Understanding a Missed Fetus: Empty Gestational Sac on Ultrasound

Question
HI, MY LAST MENSTRAL CYCLE WAS 10/12/04 AND THE PREGNANCY TESTS DIDNT SHOW POSITIVE UNTIL 11/25/04. I THOUGHT THAT I WOULD BE ABOUT 6-7 WEEKS PREGNANT. BUT THE SONOGRAM AT THE OB OFC ONLY SHOWED A LITTLE TINY SAC BUT NO BABY! IS IT POSSIBLE THAT I MISCARRIED OR SOMETHING WENT WRONG? IM VERY CONFUSED PLEASE EXPLAIN WHATS GOING ON!
THANX A LOT.

Answer
You may have conceived later than you thought. Up to 6 weeks gestation, we only see an empty gestational sac in the uterus and do not see a fetus or a fetal heartbeat until the fetus has grown to 6-7 weeks gestation. YOur period may be incorrect or you may have conceived later. The fact that there was, indeed, a tiny sac gives hope for a viable pregnancy. I would suggest waiting two weeks and repeating the sonogram. If there is no further growth, then it indicates a "missed abortion" and there is no hope for a viable pregnancy. However, there is a good chance that the fetus will grow and you will see a fetus and a fetal heartbeat in two weeks. Be patient.