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I wrote to you a few days ago about a possible failed

Hi. I wrote to...

Hi. I wrote to you a few days ago about a possible failed pregnancy which showed no fetal pole at 7wks. Today I went for another scan, and I'm now even more confused. It showed an embryo with a beating heart!! Both it and the gestational sac were measuring only 6wks tho, and according to my dates I am 8wks 4 days. I still feel nausea, but more in keeping with being 6wks tather than 8.
The consultant seemed quite bouyed by these findings, and said it is possible that I conceived again whilst pregnant!? I know this has happened before, but is less likely than the explanation that this is a failing pregnancy, but the embryo is hanging on but unhealthy. WHich explanation do you think more likely?
There have been developments in the last 10 days, but does this still not look good? Can an embryo "chug along" like this, but because it is unhealthy not grow at the correct rate? If so, can it still have a heartbeat? Consultant said it looked very normal for 6wks.
Many thanks

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Answered in 9 minutes by:

7/1/2011

OB GYN Doctor: Dr. Norm S., Board Certified OB/GYN replied 11 years ago

Dr. Norm S., Board Certified OB/GYN

Category: OB GYN

Satisfied Customers: 12,366

Experience: Over 30 years of experience in OB/GYN practice, including teaching students. Fellow of American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

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Are you certain that you're 8 weeks? When did your last period start? When did you have a positive pregnancy test? Thank you.

Customer reply replied 11 years ago

My period was May 2nd, and I had a positive test around May 27th - almost 2wks after I believe I ovulated/conceived.

Does this mean it likely that this embryo is unhealthy and not growing properly? Can it be unhealthy but survive for weeks being alive but slow growing? Is there any chance for it, or can it not possibley catch-up. I realise that's probably a silly question, but worth asking.

OB GYN Doctor: Dr. Norm S., Board Certified OB/GYN replied 11 years ago

It is indeed confusing. By your pregnancy test, you must be more than 8 weeks. I believe it's quite rare to conceive again while already pregnant. However, that seems to explain this better than other explanations. Having an embryo with a beating heart is always very reassuring. I wouldn't jump to any conclusions that it's not a normal embryo. I think you'll get a good idea from another ultrasound. If the growth is normal, I would bet that the embryo is normal. Congratulations on an apparently viable pregnancy!

Customer reply replied 11 years ago

Would any previous gestational/yolk sac have been absorbed by my body then if I had conceived a second time?

Is it possible that this might be a unhealthy baby which is simply "hanging on", or is that less feasible? I thought an embryo could be "small for dates" and this can mean it is unhealthy even with a heartbeat - is that your experience? Have you seen women in my position who then go on to miscarry a "small for dates" embryo.

Your thoughts are appreciated btw. I do have another scan in two weeks, but this uncertainty is so cruel. We have no guarantees until then, but would like to have some idea of the chances. Thanks so much.

OB GYN Doctor: Dr. Norm S., Board Certified OB/GYN replied 11 years ago

I think it's possible that any previous gestational sac and yolk sac have been absorbed.

I doubt that this is an unhealthy baby that's just hanging on. At least I've never heard of such a thing. A fetus can be small for dates at a later stage of pregnancy, but an embryo like this usually either grows and develops normally or it dies. I don't think I've every seen a situation exactly like this, where it seems to be a failed pregnancy, and then there is an embryo with a heartbeat. Almost all the time, when there is an embryo with a heartbeat, it's a normal pregnancy.

Dr. Norm S., Board Certified OB/GYN

Category: OB GYN

Satisfied Customers: 12,366

Experience: Over 30 years of experience in OB/GYN practice, including teaching students. Fellow of American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Verified

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