Fetus had a heartbeat, now no heartbeat...anyone else? - Miscarriage & Still Birth Message Board

pregogirl · 12-20-2006, 08:41 AM

I've been posting a lot lately, just trying to come to terms with another m/c and trying to understand it all. I am confused how a growing baby can have a heartbeat at 7weeks and then by 10weeks, it just stops. Is this common?

Thank you.

troublesleeping · 12-20-2006, 03:09 PM

miscarriage happens more often then we could ever imagine. It is estimated that EVERY women will have at least one miscarriage during her reproductive years and may not even realize she was pregnant, she will just assume she had a late, heavy period. I have been where you are and understand the pain you are experiencing. Miscarriages that happen during the first trimester are almost ALWAYS related to a blighted ovum (something wrong with the embryo/fetus- usually chromosomal). Sometimes doctors can attempt to intervene with medications, but many doctors are reluctant to interfere with nature ridding the body of a blighted ovum (I know it sounds cruel, but true). In answer to your question, yes- there certainly may be a heartbeat one minute, and then something goes wrong. It is very sad and unfortunate. For me, my little fetus kept trying to hang in there and eventually just "pooped" out and I miscarried. You will go on to have healthy children. I pray that you are blessed with all your hearts desire.

pradasweets1983 · 12-20-2006, 04:11 PM

I don't think the last person is clear on what a blighted ovum is.

"Blighted ovum: A fertilized ovum (egg) that did not develop or whose development ceased at an early stage, before 6 or 7 weeks of gestation. On the ultrasound examination of a blighted ovum, only the gestational sac that normally surrounds the embryo can be seen. There is usually no embryo inside the gestational sac"

The posters baby had a heart beat seen in the embryo.

Yes some miscarriges happen when there are chromosomal abnormalities with the baby. I was told that the first time, when my baby died and it gave me hope. But the by misscarriage #3 I had them do an analysis on my baby and she was absolutly perfect. It just bothers me that the last person said that first trimester m/c's were " almost ALWAYS" related to a blighted ovum. Because they are not.

Maybe I am just being sensitive today. But what she said and how she said it kind of hit a nerve.

To the poster: So so so sorry for what you are going through. My last m/c We saw the heartbeat at 8 wks very strong..and heard it at 13wks...and then she died. Its hard, it sucks and it seems unfair. I hope we all find answers someday.

Take care, Jess

Wizard · 12-20-2006, 05:46 PM

I have to agree that if a heartbeat was seen, then it's definitely not a blighted ovum.

I've had 5 mc's. In each and every one, a heartbeat was seen prior to the loss. Not all losses are due to chromonosal issues either. I had testing done of 3 of my 5 losses and in each case, I was carrying a normal healthy fetus.

It was only later determined that my losses were due to +APA's which created antibodies to kill off the healthy fetus.

If you've had more than 2 losses, get yourself thoroughly tested. It could be any of of a variety of different reasons that you saw a strong heartbeat and then nothing. Losses can occur due to faulty progesterone levels, immune issues, late implantation, poor inplantation. Talk to an RE about getting your hormone and blood throughly tested.

Also, don't be discouraged. Once a doctor determines what is causing your losses, it's often very possible to go on to have a successful pregnancy. I have two gorgeous boys to show for the years of pain.

hagios · 12-21-2006, 02:04 PM

Hello, pregogirl.

Approximately 30% of all known pregnancies end in miscarriage. It is estimated that 50%-60% end this way when you factor in the ones that are dismissed as bad periods.

Regarding the discussion of chromosomal abnormalities, our doctor said this is the cause of about 70% of m/c's.

Such statistics are very difficult to find accurately. We cannot always find a reason for m/c's. In fact, very rarely can you find a difinitive reason, since so few are tested. In fact, most dr's offices will tell you not to even think twice about it if you've had one m/c. If you've had 2, they keep a closer watch on you, but you're still considered normal. By the time you've had 3 total, or if you've had 2 m/c's and no healthy births in the meantime (like us), they treat you as a riskier pregnancy and will give you extra attention.