Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Update & Thank You!

Well, the bleeding subsided over the course of the evening and by time I went to bed there was only pink spotting when I wiped. I slept through the night and when I woke up, there was nothing in my liner and only a tinge of brown when I when to the bathroom & nothing since. I am still taking it very easy today and Sean is working from home so I can stay on the couch and not worry about taking care of Libby or getting up to get food and such. I am feeling better and more at ease.

Now, I have a dilemma. I called the RE this morning to update them and ask about an early u/s. The nurse spoke to Dr. P and he agreed to move it up to Friday - 6w1d - but warned me that I was on the cusp of being able to see a hb. The earliest they would typically do one is 6w2d. If I go ahead with it & they do not see a hb, they would make me wait another full WEEK before doing a repeat u/s. So, I can take a chance and do it Friday and possibly be even more of a wreck for a week, or I can wait until Tuesday for a definitive answer. I just don't know what to do. Sean really wants to wait it out until Tuesday because he is afraid 6w1d is too early. I would love to hear your feedback and experiences on doing an early u/s.

Finally, a heartfelt thank you to each & every one of you. Your stories, feedback & encouragement means the world to be. Yesterday was a dark and anxiety filled day, but your words were a bright spot. It really helped me keep perspective on the situation. So many of you have gone through the same thing and have had wonderful outcomes. Thank you!

41 comments:

Suzanne said...

So glad to hear the bleeding stopped!

I had my first u/s at exactly 6 weeks and we saw both heartbeats very clearly. If you think having it will put you at ease, I would go for it.

Stephanie Salmon said...

I hate to contradict the first comment, and I have never been pregnant, but I work in the hospital and I have seen a lot of people who tried to hear the heartbeat too early and couldn't see it. I would suggest waiting just to be sure.

Rae said...

Hi, I recently found your blog. Congrats on the pregnancy! We did IVF to conceive our daughter and we did an FET in fall and conceived twin boys. I just wanted to tell you that we saw the twins' heartbeats at 5w3d. If it'll make you feel better to go in on Friday, then you should go. You'd at least get to see how many babies you're having. :) Good luck and congrats again!

Anonymous said...

I am a lurker who randomly came across your blog quite some time ago (don't even remember how I ended up here). Just wanted to tell you about my experience with an early ultrasound. After using Clomid to get pregnant with my first 2 sons, we had a very surprise BFP when the baby was 10 months old. I had no idea when we conceived but they scheduled an ultrasound based on my HCG numbers to date the pregnancy. We went in for the u/s and were told there was no hb and that it was not a viable pregnancy because based on my numbers, there should definitely be a hb (even though we had no idea how far along I *should* be). The doctor scheduled one more u/s 5 days later to be certain. Those were 5 extremely stressful days. We went in that morning and immediately saw the hb. As I am type this, I am holding my 3 month old 3rd son. I am only sharing my story to a)let you know that there are happy endings even when the doc. thinks things should look different and 2)to say hind sight being 20/20, I would have preferred to wait a few extra days wondering rather than worrying. Good luck! You're in so many people's thoughts and prayers!

Anonymous said...

I saw my baby's heartbeat at 5w5d. However I know it is really early. That is a tough call.

Barefoot said...

So glad to hear that things are looking better today!

Regarding the u/s -- I had mine at 6w exactly. We saw one HB, two sacs. The doctor thought that MAYBE he saw a HB on the second, but now we're in a holding pattern for 2 weeks.

So, I don't know. I'm thrilled we saw the one, but wonder if we'd held out a couple more days if we would have known one way or another about the other.

Totally unhelpful, I know.

cady said...

we had our u/s at 6w3d and saw the heartbeat. however, if i was in your situation i probably would want to wait because if i didn't see the heartbeat i would worry even more.

Anonymous said...

I would wait...I had the same sort of bleeding with my first...Keep you feet up, rest, rest, rest and drink lots of water..I am SURE this will all turn out fine.
I had my u/s 6w5 or later will all three of mine and saw a hb..the extra stress not seeing one would induce for you is not good for you or your baby(ies)..this type of bleeding is so common..but you really do need to stay on the couch and rest!!!! All will turn out just fine!!

Allison said...

Im so glad that the bleeding has stopped!! I would suggest waiting until Tuesday. That way, you wont have the anxiety of it maybe being to early and not hearing a hearbeat and then having to wait a whole other week. Trust your Hubby! :) Ultimately, its a tough call because of the potential of seeing the heartbeat this early. I pray that God will help you make the right decision for you and your Hubby. good luck! C

ashley said...

Twice I've seen heartbeats at 5 weeks 3 days. You should be able to see it when you go on Friday. If for some reason you don't, try try try not to worry. It will still be very early. I'm sure everything will be just fine though.

Cristina said...

My daughter was a surprise, and when I went in for my first ultrasound they estimated I was at 6w exactly based on the size of the sac. I did not see a heartbeat, I waited until 8w to see it. While I wasn't really "versed" in the whole science of when heartbeats appear, the doctor did not mention a thing about a lack of one. If it were me, I would wait a couple extra days.

MissMVK said...

I'm VERY impatient, so if I were you, I would go in early and risk it. They will still be able to see other good indicators of your peanut(s) even if they don't hear the hb and you'll get another u/s in a week! If you DO hear the hb(s) you'll get a second u/s to hear it/them all over again! I can't remember exactly, but I'm pretty certain we heard Piglet's hb at 6w. Thinking of you!

Amanda said...

HI. I haven't posted before, but we had our first ultrasound at 6wk2days and saw the tiny heartbeat. I think it would be too hard to wait until Tuesday!!! Good luck!

lisa said...

Just another lurker to say we saw a heartbeat at 6w1d, easily.

piecemeal people said...

I meant to tell you on the phone earlier, "Post an update! Everyone's probably freaking out!" ;)

You already know my vote is to wait until Tuesday, but I will defer to the experts here.

Gina said...

I'm so happy to hear the bleeding stopped!

I don't have any advice about the u/s, but I think I would wait until I know I would see one.

Deena said...

I went in at exactly 6 weeks and there was a sac, but no hearbeat yet. Now I have to wait until 9 weeks for another ultrasound. I wouldn't recommend going in early, it's way too stressful and you don't need the extra stress right now. Congrats on your BFP and take it easy!!!

Anonymous said...

I'd wait. As torturous as it would be to wait, it would be even worse to not see a heartbeat, and then have to wait, and google yourself to death. Wait.

Anonymous said...

I'd wait until Tuesday! Seriously, there's more to be seen on the screen the longer you wait. Whatever is best for you though and your mind...that is what is important. Drink LOTS of water b/c you need it more than ever. BEst of everything to you!!

sunflowerchilde said...

My rational brain says to wait until Tuesday because at that point you'll have more peace of mind. I've never been in this situation, though, and I think if I were I wouldn't be thinking rationally and I'd want to go in early. Sorry I can't be of any help.

Meant to be a mom said...

I had my first u/s at 5 weeks we didn't hear the heartbeat that time but at our appt exactly one week later we did. And so I was nearly exactly 6 weeks when we heard it. Its definatley iffy but If you go into it knowing you may not get one then maybe you won't freak out? Also the baby can still be measured, and if its the right size atleast you know they are growing correctly. I don't know though. Its a tough call! Good luck and I'm SOO GLAD the bleeding stopped. I'll keep praying.

Our Family Blog said...

I think you are going to worry either way - whether you see a heartbeat on Friday or wait until Tuesday. Follow your gut. I wish I had more concrete advice.

Holly

piccolina said...

Hi! I am so glad your bleeding has stopped. We saw heartbeats at exactly 5 weeks 6 days so your chances are good to see at least the flicker, but maybe not hear it. I would go in, take advantage of it, you have waited too long to see your little one already! I have already seen them twice and we are only a few days apart. Go for it!

Carrie said...

Also saw our babies' heartbeats at six weeks, 1 day. I don't know if I would wait after the bleeding, but I totally understand a saner person might. ;)

Glad the bleeding is over and you are taking it easy. Thinking of you!!!

Mandy said...

Well since I've decided that you're carrying two babies....go for it. We saw only one HB with the first ultrasound on the twins. One was enough to tide us over. However seeing the sac is wonderful enough. We didn't hear a heartbeat till we jump to an OB, our office only showed you the rhythm-I don't think they had speakers.

Amber said...

Phew...so glad to hear you are doing better!!

Not sure what to do for the ultrasound, but I think I would choose to go early. Just because I would be so impatient and knowing that you might not see the HB, hopefully you wouldn't be as worried and you'll get an extra u/s!

Anonymous said...

I saw and heard our baby's heartbeat at exactly 6 weeks so there is no reason why you shouldn't at least be able to verify the heartbeat.

I think it depends on the type of u/s used. We had a transvaginal u/s and the heartbeat was clearly visible. Also, some u/s you can only see the heartbeat, not hear or verify the beats per minute. Go in on Friday! :)

Great news the bleeding stopped! It definitely is can be a stressful situation but hopefully all will be well.

Leah said...

When i had my first ultrasound at 6weeks exactly, we did not see a heartbeat. The very next day is when I had the major bleeding. We went in at 6 weeks 3 days and still did not see the heartbeat. We did, however, see it at 7 weeks. All of that to say, please don't be freaked out if you don't see it yet. If you can possibly wait it out until next week it might be easier on you. Trust me. I know how terrifying it all is! Oh, and if I were you, I would buy a doppler! Best thing I've done and wish I would have done it sooner (can't hear heartbeat til around 10 weeks though)

Melissa Griffin said...

Please understand that I have never been in this situation and never heard a heartbeat BUT, I will say this. I am 50/50 and Ill give you my two reasons why.

50% to going friday because I am an impatient person and I would be freaking out like you are and would want to get in there early. BUT, if they dont hear a heartbeat you could be upset and for no reason...

50% of me would wait because I would know that there is a better chance that I could see what I want and really waht is 5 days after waiting this long already. Especially where the bleeding has stopped...

Ok - I have made my decision...although I have NEVER been through this...I think you should do Tue - then you will know for sure!

Anonymous said...

E - so glad the bleeding stopped. I have not been in this situation either...do what will make you feel okay - no matter what that is.

((HUGS))

RMCarter said...

What a relief! My heart was pounding in my throat reading the last post. I am so grateful things are looking better.

I don't have any advice about the ultrasound, but I am sure these other ladies have given you something to think about.

Just know we are all thinking and praying for you!!!

Anonymous said...

I am so glad your bleeding has stopped!

I posted the other day....I am the one that had a few days of bleeding at 7-8 weeks and am now a mom to a beautiful 2 month old baby boy.

Everyone's experience is different...we saw my son's HB right at 6 weeks, but I know some people that didn't see their baby's HB for a bit longer. I see pros/cons to both sides....you have to trust your feelings on this one.

I am praying for you! ((HUGS))

bella1021 said...

Glad to hear the bleeding stopped!!
I somehow fell behind so had a little catching up todo- you were a busy poster ;)
Great Betas!! Mine were way closer to the twin #'s than the sinlge-- but there is only one in there ;)
as for us-- I thought I was 6wks2 days, doc thought 6wks5days- baby told us that he was 6wks3days and saw a very storng heartbeat right away... I have heard on babycenter lots of peeps seeing it early in week 6.. but... it is definitly a hard decision to make! good luck!

Just me said...

If it were me, I'd wait til Tues just to be sure. :) It's just a few days, and I'd worry more (even if I knew I shouldn't) if I didn't see it Fri. But I'm a big worrier... :P

Ms. Perky said...

Personally? If it will give you peace of mind to go in on Friday? Do it. If you go in with the frame of mind that you KNOW you may not see the heartbeat and that does NOT mean there's anything wrong, that may take some stress off.

And if you get mid-way through next week and you're having a nervous breakdown from the stress? I can almost guarantee you, they're not going to turn you down if you ask them to squeeze you in for another ultrasound.

Petrucia said...

Emily, glad you spotting stopped and you are feeling generally better.
I would wait. Just because I already know how anxious you'll get if the hb is not there because it may be too early.
I'd wait and do it once.

B and D said...

If you go in and they don't see a heartbeat yet will the anxiety make you crazy for a week? It really is on the cusp of being too soon, so there is a very good chance that the HB will not be visible just yet. Like someone commented before me, I would rather wonder than be worried sick.

That being said, we did see our baby's HB at 5w6d. So go with your instincts and do what you guys feel is best. Did that help at all??

Good luck! I know it will be great :)

Shelley said...

I had bleeding with both my pg, one unfortunately did not end well (but it was at 16w4d, not early T1) and it's hard not to stress.

That said, I'd wait until Tuesday. You don't want to go in, not see the heartbeat or the fetal pole (even with the vaginal wand) and then have to wait another FULL week. So I'd try and wait it out. :0)

MabelB said...

Huge congratulations on your pregnancy. I know how terrifying it is to have cramping and bleeding at this stage after IVF, I had the same thing and seeing that blood was the most heart stopping moment of my life. I had mine between 6 weeks and 7 weeks, bad pains like heavy period pains and brown spotting followed by some bright red, replaced by brown. Mine lasted about a week and I did the same as you - strict bed rest immediately. Mine followed a series of low beta readings unlike you. When the bleeding started I went to hospital and insisted on a scan, the doctor there gave me the sanity saving bit of information that between about week 5-7 as the uterus grows the cervix sometimes pushes outwards slightly instead of being flat. It is still tightly shut but can push a tiny bit of womb lining out when it does it. This results in blood/ spotting. The pain is due to this and the growing uterus. I felt much better for knowing this and I am now 12 weeks preg and have just had an amazing healthy scan and am finally starting to relax. As far as the hb goes, I went in when my betas were too low to see the hb, saw the sac and yolk but it didn't reassure me much as I was scared until the next week when I saw the hb. In hindsight I wish I had waited, but I know it's not that easy at the time. Warmest wishes to you and your hubby and all the luck in the world to your little bean(s).

Leslie Laine said...

Hey Emily - I've been a little out of the loop so I missed your post yesterday until today. I'm so glad that things are looking better. What a relief! If it were me, I would wait. I wouldn't want to take any chances of more mass panic because that first ultrasound is a little stress producing anyway.

I think things will work out no matter what you decide, and know that I'm thinking of you.

Anonymous said...

Hope all goes well - sending lots of positive thoughts your way.

You should make the decision that will provide you the most comfort. Having said that, my wife and I saw a hb at 6w3d which was a bit early - and we miscarried a few days later. We still don't know whether we feel better or worse for having seen the hb, then misccarrying, but still haunts us a bit to this day.

Whatever you decide, I will keep wishing for the best for your family.