QuestionI'm 27 years and am 5w6d into my first pregnancy. I conceived on 12/31/05 and have had the following hcg levels: 9 days past ovulation - 15.5; 11dpo - 68; 25dpo - 13,367 (my progesterone was 17 on 25dpo).
I had my first ultrasound two days ago at 5w4d and they saw only an empty gestational sac, and the tech said it was simply too early to see anything else. However, my doctor is concerned. He says that once hcg levels reach around 6,000, a heartbeat should be detected, and that we should've seen a heartbeat the other day. He states there is a "good" possibility that this is a blighted ovum.
Of course, my husband and I were initially very upset. Then our logic returned and we're wondering if you can truly pin such a severe assessment on a number so early in pregnancy. Your opinion/information on this would be greatly appreciated.
AnswerWe do not see a fetus or a fetal heartbeat until 6 weeks gestation (from the first day of your last period). Between 5-6 weeks we ONLY see an empty gestational sac. It does not matter what the HCG value is. Your HCG values appear to inidicate a normlly growing fetus. Repeat the sonogram in 2 weeks and you should see a fetus and a fetal heartbeat. If there is no fetus at that time, it may indicate a blighted ovum. It appears normal at this time. Don't worry.
