Early Pregnancy Ultrasound: Concerns About Missing Fetal Pole

Question
Hi,

I am currently 6 weeks and 2 days pregnant.  Yesterday I started experiencing lower backache and cramping so went for an early ultrasound (6 weeks and one day).  The sonographer found the gestational sac which measured correctly for my dates and she also found a yolk sac which she said looked 'healthy' but she couldn't see a fetal pole.  She wasn't concerned and said it may have been too early to detect but this has me worried now.  I haven't been experiencing many pregnancy symptoms at all since I found out I was pregnant and now the lower backache/cramping is making me wonder am I going to miscarry?  This pregnancy was a result of our second IVF.  As I am on Progesterone support, is there a chance that my body isn't miscarrying because of the progesterone support.  Also do you think perhaps 6 weeks and one day was too early to see the fetal pole?  I am going out of my mind with worry.

Any advice greatly appreciated.

Answer
Dear katie

A 6 weeks pregnancy can be early to detect a fetal pole if the ultrasound machine is not a first class machine and the sonographer is an average one. If the sonar was performed abdominally, this would add to the difficulty to visualize a fetal pole. In these circumstances, a repeat scan after 1-2 weeks is recommended.

Since you started to experience some cramps and backpains, I would advise bed rest till your next scan with avoidance of any excercises, household activites, work and sex to avoid any hazards for your pregnancy.

Good Luck