Early Pregnancy Ultrasound: Understanding Findings & Next Steps

Question
I found out I was pregnant a few weeks ago.  My last period was June 26,2006 though I don't have a normal periods the one before that was May 16.  My HCG started at 221 on July 30 Then was 619 on August 1 and 1904 on August 3.  My doctor ordered an ultrasound just to make sure that things were going fine and on the 10th of August we saw the sack and yolk but no baby.  My uterus measured 6wks 3days but my doctor calendar was 5wks 5days.  I will have another ultrasound this Thursday and I did an HCG today with a second one scheduled for Wednesday morning.  This will be our 4th child... should we be worried or could this turn out ok?

Answer
Hi Vanessa,

Sometimes at 5 weeks or close to 6 weeks, a fetus is unable to be visualized.  The fact that you saw a yoke sac and your levels have doubled appropriately is a good sign.  It sounds like things are coming along okay.  Ocassionaly, you can have a molar pregnancy in which you have doubling HCG levels and even symptoms, but no baby developes.  However, since you have visualized a yoke sac, that is a good sign.  Good luck!