QuestionI went to the ER today. I should be almost 6 weeks, but I started spotting last night. It caught me by suprise because my HCG levels were great (72@ 12dpo, 236@ 15dpo, and 1300 @ 19dpo. Progesterone 20.) Anyway, I spent 9 hours in the ER today. They did an ultrasound and I measured 5w2d. I should be 5w4d based on when my OPK was positive and 6w2d based on my LMP. Anyway, they saw the gestational sac and yolk sac, but they didn't see anything elsewhich I guess is a bad sign. My HCG # was 18,000 (25dpo) which is excellent, but I guess without a fetal pole, it doesn't matter? They seem to think we definately should have seen something, but nothing was there.
I don't know what to think. I guess I am having a misscarriage or a 'blighted ovum' but I didn't get a definate answer. I am not spotting anymore and I haven't had any cramps. I go back in for U/S in two days. At 5w4d should there definately have seen a fetal pole? The U/S looked pretty advanced, so I don't think that is an issue. I also have a tilted uterus, if that is anything.
AnswerDear Brooke,
The gestational sac can typically be visualized as early as 4.5 weeks of gestation and the yolk sac at about 5 weeks. The embryo can usually be observed and measured by about 5.5 weeks. A visible heartbeat can often be seen and detected by ultrasound at about 6 weeks and is usually clearly detectable by 7 weeks. If you are at 5 2/7 weeks via ultrasound measurement, I would not be that concerned at this point. By measurement, that is not yet 5.5 weeks, which is when we would expect to see the embryo. Everything else - hCG and progesterone - are great, and the spotting has stopped. I would not jump to any ominous conclusions yet by any stretch. Plus, the tilted uterus can sometimes affect visualization via ultrasound - depending upon the severity of the "tilt", type of ultrasound, and the technician performing the exam.
I would actually give this another 7-10 days and wait for heart activity or further signs or a miscarriage before coming to any real definite conclusions.
I hope this has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well.
Brenda
