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Why Cant We Hear The Heartbeat During Ultrasound?
I went to the doctor today for my first ultrasound/check up. Im 'according to our calculations' 10 weeks. However, the ultrasound machine was measuring me at 6 weeks and there was no heartbeat. I have had unprotected sex for 7 years, and for the last year and a half really tried to get pregnant. They did bloodwork to check some levels to see if 'something' was ok but the results will not be back until Monday. Im worried sick and really dont need to be stressing, can you give me any advice?
Mon, 30 Mar 2015
Hi, I have gone through your question. Heart beat is visible in the fetus in transabdominal ultrasound by 6-7 weeks of pregnancy. By transvaginal ultrasound, it can be visible by 5-6 weeks of pregnancy.
If your menstrual cycles were regular and you remember your last menstrual period accurately, and by it if you have calculated period of gestation to be 10 weeks, then the heart beat should be visible by now in ultrasound.
Sometimes, the conception is delayed and hence the fetal development does not corresponds to the gestation age.
The blood test is of beta hCG which is to assess the viability of pregnancy.
I would suggest you to repeat the ultrasound after 2 weeks if the beta hCG is corresponding to the gestation age.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Wishing you good health.
Regards,
Dr Deepti Verma
If your menstrual cycles were regular and you remember your last menstrual period accurately, and by it if you have calculated period of gestation to be 10 weeks, then the heart beat should be visible by now in ultrasound.
Sometimes, the conception is delayed and hence the fetal development does not corresponds to the gestation age.
The blood test is of beta hCG which is to assess the viability of pregnancy.
I would suggest you to repeat the ultrasound after 2 weeks if the beta hCG is corresponding to the gestation age.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Wishing you good health.
Regards,
Dr Deepti Verma
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