QuestionHi Dr. Ramirez,
Monica here again. Sorry, but I forgot to mention in my previous post that I have no symptoms at all at 5-1/2 weeks. Is that reason for concern? Many times when I read about women who miscarry, it's missed and they find out at their 9, 10, or 11 week ultrasound and the "heart just stopped beating." In those (sad) instances, are there any indications that they baby wasn't doing good early on (e.g., enlarged yolk sac) or many times do horrible surprises just happen like that?
Thank you.
Monica
AnswerHi Again,
Most patients do not have pregnancy symptoms until 8 weeks gestational age. Some don't have any at all during their pregnancy.
Miscarriages, of course, can occur at any time as the pregnancy is developing. After six weeks it is usually due to a major genetic abnormality or anatomical defect (like heart defect). Because the placenta is doing is thing normally, the body does not give any signs that the pregnancy is abnormal and it is only detected by ultrasound. Sometimes, however, the body will realize that the pregnancy is not viable and begin the process of miscarriage. That is usually manifest by bleeding, more than spotting, but less than a period. From an ultrasound point of view, if the fetus size/growth is not appropriate for its gestational age,that can be a sign that things are not progressing normally.
Miscarriage is a normal part of reproduction. It is the body's way of stopping and abnormal pregnancy so that it does not result in an abnormal human being. It is a sad occurrence but actually a necessary one if the pregnancy is abnormal.
Again, don't try to analyze things too much. You have been successful before and I'm sure have beautiful children as a result. All we can do at this point is pray that all is well, and wait to see the beautiful babies in 10 months.
Sincerely,
Edward J. Ramirez, M.D., FACOG
Executive Medical Director
The Fertility and Gynecology Center
Monterey Bay IVF Program
www.montereybayivf.com
Monterey, California, U.S.A.
for additional information check out my blog at http://womenshealthandfertility.blogspot.com check me out on facebook and twitter with me at @montereybayivf
