My daughter inlaw went for a scan today, but no heart beat could be found. What could cause this?

Question

This is the second pregnancy this year where the baby had died inside her. She has to wait until next thursday to have the feotus removed. They have one child, and desperately want another.

Answer 1

I am a student nurse but i also had a missed miscarriage, this is when the babay dies but you do not have a miscarriage straight away it is no danger to have the babay in you for that long afer it dies and if left long enough most oft he time the body would eventually cause you to loose the foetus, i think she should take th etime she needs to accept this very difficult situation and all you can do is be there for her, teher is lots of reasons for miscarriages one in three preganancy's end this way and foetal heart beat scan stop for any reasond it is just a cruel twist of fate, i hope your family heals again in time.

Answer 2

I'm sorry to hear the news.
Miscarriage has a number of causes, and in a healthy mother there is nothing that the mother did or did not do that would have made a difference.
As a trainee sonographer myself, an ultrasound scan determines location, age and whether or not a heartbeat is present. This scan is done across the abdomen or internally via the vagina. How the scan is done depends on how old the pregnancy is and the build of the mother; a very young pregnancy in an obese woman will not be seen well through the abdomen.
Where I work it is policy for two qualified members of staff to confirm that a heartbeat is not present. This is also the British Medical Ultrasound Society guidance as.
Basically, the baby has to be of a certain age for the heartbeat to be seen. I do not know at what stage she has miscarried, how old was the pregnancy?

Answer 3

There are many reasons that the baby died. Alot of times it happens because of chromosomal problems at the time of conception. Were there any indications that there was a problem with the pregnancy or was this her first u/s? I lost my daughter in November 04 because her heart had stopped beating in utero due to a chromosomal abnormality. The only indication was that she had a growth on the back of her neck and after seeing a specialist I was informed that her condition was fatal and there was no hope. Now with every pregnancy I have to have an amnioscentesis done to make sure that all the chromosomes are okay.

Answer 4

I am very sorry you and your family are going through this hard time. Sooo many things could have been the cause. She could be under to much stress, or there could have been something wrong with the baby. Tell her to wait at least six months before trying again. My friend lost her baby, and tried again for another one way to early after her loss. She almost lost it also. The baby did make it, but she had a lot of complications. Sometimes this just happens. Anyways we will be praying for you at this time of loss and also for the future to look better for you all. Good luck Hun.

Answer 5

The best person to answer this question is the specialist at the hospital. It is very sad to lose an unborn child, however I truly believe that it is extremely rare to lose a normal,healthy child. I know medical evidence is not convinced, and medical opinion varies, but is is also thought by many, that for some unexplained reason, a few women are only able to carry a child of one sex, to term. Cold comfort I know, but your daughter in laws specialist really is the best person to speak to. If genetic checks need to be done, S/he is the person who has the knowledge. Do not get upset by anyone suggesting it was anything she did, or didn't do. This is very unlikely to be the case. Please support her, and your son, they will need it in the next few weeks. I hope they will eventually get the second precious baby they desire. Best wishes to you all.

Answer 6

A common cause of repeated miscarriage is 'sticky blood' - mum's blood clots too easily, it can be solved by taking a small dose of aspirin every day which your doctor will prescribe.

Perhaps your daughter could request a blood test to confirm if this is the case for her, or to rule that condition out. Sending sympathy and hopes for a successful pregnancy in the future.

Answer 7

You might never know the cause, it usually happens if there is something wrong with the developing baby. But, I can relate to this! We had a boy and when he was three, we decided to try again, i fell pregnant in feb, miscarried in april, then fell pregnant again in aug, miscarried in oct, then i fell pregnant again in jan, and now have another healthy boy! Therefore I had three pregnancies in one year, and the third one was fine! Don't despair, it could be third time lucky, esp because she's already had a successful pregnancy. Tell her to be brave, and continue trying if and when she feels up to it, but i'm sure they'll have another baby! Good luck!!

Answer 8

You should go read:

www.misdiagnosedmiscarriage.com

You will find lots of answers and support.

Also, for the other posters. You do not need to have a D&C there is no risk in waiting for a miscarriage to happen naturally and there is certainly no risk in waiting a week. There is a slight risk of infection, but that can be treated with antibiotics. There is also a risk of infection after a D&C among other complications.

Answer 9

My sympathies to you all! I was told by a doctor once, that God only gives you as much as you can handle. If a pregnancy comes away, it's usually due to a abnormality! I would suggest her doctor run tests ... there could be numerous reasons ... sometimes the mothers body rejects the baby! I know there are tests that can be done! I wish your daughter-in-law well!

Answer 10

It could be that they tried to reproduce too soon. I have a friend who constantly had miscarriages. She did not allow her body enough time to recover after each miscarriage (she had quite a few in a very short period of time). She then decided to wait for about a year before trying again. She became pregnant and recently had a healthy baby boy. Try to stay positive and support her emotionally. She is vulnerable and needs your guidance. Please tell her to be patient and let nature take its course.