QuestionMy background: The first day of my last period was May 4th.
My normal cycle is 28-30 days. I'm 39 years old; healthy; non-
smoker. I have an 18 month old daughter who is healthy and no
downs in the family.
Why I'm concerned: I went to the Gyn the other day...I should be
about 6+ weeks along. She did a vaginal ultrasound and there
was a heart-beat, but she said that it's growth lags 3-5 days.
She said that miscarriage is possible and illuded to possible
concern for the health of the baby. Is down sydrome a good
possibility? How much faith can I put in the ultrasound? Should
I have bloodwork done? I return in two weeks, but I'm
concerned that her ultrasound is not accurate. I'm already
thinking the worst and it's upsetting. Could anemia be a cause?
My iron stores were not great 6 months following my c-section,
but that was a year ago. I worry since I don't eat red meat (only
fish and dairy). Is the prenatal enough? What should I do? It's
hard for me to sit around and do nothing if I have the power to
make a difference.
Thank you for time! I really appreciate your help.
Cynthia
AnswerIf your last period started on May 4, you should now be 6weekw 6 days pregnant. It does not matter if it was a few days earlier or later by sonogram. Sonogram is not very accurate before 12 weeks gestation. Don't worry. However, since you are 39 years of age, you have a signifant risk for chromosomal abnormalities, I would recommend another sonogram including a nuchal luscency study at 12 weeks by a sonogram technician. It there is a nucual luscency, I would follow up with amniocenteses.
A difference in dates between sonogram and LMP is not an indication of impending miscarriage (though it is possible to have a miscarriae) .
You should have had blood tests performed as your first visit. If your Hgb is less than 10, you should start iron supplentation.
