QuestionHello -
Five months ago I found out I had a missed miscarriage during an ultrasound at 8 weeks that showed no heartbeat and growth that stopped at 6 1/2 weeks. That was my first pregnancy. Prior to that ultrasound I had no signs that there was something wrong - no cramping, spotting, or loss of symptoms.
I'm now 7w4d pregnant. At 7 weeks (6w6d actually) I had an ultrasound that showed on-target growth and a good heartbeat (133 bpm). I'm still terrified of miscarrying again - or that it has happened and I just don't know. I have a few questions:
1 - do you know the odds of miscarrying after you hear the heartbeat around 7 weeks? Do you happen to know what the miscarriage rate is broken down by week in the first trimeter? I know it goes down a bit week by week.
2 - my symptoms are breast tenderness, mild nausea, increased hunger, food cravings and aversions, random fits of sleepiness (but not general exhaustion). I have found that they fluctuate a good deal, and the day of the ultrasound I felt absolutely not pregnant so was happily surprised that it was good news. However, the past two days my breasts have been noticeably less sore, and I've not been as queasy, etc. Do you think this is something that I should be concerned about? I know symptoms fluctuate, but now much time in between them returning is "normal"?
3 - I have another ultrasound scheduled at 9 1/2 weeks - which seems so incredibly far away! I'm half tempted to ask for another before then. Do you think my ob will think i'm an insane pain in the rear if I do? Do you know if there is a risk in having multiple early ultrasounds?
Thank you for helping me manage my obsessive worrying!
AnswerHello Sara
Firstly let me re-assure you that you're certainly not an obsessive worrier! Every expectant Mum worries about their pregnancy, but when you've been through a miscarriage you have even more right to worry.
So....let me put your mind at ease and answer your questions...
1, You have aprox a 5% chance of miscarriage after a heartbeat has been found. The good thing is that at 7wks everything is progressing well, especially as your miscarriage showed that development stopped at about 6wks.
2, Symptoms shouldn't be used as an indication as to how your pregnancy is progressing. Why? Because your symptoms are caused by hormones...which are produced by the placenta. The placenta can keep growing even after the embryo/foetus has stopped, this is why some women have 'missed' miscarriage...as you did..with no lessening of symptoms.
As the pregnancy continues, some women find that the symptoms settle down. This isn't to be taken as an indication that the pregnancy has failed, in fact I'm sure it's because you've gotten used to the symptoms and no longer take notice of them!
3, Even 24hrs seems like an eternity when it comes to the unknown, let alone 2wks! The reason why they have scheduled the scan for 9 and a half wks is so they can check the progress, if they do one sooner (from a medical point of view) it would be a waste of time as it's done for development monitering. Your OB won't think you a pain, but I think it's important to understand that specialists & funding are stretched so they may well talk you into waiting.
The previous scan was obviously promising enough for them to allow 2wks between scans so do trust them on this one :0)
I know exactly how you feel, Sara. I'm actually going through the same thing now. I'm 7wks pregnant and have my first appointment with the midwife on Monday. You're so lucky to have a scan so early on, I probably won't be scheduled to have one for another 3wks at the least despite my miscarriage. The level of care you are recieving is excellent!
It's natural to worry. I do. If I don't get sick, have a twinge in my tummy or my boobs don't hurt then all sorts go through my mind. Miscarriage is so common that it's estimated that 1 in 3 women experience then, some without even knowing it. But I look at it this way.....it happens usually because there's a genetic/development fault & if it's going to happen, then it's already been decided.
I'm going to enjoy my pregnancy and try not to worry, as tomorrow it could well be taken away from me. I've got a good feeling that everything is going to be ok though! Worry just makes you feel worse and there are many women who would do anything just feel everything we are now...so I say 'This ones for you, ladies!' If there's anything wrong, I'll worry about it if or when I come to it.
You have the reassurance of an early scan & some excellent pre-natal care, I think that we'll both be in hospital at the same time and for the same...and very right....reasons!
I hope this has re-assured you. If I can help with anything else, please don't hesitate to contact me!
Kindest Regards
Sarah
