QuestionHi there, I was concerned about my pregnancy from the start and insisted
three ultrasounds to put my mind at rest - although my doctor was not
concerned about anything and did not think they were needed. My HGC levels
were normal and doubling. The 3 ultrasounds were trans vaginal ultrasounds
conducted at weekly intervals for the 6th, 7th and 8th week of my pregnancy
(according to my own dates). At the first ultrasound I was told the gestational
sac and yolk sac measured 5-6 weeks and no fetal pole or heartbeat was
visible. At the second ultrasound I was told the fetal pole and heartbeat were
visible and they measured 6-7 weeks (together with the gestational sac). The
heartbeat was a flicker and it was not possible to count it at this point. The
fetal pole measured 3.7mm. At the third ultrasound I was told that the
gestational sac had grown and was measuring about 7-8 weeks (27mm mean
sac diameter) but the fetal pole had not grown. The heartbeat was measurable
but slow. I was told there is no hope for this pregnancy, despite the heartbeat
being present, as the fetal pole has not grown for a week. I have searched all
over the internet and cannot find any other accounts of this situation except
for one - in which the woman suffered vanishing twin syndrome and the
second fetal pole did not grow for two weeks, but then caught up. This one
account may be incorrect or a 'miracle' anomaly. Is there any chance for my
pregnancy? The heartbeat is still present. It is slow. The fetal pole measures
3.7 mm and has not grown for one week. I do not know how professional the
third sonographer was as she did not even show me the screen and turned
the machine off before speaking to me.
AnswerDear Cheyne,
You are right that there is very little literature as to this particular scenario. But it happens and most often when the fetal pole stops growing, that is a strong indication of an unhealthy pregnancy. However, it sounds as if you have been pretty assertive about your medical care thus far. There is no reason for you to stop now. If you want to wait this pregnancy out and give it every possible chance, you have the right to do so. Until the hCG levels fail to rise appropriately and/or begin to fall or you start to experience other signs of an imminent miscarriage such as heavy bleeding with cramping - there is no reason why you cannot give the pregnancy a chance and ask for a follow-up ultrasound after 10-14 days if neither of those indicators occurs. You should be realistic of course, and go into it knowing that there are already indications of a potential problem. As I said, the majority of these cases do result in a failed pregnancy. But there is nothing wrong with letting nature decide rather than rushing things - especially if it eases your own mind.
I hope this has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well.
Brenda
