124 said:

With my first pregnancy I remember having the medical student trying so hard to find the heart beat and I was soooo worried, then the Dr took over and found it instantly . Sometimes the little one is just hiding! If you are in a huge state of panic you could go to the ER...that's really your only option for US if you can't get in any sooner . Stress isn't good for you or baby .

I'm sorry, WUT??? That is TERRIBLE advice. The emergency room is for EMERGENCIES, not "my doctor couldn't find my 11 week old's heartbeat." The fetus is slightly bigger than a prune at the moment, constantly moving/floating around in there AND very low still in the pelvis.
I'm sorry that you don't agree with my advice and maybe I'm reading through pgal lenses, but if I was concerned my pregnancy was not viable I would go to the ER. That's me. I am an "I need answers now" person. Waiting would eat me alive. But I also go to a clinic where a transvaginal ultrasound is provided if HB isn't detected . So I feel like it was unfair for them to send her away with no answers.

we just had a big discussion around the mis-use of the ER last week. I see that same discussion may continue on yet another thread.

Patella1129 · January 2015

I don't think you should go to the ER either, as this isn't an emergency. Try to keep calm and remember that its so hard to hear the HB on a dopplar this early. Just repeat, "today I am pregnant and I love my baby.". And in the meantime you could keep trying at your OB's office to see of you can get in earlier. They might have a cancelation and would be able to get you in.

Doridoodles · January 2015

FX .... it just might be hiding.♡

Catcherryesux · January 2015

Oh wow, sorry you have to wait until Tuesday.

The dr was unable to find a heartbeat at my 12 week appt last pregnancy via the Doppler, but before she even pulled it out, she warned me she might be able to find it and do not panic. However, the difference was, I was immediately sent in for an ultrasound. Baby was fine.

I would hate to have to wait five days for peace of mind, but I guess sometimes that happens. My OB was very quick to assure me it's very common for the Doppler not to pick up a heartbeat at that time.

I know it will be hard, but try to keep yourself distracted for the next few days. I hope you will get good news on Tuesday.

Lovemyboys0312 · January 2015

ABvintage said:
Listen to your doctor.

How many kids do you have? I'm asking seriously, not trying to be snarky!

princesslockness · January 2015

Snark coming.

Lovemyboys0312 said:

ABvintage said:
Listen to your doctor.
How many kids do you have? I'm asking seriously, not trying to be snarky!

Why does it matter how many kids she has? There are any number of reasons that the HB wasn't found. Some of which have been pointed out. @ABvintage‌ gave sound advice. If her doctor thought something was wrong, she would have been told.

The EMERGENCY ROOM is for EMERGENCIES. Not hearing a HB on a Doppler at under 16 weeks is not an emergency. It sucks, it sucks big time, I know. Yet it's nothing to panic about.

Lois172000 · January 2015

MrsSnyder124 said:

mamaloaf said:

MrsSnyder124 said:

With my first pregnancy I remember having the medical student trying so hard to find the heart beat and I was soooo worried, then the Dr took over and found it instantly . Sometimes the little one is just hiding! If you are in a huge state of panic you could go to the ER...that's really your only option for US if you can't get in any sooner . Stress isn't good for you or baby .

I'm sorry, WUT??? That is TERRIBLE advice. The emergency room is for EMERGENCIES, not "my doctor couldn't find my 11 week old's heartbeat." The fetus is slightly bigger than a prune at the moment, constantly moving/floating around in there AND very low still in the pelvis.

I'm sorry that you don't agree with my advice and maybe I'm reading through pgal lenses, but if I was concerned my pregnancy was not viable I would go to the ER. That's me. I am an "I need answers now" person. Waiting would eat me alive.
But I also go to a clinic where a transvaginal ultrasound is provided if HB isn't detected . So I feel like it was unfair for them to send her away with no answers.

I think it's unfair for people to clog up emergency rooms for people who really need them because of insecurity. Trust your doctor or get another opinion. (The ER is NOT the place for second opinions).

diwersen · January 2015

I had first ultrasound at 9 weeks. At 11 week appt she couldn't find the heartbeat and after less than 5 minutes she said "Don't worry, I'll do an ultrasound, I don't want you to freak out." It's horrible that you have to wait when it seems like they could have settled your fears so easily. Does your dr do ultrasounds in the same office? Try to remain calm and positive! It sounds normal to not hear it at 11. But maybe a different doctor would be more sensitive to your concerns...

lelesmom · January 2015

Okay. To end the feud I AM NOT GOING TO THE ER!! I was raised full of medical professionals and I'm very aware that if its not emergent you do NOT go in! Thank you so much for all your input(s) it really did calm me down and my doctors office only has the ultrasound tech in the office on Tuesday's and Thursday's so for now I'm putting my faith in a much greater power than my own! I will keep everyone updated!

bebeglow3884 · January 2015

I went in for a check up since I'm high risk, at 11 weeks and they couldn't find mine either. My uterus is tilted forward BTW. She had to do an abdominal ultrasound to do a quick visual check and counted the BPM. Baby was fine, I was so relieved! It's just a little early to hear it on doppler. I'm sorry u don't have an answer yet, but good luck, I hope everything turns out ok.

synceargenesis · January 2015

Agreed. ER's are already overcrowded with non-emergencies. I know it is difficult to be patient when you are concerned about your baby, but think about what everyone here is saying and know that it is not a bad sign that the heartbeat wasn't found yet. Baby still has a lot of growing to do.

mamaloaf · January 2015

@lelesmom, please update us here after your ultrasound. It's safe to say many of us will be praying for you, thinking of you, and looking forward to you checking in with your reassuring news.

Side note - the absolute HARDEST thing for me during my pregnancy was calming my fears, my worries, my anxiety. Every single time I saw my doctor, I cried. For no reason. I'd just see her face and I'd cry. I find that when I get uneasy/panicky/worried about something, I need to find a quiet area to calm myself and relax.

H&H 9 months!

mgarrett921 · January 2015

I had a failed Doppler yesterday at 9wks1day. After the doc left the room to get pap supplies I looked at my husband and said "it's in there right?" I totally understand where you're coming from. My doc assured me after the pap and check of my uterus that I am 100% pregnant. I felt so much better. She said not to worry, until the fetus is well beyond hiding behind the pubic bone it can be hard to find a HB with Doppler. Cheer up. It'll happen.

changedname · January 2015

I had 10wks checkup. Couldn't find HB either on doppler. They explained that my uterus is tipped back so it could be harder but 10wks is still early to pick up HB on regular doppler. They were able to squeeze me into US and was able to see and hear heart beat and my blob looking like an actual bitty baby!. Don't worry OP but if you are really nervous I would ask your OB to confirm that everything is fine, that's what they did for me bc were are still early. Good luck!

Lovemyboys0312 · January 2015

Kate08Young said:
Snark coming.
Lovemyboys0312 said:

ABvintage said:
Listen to your doctor.
How many kids do you have? I'm asking seriously, not trying to be snarky!
Why does it matter how many kids she has? There are any number of reasons that the HB wasn't found. Some of which have been pointed out. @ABvintage‌ gave sound advice. If her doctor thought something was wrong, she would have been told.

The EMERGENCY ROOM is for EMERGENCIES. Not hearing a HB on a Doppler at under 16 weeks is not an emergency. It sucks, it sucks big time, I know. Yet it's nothing to panic about.

I wasn't asking the op. I was asking ABvintage..... Which is why I quoted her. But thanks for being obnoxious

princesslockness · January 2015

Lovemyboys0312 said:

Kate08Young said:
Snark coming.
Lovemyboys0312 said:

ABvintage said:
Listen to your doctor.
How many kids do you have? I'm asking seriously, not trying to be snarky!
Why does it matter how many kids she has? There are any number of reasons that the HB wasn't found. Some of which have been pointed out. @ABvintage‌ gave sound advice. If her doctor thought something was wrong, she would have been told.

The EMERGENCY ROOM is for EMERGENCIES. Not hearing a HB on a Doppler at under 16 weeks is not an emergency. It sucks, it sucks big time, I know. Yet it's nothing to panic about.
I wasn't asking the op. I was asking ABvintage..... Which is why I quoted her. But thanks for being obnoxious

I know it was directed at @ABvintage, I just can't figure out why it matters.

jal88144 · January 2015

Hi this is just happened to me as well- On Monday I went for my checkup and was 11 weeks 1 day. Dr searched and searched, kept taking breaks and trying again. I started to sweat and really was getting nervous , he said 11 weeks is still sometimes early because of the uterus position. After a good while he did finally catch the heartbeat quickly, only about 15-20 seconds.

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