Talk me down....

[frozentoes]

So, I know I shouldn't really be freaking out because this exact same thing happened when I was pregnant with my daughter but I am still kind of freaking out.  I am (based on dates of last period) 10 weeks today.  Yesterday I went to my appointment and they tried to hear the heartbeat with the Doppler and couldn't pick it up.  She said it's nothing to worry about and it's probably too early and I might not actually be 10 weeks yet.  She also said since I had a previous c-section, the thick scar tissue over my uterus might make it harder to hear. 

So they ordered a dating ultrasound and I'll go Tuesday morning.  Like I said, same exact thing happened last time, we did the ultrasound and I was 5 days behind where they thought I was, we saw the heartbeat, and everything was fine.  But then I just saw someone's post where they heard the heartbeat at 8 weeks and it kind of made me panic.  It doesn't help that the ultrasound tech said that I would need to have the appointment when a doctor was in to explain the results "Since I was so early in the pregnancy and they couldn't hear the heartbeat."

Anyone have any positive thoughts to help me get through the next 3 days until I have the ultrasound?

[raangoli]

Deep breaths. Was this your first appointment? I know each time I've seen the doctor they always preface it with "We may not be able to hear the heartbeat" so it's not a guarantee each time.

Also, from my experience the ultrasound tech does not give results, it's the doctor that does it regardless.

It's also possible that your dates may be a bit off, so that may also affect whether you were able to hear it on the doppler.

My fingers are crossed that all is well.

[frozentoes]

It was my second appointment, the first was at 6 weeks. I am still feeling very pregnant with lots of morning sickness, fatigue and bloating. They just did bloodwork and a urine sample but I don't know if they test it for HCG or just for protein/sugar.

I don't really know what my cycles were like because I got my IUD out in June and got pregnant in August. So the dates being off could be a real possibility.

[raangoli]

Take the sickness and fatigue, etc as all good signs

Can you call and ask what they are testing the blood for? I am that annoying patient that asks what everything is for. They probably hate me. But I'd like to know what they are doing.

You didn't have too many cycles so I'd guess that the dates are slightly off. I hope the next few days go quickly and Tuesday is here soon.

[frozentoes]

Thanks for your responses, it helps just to bounce it off someone instead of running over it in my mind all day. The bloodwork was actually last week but it was just the screen for hepatitis, HIV and all the STDs, plus to make sure I am not RH negative (postive?) I forget. I did get the results already and everything was fine.

I'll just try to take deep breaths and not think about it too much over the weekend/Monday. I'll update after Tuesday's ultrasound.

[mary]

Calm thoughts! Waiting through the weekend for tests is the worst. I don't have any experience but I hope this is nothing.

[Susie]

I don't think I had my first doppler HB check until the appointment when I was 12-13 weeks, or maybe even 15 weeks, since that was the first app't that I didn't have a u/s (I had a dating u/s at 8/9 weeks and the NT scan at 12/13 weeks).

I'm pretty sure they didn't even try any earlier because the odds of hearing it then were so slim. I would guess that is all that's going on with you - hopefully that is the case. I would honestly be surprised if they heard it on the doppler at "10 weeks, maybe less depending on dates."

I kind of wish they wouldn't even try when it's likely to be too early! They wind up creating worry for nothing. Hope you are able to relax and enjoy the weekend while you wait to hear it on Tues.

[boiler717]

Im sorry. My OB won't even try a Doppler until 16 weeks. I hope Tuesday comes quickly!

[pirate]

I wondered if you were reading my post, because I had an ultrasound at 8 weeks and we saw a heartbeat then, but they didn't try to listen with a doppler. I think it's good that the doctor will be right there at your ultrasound and you won't have to wait for the official news. I'm sorry, I know it must feel like a long time until Tuesday!

[Deleted]

As I understand it, the only reliable way to hear the heartbeat early is a transvaginal ultrasound. That's what I had at 7 weeks, but I've heard from many friends that not all practices offer those. At 7 weeks they tried the regular ultrasound and didn't find the heartbeat at all, so they did the transvaginal and did find it eventually.

I didn't have the doppler until 12 1/2 weeks, and before she did it the nurse emphasized that it was VERY common not to pick up the heartbeat on the doppler at this stage. She actually said "I'm going to try it, but I won't be surprised if we can't hear anything."

Based on my experience, it sounds completely normal that they couldn't pick it up on the doppler at 10 weeks, especially if you're a little earlier. The only way I heard the heartbeat at 7 weeks was the transvaginal ultrasound which may not be all that common.

As far as the doctor being there, my practice requires that too. We go in with the u/s tech first, then immediately after meet with the doctor to look at the results. The tech said she can't really answer questions or explain things. I don't think having a doctor there is a cause for concern or an indication that they think something is amiss.

[awick14]

I agree with the others, it's probably just too early at this point. I'm hoping Tuesday comes quickly for you.

[Deleted]

I had a transvaginal ultrasound at 12 weeks and my first Doppler appointment at 16 weeks. I think that 10wks could definitely be too early to pick up a heartbeat with a Doppler. Try not to worry! Sending positive vibes that all is well at your next appointment.

[midwest07]

Oct 2, 2015 15:16:28 GMT -5 @abbycobb said:

Sorry you're dealing with this, and that really sucks you'll have to wait until Tuesday for more information.

With the 8 week thing - I think people usually see/hear the heartbeat with a dating ultrasound around that time, not necessarily a Doppler. I've never had them try a Doppler earlier than 12+ weeks, but I don't know what's feasible with that. And if you're closer to 9 weeks plus scar tissue it seems like that could make the heartbeat tricky to find.

Anyways, hugs, prayers, and positive vibes all coming your way!

I was going to suggest this.  We heard a heartbeat by 8 weeks, but that was with an internal ultrasound (we did IVF, that's the only reason I was having those early ultrasounds).  Even later when I went for a 14 week appointment, I remember the doctor saying that we may not hear it with a Doppler.  I am also almost 40 weeks and have never heard it with this home doppler thing that I bought which caused way too much stress in those early months!!

Wishing you the best.  You still have symptoms and you didn't say you were spotting, so try not to worry over the weekend if you can!

[MrsMB]

I hope you have a GREAT appointment on Tuesday that puts your mind at ease!

[frozentoes]

You guys, my eyes are tearing up I am so so relieved reading these posts. You don't know how much better I feel hearing that it was just likely too early to hear with a Doppler at this point. Thank you so so much, I feel like I can rest my mind and relax about this. You guys are the best!

[mskitkat]

Chiming in at my 13 wk apt, it took her ages to find the hb on Doppler. She almost gave up, but found it at the last moment. You're still sick! That's a good thing, annoying as that is.

[mannah]

Anecdote:my first pregnancy the midwife also couldn't find heartbeat at my 9 week appointment which she said was really early to even try and not to worry. Found it later no problem around 13 weeks I think. Sometimes it's just too hard to find/hear and it sounds like that is absolutely the case given your info. It's such an emotional roller coaster though. Hang in there!

[statlerwaldorf]

My OB won't even try that early. There was a time in the early 2nd tri where they couldn't pick up the hb and everything was fine.

[raangoli]

Thinking of you today frozentoes. I hope all is well.