Question
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Followup To
Question -
Hi Kristy,
I just got my results from my hcg levels 48 hours later and they went from 34,000 to 32,000. The doctor said i should expect to miscarry. I still have not had any spotting throughout the pregnancy and no abdominal pain at all. If your levels drop is that a definite miscarriage or is there any hope that there may still be a baby. Also if there is no hope do you recommend D&C if it doesn't happen soon or still wait until i miscarry on my own. Right now i would be 9 1/2 weeks. Thanks!
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Followup To
Question -
I recently went to my first prenatal visit at 9 weeks past LMP. My doctor did a vaginal ultrasound and said my uterus was a 6 week size uterus but did not see the baby. She diagnosed me with a possible blighted ovum. I know I ovulated twice last month and I am wondering if I am less weeks and possibly that is why we didn't see the baby. I am having no cramping or spotting and haven't at all. She had me have my HCG levels checked and they were at 34,000. Do you think it is possible for me to still be pregnant?
Answer -
Hi Lisa,
Well you definately have to have this further investigated. I always say, before having a DNC procedure done, because of blighted ovum, or no fetal heartbeat ect, that it be throurghly investigated. And this is because, sometimes these little munchkins are hiding, or just to small to see. It really depends on how far along you are in your gestation.
I have a personal experience as well, and thats why I am so adament about 2nd, and even 3rd opinions when it comes to situations, like yours.
When I got pregnant with my first baby, they couldnt find her. They did an ultra sound, and said that my uterus looked pregnant, but they couldnt find the baby. They came to the conclusion, that the baby wasnt there, or it dissoved. They couldnt see a sac, a heartbeat, or a plancenta.
Well, I insisted, that I have every test in the book. My HCG levels were indicating I was pregnant. I wasnt cramping, nor bleeding. I had very significant pregnancy symptoms.
Well, 2 weeks later, I went in for a ultrasound (vaginal) and after laying on the table for about 45 minutes, they finally found her. She was there, and they saw the heartbeat, the sac, everything. And to think, If I took their advice, and had a DNC ..I wouldnt have her today. Its an terrible thought.
So Lisa, I highly advise, to investigate this a little further before coming to conclusions.
Yes, indeed you might very well have a blighted ovum, and if thats the case, then it will end in misscarriage.
But, your tech said it was "possible" and not conclusive. Which means they are not sure. So definately follow up on this.
If you ovulated twice last month, then ofcourse its possible that the dates might be confused. Allthough its rare, sonograms are pretty accurate. But I would definately bring that up to your doctor, and double check the gestational age, just to be sure.
Your HCG levels are good. But with blighted ovum, thats not uncommon. But great HCG levels, also indicates pregnancy.
My advise, is to not do anything drastic, until you are 100 percent comfortable with the diagnoses.
Hope this is of some help, and if you have any more questions, please dont hesitate to write back.
-Kristy
Answer -
Hi Lisa,
A drop in HCG levels, is definately not a good sign. Your HCG levels should never go down ..
But if I were you, I would request another ultrasound, to confirm this before considering a DNC. You want to be absolutely positive that this is the correct diagnoses.
If you ask them, they will probably think your nuts, and try and sway you from having it done, but I would definately demand it be done again, for your own peice of mind.
If they refuse, then go to another doctor, and have them do it.
If you get another result, confirming blighted ovum, then I think its safe to say the diagnoses is correct.
If you get this diagnoses confirmed, it would probably be much easier for you to book a DNC, and get it over with. Miscarriage can be rather scary, and painful for some women ..So probably having a DNC would make it physically easier on you.
I'm sorry for being so gloomy about this, but red flags are going off, when your HCG count falls ..
I will keep my fingers crossed for you ..
Let me know what happens ..okay?
Thanks for writing, and if there is anything more I can do, please write back :)
-Kristy
Hi Kristy,
I finally went to the doctor and they did another ultrasound. All she saw was the sac again and it hadn't grown. She has recommended a DNC which I am scheduled for next week. My question is that i have had one D&C prior to this one which would make this my second. I have read that having more than one D&C can leave scarring in the uterus which can lead to infertility. Is this true? Also I am very fearful of anasthesia and would like to know if you know of any herbal remedies or something that can make this come out without having a D&C. I really don't want one but I also don't want to wait any longer. I still have no spotting or cramping. Thanks so much for all your help!
AnswerHi Lisa :)
DNC's, will not in any way affect your fertility. You will have no scar tissue in your uterus, because your uterus is not going to be cut in any way.
They will dialate your cervix, and insert a curttalage. Its a scoop like instrument. Its used to just remove the lining of your uterus, and thats it. so your uterus in no way, is going to be cut, or stitched at all.
Anesthesia is always a scary thing. I have had issues with that as well, so I completely understand.
There are options however, other then being put to sleep. You could ask for a local freezing, however the needle injected in the cervix, can be painful. You could also ask to be sedated, with a gravol vallium sedative. You would be awake, but wouldnt be really coherant at all, and would be in your own little world.
For such a simple procedure, they wouldnt give you a spinal or epideral ..its far to strong for a DNC.
There is nothing at this point that would terminate this pregnancy. I agree, its better that you get this over with, and the sooner the better, for you.
DNC's are fast Lisa, takes about 15 minutes. I think maybe the IV sedation might be a good idea for you. Perhaps speak to them about that. Its safer, then being completely put to sleep ..and would be much more comfortable for you ...
I am so sorry, that this ended is a sad result ..if there is anything more you would like to discuss, please dont hesitate to write back ..okay? Write back, and let me know how you are doing, and how the procedure went ..
-Kristy
