Missed Miscarriage at 8 Weeks: Symptoms, Diagnosis & What to Expect
QuestionI'm 32 & it was believed that I was 8 weeks pregnant (with my 1st pregnancy) at my first pre-natal appointment held on 11/3/05. My last period started on 9/1/05 with 2 days of spotting & bleeding started on 9/3/05. At my 11/3/05 appointment, an internal ultrasound was performed. I was told that no heartbeat was detected although the yolk sac & yolk were visible. A D & C was recommended as my doctor stated that there should be a heartbeat at this stage. I opted to wait 2 weeks to see if my body will expel the sac on its own so I might avoid surgery. Question: Is there any chance that a heartbeat will be detected when I return to the doctor in 1 week or am I hanging onto false hope? The doctor estimated that "it happened" 1-2 weeks prior to my pre-natal appointment. I imagine that she was basing her statement on the size of the yolk/sac. My cycles have been irregular over the last year (14-42 days apart). I have not had any spotting or bleeding since my period in 9/05. Any information that you can provide me would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
AnswerIf your last period started on September 1, then you should now be 10 weeks gestational age. Up to 5-6 weeks (from your last period) a sonogram will often show an empty gestational sac but no fetus or fetal heartbeat. However, after 6 weeks gestational age, we usually see a fetus and a fetal heartbeat. Certainly, by 10 weeks gestation, we should see a fetal heartbeat. If the next sonogram does not show a heartbeat, i'm afraid we must realize that you had a "missed abortion". If the body does not expel the products of conception on its own, you may have to consider a D&C to make sure that you will return to your normal cycles and avoid the risk of infection. On the other hand, there is always hope. If, at the next sonogram, there is indeed a fetal heartbeat, there would not be a problem.
