Expert: Pat G - 11/19/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hello. Me again. Umm im worried now cause im 9 weeks now i think. And i havent gotten bigger and i only feel a lump when i lay on my side on when i push myself against the bed on my stomach. I still feel it alittle when i lean back. Im worried it might have died. But the thing is i still havent started my period and im eating alot. My stomach is alittle hard and for some reason when i burp i taste throw-up. (A little to much information but people say thats a sign). And i dont have the time or money for appointments. So please help me Again. But again some nurces and others are saying that after a unsuccessful 1st trimester abortion there is no way my baby could survive. But is that Not true?. Have you heard of some children surviving an 1st trimester abortion?. Cause like ive say before im really worried.

ANSWER: Hi, Cidne,

It's good to hear from you again, even though the circumstances are not what we would like.

A few babies survive a first trimester abortion, but not many. And yes, I have heard of specific cases.

At this point, whatever is going to happen has already happened, and as long as you aren't experiencing any serious adverse effects, you can probably wait. If things do get serious, you can get help in the emergency room for free. It's not great, but it's better than nothing.

I'd recommend you find an organization in your area that helps pregnant women. They can help you also with medical care, check you out and such things. That's your best bet. These organizations are all over the United States. To find one near you, go here:

http://www.pregnancycenters.org/

As far as the time is concerned, this is your life and health, and other things, on the line, so you need to take the time. Go talk to them. It can't hurt. They can work with you on when you can see somebody. Please do this, if for no other reason, for your peace of mind. They can handle whatever is happening with you.

Please continue to keep in touch and let me know how you are doing. And any time you need to ask more questions, and they won't let you do another followup, just start a new message.


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QUESTION: Okay. I know your probably a little confused after the last question but (Laughing). I now feel a little lump in my lower stomach every now and then. And i can feel a fluttering type feeling in my right side sometimes. I don't know if that is normal but i haven't felt that before either. Also i have had feelings of throwing up every now and then through-out the whole day, not just in the morning. What should i be looking for at 9 weeks? Sorry if I'm bothering you with all these confusing questions, its just this is my 1st child. The only thing I'm worried about is when i cant feel allot of anything when I'm laying down on my stomach. I mean i can feel it when I'm sitting,standing,laying on my back,laying on my side and my mid-section is rising a little bit. But when I'm laying on my stomach i don't feel much of anything. Help me figure this out. Please.

Answer
Hi, Cidne,

At nine weeks, you won't be feeling any movement yet, not from the baby. You might be feeling gas in your intestines or something like that. But by now, you should feel more than just a little lump. Throwing up can be due to any number of things. It can be caused by flu, food sensitivity, and things like that. If you are lying on your stomach and you don't feel much of anything, it is unlikely you are still pregnant. You could be putting on a little weight in your mid-section.

There is such a thing as a phantom pregnancy, when a woman wants desperately to be pregnant, but it doesn't happen often. I know how much you want the baby you had, and although phantom pregnancy is very rare, it's not an impossibility.

If you still have questions, get an ultrasound. You can get a free one at most of the organizations that are listed at http://www.pregnancycenters.org/ . At nine weeks, they should be able to see something. They also offer counseling, and I think it would be beneficial in your case to avail yourself of that opportunity.

Other than that, the best thing to do is wait and see. I wish I could be more help, but I simply cannot observe what needs to be observed.