Expert: Dorothy H, LCCE - 2/18/2010

Question
I have some confusion, regarding my pregnancy.

I had my last period on 15 December.

On 17 January, I did a home pregnancy test, and it was positive.
We consulted a gynecologist, and according to her advice, we did the first ultrasound on 4th February.

However, in this ultrasound, only the sac was visible, and cardiac activity was still not visible as predicted by the gynaecologist. In our subsequent discussion of the gynaecologist, she explained that, it may be a case of delayed conception (?) or miscarriage. She prescribed a hormone (Progesterone), and advised us to do a repeat ultrasound after three weeks. We are waiting to see the result.

Just for sake of my peace of mind, I want a second opinion from you.

1.   Do you think this first ultrasound was too early?

2.   Is delayed conception harmful for my baby?

3.   How much chance we have for a baby or miscarriage?

I am 27 and perfectly healthy. This is my first pregnancy. I will be grateful for your cooperation in this matter.
God bless.

Answer
Hi Ashwini,

With your LMP of Dec 15, normally you would be considered 7 weeks pregnant on February 4.  They would normally expect to see cardiac activity in a week 7 ultrasound.

Delayed conception means that you conceived later than they would normally expect for a LMP of December 15.  For example, with a LMP of December 15, you would expect conception to have occurred approximately December 29.  But if you ovulated later in your cycle, and conceived in January, that would be considered delayed conception.  It is not harmful to your baby - all it means is that you conceived later than they originally thought.

If that is the case, then your 7 week pregnancy may not have really been 7 weeks - you may in reality have been less pregnant than that.  If that is the case, the later ultrasound will be able to determine that.  

However, if the later ultrasound continues to show no cardiac activity, then it's an indication that you have had a miscarriage.

So in answer to your questions:
1) No, I don't think it was too early based on your LMP
2) No it isn't
3) You'll get more answers with the next ultrasound

You are probably going for the repeat ultrasound sometime this week or early next week.  The repeat ultrasound is going to show you one way or the other - whether your baby is growing or whether you have had a miscarriage. You might want to bring your partner or a family member or close friend with you - if it's bad news, you might not want to be by yourself.  I am hoping that it's good news.

Sincerely,

Dorothy H, LCCE