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I went to the doctor yesterday for my first visit. She said based on my last menstrual period I was 6 weeks but when they did the ultrasound it only showed 4 weeks 3 days...does that mean I'm going to miscarry? She didn't sound to optimistic..

She had me do blood work and I have to go back again on Wed. to take blood again to see if my hcg levels rise...

Has anyone had any experience like this? Did it come out postive or did it result in a miscarriage?

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Guest Alte Veste Academy
I went to the doctor yesterday for my first visit. She said based on my last menstrual period I was 6 weeks but when they did the ultrasound it only showed 4 weeks 3 days...does that mean I'm going to miscarry? She didn't sound to optimistic..

She had me do blood work and I have to go back again on Wed. to take blood again to see if my hcg levels rise...

Has anyone had any experience like this? Did it come out postive or did it result in a miscarriage?

 

Do you have 28 day cycles or no? My cycles are longer so my dates were adjusted because I knew when I ovulated. Doctors typically take the first day of the cycle and use it to date pregnancy without regard to a woman's knowledge of her own body. Yes, ultrasounds can be off but the earlier they are, the more accurate they are, really. However, if you ovulate on day 25 of your cycle rather than day 14, that could explain the disparity. Or the measurement could be wrong and everything could be fine. Do you still have good, strong pregnancy symptoms?

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On what date did you get a positive pregnancy test at home?

What was the date of your LMP?

Do you know the probable dates of ovulation and/or conception?

 

I'm a little confused by the week/day you were told. Were they measuring a gestational sac? At 4 weeks 3 days gestational age (meaning 2w3d past conception), there's little to see on a transvaginal ultrasound, except maybe a gestational sac if you're lucky. However, it might not be seen that early, even in a normal pregnancy.

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You may have ovulated later than usual too. I know it's hard not to worry, but I think it's a little early to be worried.

 

Yes, I agree. When I went in for my first appt., I told them my LMP date (of which I was sure), and they calculated my due date. But I measured small, and when the doc did a quick vag. ultrasound, the baby measured over a week smaller. I do usually ovulate later and have longer cycles, so i made perfect sense to me. So they moved my due date back a week. I would MUCH rather have an accurate due date than have my assumed due date come up and not go into labor (with lots of pressure for induction!), when in reality the baby is simply not done. Of course, we're military, so I've never had a first appointment before 10 weeks! Seems like those really early appointments would be just designed to make you worry!

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If you're worried, make them check your numbers. U/S results are complete crap for measurements.

 

Well, I think this is an exagerration. It really depends on the skills of the technician.... I have had a lot of good results from U/S and they are usually pretty accurate early on. That said, how would she know when you got pregnant unless she relied on the ultrasound. I am suspecting you got pregnant very late in your cycle which would explain the small fetus.

 

Don't worry yet. Just relax.

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I have had 3 early u/s... in every case, based upon my LMP my baby was due an average of 10 days later. In each of those, my babies were born an average of 14 days prior to my LMP, but just about "on the nose" for my early u/s.

 

In one case, I knew the date of conception... and the conception date agreed with my u/s, but was still earlier than my LMP.

 

With my last baby, I didn't have an early u/s -- but I believe I ovulated "earlier" than normal (age, I'm so screwy now, I can only guess when or if I'm ovulating). She was born about 1 day before her due date.

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My early u/s never matched up to what it should be. I really think that some of us have fertilized eggs that take a little while longer to make their way into the uterus and implant. My little fetal poles were always a few days to a week smaller that 'they' said it should be even though I knew my conception dates exactly. I never lost one of them.

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Just adding that I am another who conceived late in my cycle (that's what I get for being ancient when I got pg with #4). I was at high risk for multiples so my first sonogram was at 5.5 weeks. Three U/Ss total, three different due dates, none of 'em right in the end. Her actual date was the one *I* figured on based on when I thought she was conceived.

 

Try not to worry!

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Thanks everyone. I called yesterday for my first hcg # and she said they were 5561 which would put me at 5 weeks but she still didn't say that meant much..she wanted to see the next set of # for the bloodwork I go to get today. I looked it up and it seems the #'s were o.k. but I have no idea...

They did an ultrasound early because I said I was having a brown discharge(just a little bit) and when i looked at the bill the code on it said Abortion, threatened..so I guess they figured I may miscarry?:confused1:

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Thanks everyone. I called yesterday for my first hcg # and she said they were 5561 which would put me at 5 weeks but she still didn't say that meant much..she wanted to see the next set of # for the bloodwork I go to get today. I looked it up and it seems the #'s were o.k. but I have no idea...

They did an ultrasound early because I said I was having a brown discharge(just a little bit) and when i looked at the bill the code on it said Abortion, threatened..so I guess they figured I may miscarry?:confused1:

Have them check your cervix. This is a possibility, but... At 10wks, I've had 6 u/s (for several different reasons). My midwife got irritated that the OB assumed this and did not check my cervix (I was having the same signs and the week before had thought I had miscarried as I had a "pop" of blood, water, and tissue). The u/s kept showing that my cervix was fine and that the baby was fine. They finally took a peek at my cervix, visual pelvic exam, and found that I have a cyst on my cervix that is irritating the area (causing bleeding off and on) and is exfoliating tissue from the area (discharge, sometimes looks like clots). The "pop" had been the rupture of the cyst and it just keeps refilling. They can't do anything, it seems, till after the baby is born.

 

Your LMP date is less reliable than the u/s, IMO. It doesn't take into account when in your cycle you ovulate (just assumes the same for all). I would not worry. I had a u/s at a bit over 4wks and the lining was just thickening, no sac, no baby. A week later, we had a sac and where the baby/yolk was. A week or so after that, we had a baby and heartbeat.

Edited by mommaduck
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Guest Alte Veste Academy
Thanks everyone. I called yesterday for my first hcg # and she said they were 5561 which would put me at 5 weeks but she still didn't say that meant much..she wanted to see the next set of # for the bloodwork I go to get today. I looked it up and it seems the #'s were o.k. but I have no idea...

They did an ultrasound early because I said I was having a brown discharge(just a little bit) and when i looked at the bill the code on it said Abortion, threatened..so I guess they figured I may miscarry?:confused1:

 

Yes, that's the very unfortunate medical term for possible miscarriage. As someone who had three, I could never stand to see that, even though I know the dual meaning. :(

 

I would be reassured by a 5 week hcg # with a 4/3 ultrasound. I would say that's positive news. I hope you get great numbers today. They are such a reassurance. :grouphug:

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They did an ultrasound early because I said I was having a brown discharge(just a little bit) and when i looked at the bill the code on it said Abortion, threatened..so I guess they figured I may miscarry?:confused1:

 

I wouldn't assume that the billing code they used is a diagnosis. That is, the reason they checked you out is because you had the discharge, and the code for "check out a discharge" is unfortunately named after the thing they're checking *for*, if you know what I mean. There isn't a billing code for "checked her out and she's just fine", or "checked her out and so far so good", or whatever.

:grouphug:

 

(Re my question above - I get now why they did the u/s; that makes sense.)

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Agreed, that number is fine given the information you have available. Knowing the date you got your first positive pregnancy test would be useful too, as it would tell you the minimum age that the embryo must be. But from what you've shared, your hCG and the u/s estimate of gestational age are about the same, which is what you want to see. Your doctor will now be looking for your hCG to roughly double every 48 hours, but don't let yourself stress out if it doesn't. As long as it is going up significantly between readings, just hang in there are and assume all is fine.

 

Spotting is very common in early pregnancy, and often nothing to worry about at all. As the embryo and placenta develop, the lining of the uterus can be disturbed as new blood vessels form, causing some spotting. That makes sense, doesn't it? The embryo and its placenta are invading your tissues in order to establish channels of nourishment, and this process does cause some amount of (completely normal) trauma to the endometrium.

 

Brown spotting that doesn't transition to red spotting generally isn't cause for concern, as the brown color indicates that the blood is "old," and the bleeding has stopped already. Even pink spotting isn't usually a concern, as it indicates very small amounts of bleeding.

 

Hang in there! :grouphug:

Edited by jplain
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Thanks everyone. I called yesterday for my first hcg # and she said they were 5561 which would put me at 5 weeks but she still didn't say that meant much..she wanted to see the next set of # for the bloodwork I go to get today. I looked it up and it seems the #'s were o.k. but I have no idea...

They did an ultrasound early because I said I was having a brown discharge(just a little bit) and when i looked at the bill the code on it said Abortion, threatened..so I guess they figured I may miscarry?:confused1:

 

The first reading of hcg isn't so important on its own. (It is good that it lines up roughly with your ultrasound.) What is important is the increase from that point.

 

The billing code is totally unrelated. If you go in with discharge, that is what they would be looking for. Doesn't mean they think that you are going to miscarry.

 

So, you sit and wait. Some more. Hang in there!

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All I can add is...with my DS I bled heavily at week 6 and they never found a reason for it and he is a happy healthy 2 year old. I know its hard but try not to read too much into anything. Doctors told me my DD had Downs Syndrome.Tthey saw 3 indicators of this on her ultrasound. When I went for a higher level ultrasound...she showed up perfect. She is a prefectly healthy 8 yr old today :)

 

Doctors can be wrong, things can change, God can work miracles, and some things are just unexplained!! Brown discharge may mean nothing. Dates are never exact. Measurements can be off. Things can come out totally perfect.

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Thanks everyone. I called yesterday for my first hcg # and she said they were 5561 which would put me at 5 weeks but she still didn't say that meant much..she wanted to see the next set of # for the bloodwork I go to get today. I looked it up and it seems the #'s were o.k. but I have no idea...

They did an ultrasound early because I said I was having a brown discharge(just a little bit) and when i looked at the bill the code on it said Abortion, threatened..so I guess they figured I may miscarry?:confused1:

 

Based on your board name, I'm guessing you've already given birth to a set of twins? My early sonogram was due to the fact that it was a high risk pregnancy, including a high risk for multiples. You are also at an increased risk for multiples, having already had them.

 

I'm no doctor, just tossing out the idea that some dynamics of multiples may be involved. I'm sure you will know more after this afternoon's bloodwork.

 

A prayer for you, keep us posted! :grouphug:

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Well I went for my second blood test this afternoon and expressed my *concern* that maybe there was 2 babies in there...she reassured me that there was not 2 babies in there...

I asked if she could call me tomorrow wit hthe results instead of coming in(because I have the boys with me)and she asked if I was o.k. with her calling with news of a miscarriage:confused:...

I don't get it..my numbers seemed o.k. on the first round. Yes, the ultrasound said 4 weeks 3 days instead of what she though of my last mestrual period being 6 weeks ago..does that automatically mean miscarriage?

I haven't had any more discharge at all...but she does have me really scared. I guess I'll find out tomorrow.

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Well I went for my second blood test this afternoon and expressed my *concern* that maybe there was 2 babies in there...she reassured me that there was not 2 babies in there...

I asked if she could call me tomorrow wit hthe results instead of coming in(because I have the boys with me)and she asked if I was o.k. with her calling with news of a miscarriage:confused:...

I don't get it..my numbers seemed o.k. on the first round. Yes, the ultrasound said 4 weeks 3 days instead of what she though of my last mestrual period being 6 weeks ago..does that automatically mean miscarriage?

I haven't had any more discharge at all...but she does have me really scared. I guess I'll find out tomorrow.

 

I haven't read this whole thread, but I wish docs would not get so hung up on LMP as the be-all-end-all because that is based entirely on ovulating mid-way through a 28-day cycle, i.e., an average person. But cycle length can vary quite a bit amongst individuals. How long are your cycles usually? Most people ovulate 12-14 days prior to their next period, and even a person with regular cycles can have the odd longer one.

 

The number sounded good. Once they are at this point, it can normally take longer than 48 hours for them to double. (If your first number were under 1000, you'd want to see doubling in 48 hrs, or at least that's the rule of thumb that I remember; I think doubling rate of 72-96 hrs would be appropriate at this level, and once they get over 10k it could be even longer.)

 

At this point, another ultrasound about a week after the first one, to look for growth, is the best indicator of the health of the pregnancy (that is practically a direct quote from a nationally-known specialist in reproductive loss).

 

Good luck! You won't know until you know. (umm, just to throw this out there, spotting is more common with multiples.) FWIW, a little brown on the TP would not have me worried. OK, I do obsess over TP during pregnancy, but I've had so much experience with spotting in that regard that I don't think a little brown means much if anything. Indeed, brown is an encouraging sign (= old blood rather than new blood).

 

:grouphug:

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This sounds very much like my last pregnancy. I was convinced that I was about 8 weeks pregnant when I started having some bleeding (bright red). I was actually in an airport on my home and (inwardly) freaking out because I had dd with me. Well, when I went in the ultrasound showed that I was only about 6 weeks and they said that I had some implantation bleeding. I have a healthy 10 month old ds now.

 

Good luck. It sounds like maybe you need a more positive/sensitive ob.

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I went to the doctor yesterday for my first visit. She said based on my last menstrual period I was 6 weeks but when they did the ultrasound it only showed 4 weeks 3 days...does that mean I'm going to miscarry? She didn't sound to optimistic..

She had me do blood work and I have to go back again on Wed. to take blood again to see if my hcg levels rise...

Has anyone had any experience like this? Did it come out postive or did it result in a miscarriage?

 

When I went in for an ultrasound at 8 weeks thinking I was going to miscarry (bleeding and cramping), I was measuring 2 weeks ahead. I'm quite familiar with my cycle and assured the doc and midwife that I was not 10 weeks pregnant. Midwife readjusted the date to match mine, doc left it according to ultrasound even though it's notoriously unreliable for dating. Sure enough, baby came a week past my date (three weeks past the ultrasound dating) a healthy 8 pounds even covered in vernix.

 

I hope you receive good news...doctors can put way too much faith in technology.

 

Barb

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Along the same lines as those citing cycle differences, I just have to add this: it sounds like the ultrasound is measuring gestational age, which, if that is the case, conception happens when you are already (typically) 2 weeks pregnant. Does that make sense? It's basically the same thing others are saying, but my brain understands it better this way. In other words: completely normal. The bleeding and unfortunate abortion-threatened term is another ball of wax. :grouphug:

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I'm so sorry. I've been there twice, and it sucks. The first time, I was having brown discharge... can't remember if they did an US that time, but went for the bloodwork, and the second number wasn't good, but before I even got those results, I got my "period". :(

 

Two months later, pg again, more spotting, did the bloodwork which was ok this time, and then had an US which showed a heartbeat and measurements were ok for my dates.

 

Couple things to note which other people have said, but I want to highlight:

* the initial number on its own really doesn't mean anything; it varies too much from person to person to be an accurate measure of viability. It's what the next number shows that is important

* the second number doesn't HAVE to be double the first depending on how far along you are. I freaked when the called with my second number because it wasn't "high enough", but then did more research and found that after a certain point it stops doubling every 2 days or whatever it's supposed to be [sorry, it's been 2 years now!].

* US measurements at this age are fairly accurate; it's later that they get more inaccurate. BUT I agree with others that it all depends on when you ovulated. LMP means very little unless you are rigorously regular, and even then there's always a chance you ovulated later than "normal"

 

I know it's not helpful, but I'll say it anyway: TRY not to worry about it too much. Worrying isn't going to make the outcome different, and will just be harder to live with until you know anything for certain. Tomorrow you'll find out the number. If it's gone up, then that's a good sign; ask for another US to check for a heartbeat. I hope it has gone up.

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Ughhh..the doctor's office just called. Apparently, the lab forgot to pick up my blood so I have to wait until tomorrow morning to find out the results...I didn't sleep at all last night..I just want to know...

 

So sorry! I've been thinking about you! At least today's not Friday!

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I am very sorry. Sorry that you may miscarry, but also sorry that your doctor is not a more hopeful, encouraging, positive minded person. While it is true that your numbers may not be optimal, I am sad that her very attitude about it has seemed to cause you more worry and stress. I understand that she does not want to fill you with false hope, but I get the feeling she's, well, rather a downer...

 

Try to have a good weekend. Give your children a thousand hugs. Read Skippyjon Jones books and laugh a lot. Get good sleep. Eat some cookies. We'll be thinking of you.

:grouphug::grouphug::grouphug:

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Got the numbers back..they only went up 1500 they didn't double...

She didn't sound to optimistic...

 

I'm sorry that you have to wait and see. Your dr. sounds a little too unsympathetic to me. I have been in your shoes before and it is hard to wait. I would be leery of any suggestions the dr. has to speed up the procedure if your numbers aren't doubling (d&c). Some doctors push for it if they think a miscarriage is inevitable and I have heard way too many times of people thinking all was lost and then it turned out alright.

I would probably if it was at all possible get a second opinion and a more sympathetic doctor.

Again so sorry for you having to go through this with such an unsympathetic doctor.

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I'm sorry that you have to wait and see. Your dr. sounds a little too unsympathetic to me. I have been in your shoes before and it is hard to wait. I would be leery of any suggestions the dr. has to speed up the procedure if your numbers aren't doubling (d&c). Some doctors push for it if they think a miscarriage is inevitable and I have heard way too many times of people thinking all was lost and then it turned out alright.

I would probably if it was at all possible get a second opinion and a more sympathetic doctor.

Again so sorry for you having to go through this with such an unsympathetic doctor.

:iagree:

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Just wanted to send you :grouphug:.

I agree with what others are saying. DO NOT rely on LMP to date your pregnancy. My Dr have been wrong when basing my pregnancies on LMP, I happen to usually know when I ovulate or when I conceived and those dates have been right every time.

You could have ovulated late, it could have taken your little one longer to travel and attach, there are variables to due dates.

Also numbers have a range don't worry too much. And it's how they look over time. Doubling every 48 hours in the begining and then slowing down as the weeks progress.

When I miscarried, my numbers dropped very fast. I also had one midwife in the practice who was very cold and rude, I refused to see her after that. I think you should get a new Dr who you feel comfortable with.

Best wishes!

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You may have ovulated later than usual too. I know it's hard not to worry, but I think it's a little early to be worried.

 

Yes, I agree. When I went in for my first appt., I told them my LMP date (of which I was sure), and they calculated my due date. But I measured small, and when the doc did a quick vag. ultrasound, the baby measured over a week smaller. I do usually ovulate later and have longer cycles, so i made perfect sense to me. So they moved my due date back a week. I would MUCH rather have an accurate due date than have my assumed due date come up and not go into labor (with lots of pressure for induction!), when in reality the baby is simply not done. Of course, we're military, so I've never had a first appointment before 10 weeks! Seems like those really early appointments would be just designed to make you worry!

 

I agree. I measured small with my first, and there were never any problems. My OB/GYN just adjusted the due date. He never acted like this was a problem... I still don't see how it is. I was told the second time around that it looks like I ovulate late... so again, I must have measured small that time as well.

 

I wouldn't worry... I still don't see why you would worry.

 

:grouphug:

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Waiting is no fun. Is she doing another draw today, or waiting until next week?

 

I'll be honest with you. Assuming the blood draws were approximately the same time both days, that's an estimated doubling time of 6 days. Your doctor would like to see a doubling time of 2-4 days at this point in pregnancy.

 

But don't give up hope. As long as it hasn't plateaued or started to fall, there is still hope. Sometimes doubling times are much longer than expected, but the pregnancy still ends up being completely normal and healthy.

 

:grouphug:

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If your beta was 5561 and your second one was about 1500 more, and they were drawn precisely 48 hours apart, your doubling time is around 139 hours.

 

Normal doubling time at this stage is much longer than 48 hours. In fact, the normal doubling time may exceed 96 hours. See e.g. http://www.baby2see.com/preconception/hcg.html , especially

Above 6000 mIU/ml, the hCG often takes over four days to double.

 

While your doubling time may be on the slow side, there's still a chance things may turn out just fine. It's impossible to know, and it's going to be a long two weeks until your next ultrasound. Take care of yourself - at the moment you're still pregnant! :grouphug:

Edited by wapiti
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Okay, so I researched this online, and read that this happens sometimes, and many healthy babies have come from these circumstances. I wouldn't worry right now... worry isn't helping at all. Take deep breaths and relax! The more relaxed you are, the better.

 

:grouphug:

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Just wanted to update those of you that were sweet enough to comment.

I couldn't wait and went back to the doctor today. She suggested an ultrasound and thought we may at least see a fetal pole if their was something there..otherwise we would know the outcome...

Well, we saw a fetal pole and a heartbeat..she said it was a miracle.

So, this entire weekend I'd prepared myself for the miscarriage and was at peace with it and now she is congratulating me...

 

I'm so scared now and really need some reassurance that this will be o.k. I'm scared because my twins will be 9 when this baby is born..please tell me it's going to be o.k. and this baby will be close with his/her older brothers...please???

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Just wanted to update those of you that were sweet enough to comment.

I couldn't wait and went back to the doctor today. She suggested an ultrasound and thought we may at least see a fetal pole if their was something there..otherwise we would know the outcome...

Well, we saw a fetal pole and a heartbeat..she said it was a miracle.

So, this entire weekend I'd prepared myself for the miscarriage and was at peace with it and now she is congratulating me...

 

I'm so scared now and really need some reassurance that this will be o.k. I'm scared because my twins will be 9 when this baby is born..please tell me it's going to be o.k. and this baby will be close with his/her older brothers...please???

 

I'm so glad you decided not to wait, and went in today! What awesome news!!

 

Everything is going to be okay! Don't worry! Your twins are going to love the baby!

 

:grouphug:

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