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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Lack Of Fetal Heart Beat On Pregnancy Scan?

Hi. I found out almost 3 weeks ago I was expecting twins. I went back to the hospital for a check up scan and one sac measured 12mm and the other 5mm. They said that the 5mm pregnancy had failed as it isn't growing and said that they can see a tiny weeny heartbeat in the 12mm sac and said to come back in 2 weeks. That was on Saturday. I went back to the hospital today because I had slight cramping and blood in my urine. I was told I have a water infection and was given a scan. When I had a scan, they couldn't see a heartbeat like we did on Saturday (although it was barely visible) the sono also said she was concerned as the sac hasn't grown since Saturday and is still measuring a mean of 12mm. However, the other sac is now measuring 5.5mm. I can't help but worry and I have been reading up on the internet but I don't want to give myself false hope. I am apparently 6weeks and 1day. From experience would you say there's any chance at all of seeing 2 heartbeats when I return to the hospital for another scan on 8/3/2014 or just the one or even both pregnancies have failed. I know you can not give a diagnosis but I am so worried and also need to know if there is any hope at all? Thank you.
Wed, 15 Oct 2014
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi,
I understand y6our concern.
Absence of fetal heart beats in USG scan is a thing to be concerned about. What I observe from the information you have given is-
- At present you are 6weeks pregnant ,that means you had first scan when pregnancy was 3 weeks. At that stage of development, heart beat is not detected in ultra sonographic scan. Normally fetal heart sounds are seen in USG scan by six to seven weeks.
- IN twin pregnancies mostly one fetus is dominant & other is weaker.many a times one of the twins may stop to grow.
- Bleeding & cramping you had worries me.also no increase in sac size after 2 weeks needs to be taken into consideration.
* At this point you should continue with expectant treatment as advised by doctor with complete physical & mental rest.
- When you go for USG scan , you should hope for the best, & be prepared for the worst
For there is all the possibility that at least one heart will will be noted.
But in case the pregnancy is not viable you may miss both heart beats. ---- still please note that, it is important to be mother of a healthy /normal child. You are still young, by god's grace you may get a boney baby next time. So cheer up!
Thanks.
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What Causes Lack Of Fetal Heart Beat On Pregnancy Scan?

Hi, I understand y6our concern. Absence of fetal heart beats in USG scan is a thing to be concerned about. What I observe from the information you have given is- - At present you are 6weeks pregnant ,that means you had first scan when pregnancy was 3 weeks. At that stage of development, heart beat is not detected in ultra sonographic scan. Normally fetal heart sounds are seen in USG scan by six to seven weeks. - IN twin pregnancies mostly one fetus is dominant & other is weaker.many a times one of the twins may stop to grow. - Bleeding & cramping you had worries me.also no increase in sac size after 2 weeks needs to be taken into consideration. * At this point you should continue with expectant treatment as advised by doctor with complete physical & mental rest. - When you go for USG scan , you should hope for the best, & be prepared for the worst For there is all the possibility that at least one heart will will be noted. But in case the pregnancy is not viable you may miss both heart beats. ---- still please note that, it is important to be mother of a healthy /normal child. You are still young, by god s grace you may get a boney baby next time. So cheer up! Thanks.