I'm currently 12w along. I went in and they tried to pick up the baby's heartbeat with the fetal monitor but couldn't find it. I'm not too alarmed cause the dr said it was normal. We also saw the h/b at 8w and it was a strong 171 bpm. Has anyone else experienced this and what was your outcome?? Thanks!
2007-10-13 17:01:59 · 16 answers · asked by TennesseeChicky 5 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
DO NOT LISTEN TO ANY ONE THAT SAYS IT'S A SIGN OF MISCARRIAGE OR SOMETHING'S WRONG! For my last pregnancy every time they checked with me with the doppler they told me there was no heartbeat...and this was my doctor. I would go in hopefull and come out crying every time. Each time they ended up giving me an ultrasound after...and "oh sorry, we were wrong...the baby's fine". It put me though so much stress and heartache that I ended up starting to smoke again. I was constantly living in fear. That was my 2nd pregnancy- although my little girl did die in the end it was not a physical problem, her umbilical cord wrapped around her neck at 36weeks. But that time when they told me no heartbeat I didn't believe them and was sure that once I had an ultrasound it would be fine. As you can imagine, now that I am pregnant again I am a total wreck and totally angry.
YOUR doctor was right in telling you that this is normal...and it doesn't depend on the pregnancy, it depends on the size and position of the baby- your current weight- and the quality of their equipment. All of these factors affect it. If you have a routine problem of them not being able to hear the HB on the monitor you can ask for a perscription to rent/buy a fetal doppler. This will allow you to monitor yourself with no risk of using more ultrasounds. They have different types ranging from standard to a deluxe model that will also count HBs.
If you trust your doctor I would follow what he/she says to you about your baby. They are the only one who will know because they can physically monitor you and know the warning signs.
Good luck and congrats on your little one!
2007-10-13 17:39:09 · answer #1 · answered by Shiningami_Gurl 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's not uncommon for a baby that small to move positions just enough that the monitors can't pick it up. If your doctor hasn't done an internal sono then you might ask him to do one just to ease your nerves. People can tell you all kinds of things but sometimes it doesn't matter. You still feel anxious and nervous which isn't good for you or your baby. If he's done an internal or he does and still can't find it ask to be referred to a neonatologist. That's a specialist who deals with high risk pregnancies and complications with fetal development. They typically have more sophisticated equipment that is very sensitve and can even track the baby's organ development and blood flow.
2007-10-13 17:16:28 · answer #2 · answered by Orion 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I didn't hear my twins' heartbeats with the Doppler until 14 weeks. The doctor did an ultrasound just to make sure everything was ok, and it turned out the babies were positioned in a way that made it hard to pick up with the Doppler.
2007-10-13 17:39:51 · answer #3 · answered by acj3576 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It was always very difficult for my doctor to find my baby's heartbeat. At 12 weeks the baby is still behind your pelvic bone so unless the baby is just right you won't be able to find it with the doppler. Your doctor will probably schedule you for an ultrasound if it seems to be an issue. Up until my baby was born it was always difficult to find her heartbeat when they hooked me up to an NST machine, the doppler usually found it but it took a while.
2007-10-13 17:08:41 · answer #4 · answered by Emma's Mommy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
With my 1st I heard heart beat at 12 weeks
With my 2nd, I didn't hear heart beat until 18 week ultrasound (they listened with fetal heart monitor at 12 weeks but she was in the wrong position in my uterus to be heard - she is still a cheeky monkey now at 14 months!).
Because I am a midwife I knew this was completely fine, and normal, but it is nice to hear the first beats of the life that is within you! As long as your pregnancy is otherwise progressing normally please do not worry. Congratulations on your pregnancy, isn't it all amazing?!
2007-10-13 17:15:11 · answer #5 · answered by jazz 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
This happened to my SIL and they ordered an ultrasound just as a precaution. Everything was fine.
(I also didn't hear the heartbeat once around 16 weeks) and went on to have a beautiful little girl.
I would probably ask your doctor to try again and if still nothing, ask for an ultrasound.
Best wishes
2007-10-13 17:07:33 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Ok well yes it is normal so do not get alarmed. I know that is way easier said than done. I had the same thing happen my uterus is tipped so i had to wait a little longer but no it is very normal.
2007-10-13 17:06:59 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Did they schedule you for another ultrasound? This is the only way to know if the baby is okay for sure. I have a fetal doppler at home and have heard the hearbeat every night since 10 weeks. Are you overweight? This may play a role in it if you are.
2007-10-13 17:14:10 · answer #8 · answered by Melissa 7 · 0⤊ 3⤋
that happened to me also in the begining of my first trimester.
it turned out the baby was facing my back.
i wouldnt worry especially if the doctor said not to worry and everyting was alright. sometimes its just the babys position... they at times can be stubborn ones :)
i am now 34weeks so i wouldnt worry.......
oh and this happed again about 2-3weeks ago and due top my baby facing the back again:)
good luck and best wishes
2007-10-13 17:11:28 · answer #9 · answered by Jdez 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Tiny baby - lots of room to hide. Don't panic. Some babies are near the back and if the doctor had reason for concern he/she would have acted. Congratulations!
2007-10-13 17:10:14 · answer #10 · answered by giraffegal 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋