What Does The Absence Of Fetal Heartbeat At 9 Weeks Indicate?

Posted on Fri, 20 May 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 20 May 2016 Answered on

Mon, 27 Jun 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : My last lmp is 18/2/16...in first ultrasound fetal hearbeat is ok...but after one month unltasound...no heartbeat seen....and fetal size is 9 weeks one day...on 19/5/16...dr. said to me d&c...ehat shoud I do...should I wait..fetal heartbeat stopped...can heartbeat restart...should I go for another scan..

Answered by Dr. Dr. Soumen Patra (39 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Missed abortion. Proceed D & C.

Detailed Answer:
Hello Dear,

Thanks for writing to us. I understand your scan.

1) According to last period date (18th Feb), you should have gestational age more than 12 weeks. However, there is 3 weeks growth lag and no fetal heart beat in current ultrasound scan.

2) I can assume that it could be missed abortion. I suggest you to undergo D & C after consultation with your treating doctor. You DON'T need to repeat scan for confirmation.

Hope, I have answered your query. Wish your good health and take care.

For future query, you can directly approach me through

http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/Funnel?page=askDoctorDirectly&docId=63326

Regards,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Soumen Patra (21 minutes later)

Thanks for answering dr....I heard or seen on internet etc....heartbeat can b restart.....many cases have seen... should I wait for natural periods start...or go with d&c....

Answered by Dr. Dr. Soumen Patra (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Fetal heart beat can't be restarted.

Detailed Answer:
Hello Dear,

Thanks for follow up query.

Fetal heart beat CAN'T be restarted in your case and there is more than 3 weeks growth lag. It indicates missed abortion.

I suggest you to undergo D & C and not to wait for natural period. Kindly, consult with your treating doctor for the procedure.

Hope, it helps for your information. Good luck and take care.

Regards,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D