Measuring behind on 1st U/S

[TXJen]

I just had my first ultrasound today - should be 6w 3d along. My doctor told me that I am only measuring 5w - we did see a sac and yolk sac, but no hb or fetal pole.

The problem is, I feel pretty sure of my dates because I was doing OPKs. My doctor doesn't seem to be concerned at all, but I just had a miscarriage in July so of course I'm really nervous. I have a follow-up ultrasound a week from today.

Has anyone had this happen and gone on to have a successful pregnancy?

 

[Topanga053]

With this pregnancy, I was supposed to be 6+6 at my first ultrasound based on my LMP. Based on charting from previous cycles (OPKs, temps, and progesterone tests), I knew that I ovulated a week later than normal, so I told the tech I would probably be measuring around 5+6. Sure enough, I was.

It might be unusual, but for me, OPKs were actually not that reliable. I would get 7-11 days of positives a month and, we learned from temping and progesterone tests, that I actually ovulated in the MIDDLE of my positive tests.

So, for example, I would get my first + around CD16, but I wouldn't actually ovulate until CD21. Some women can get a detectable surge days before they actually ovulate. Unless you were doing other things as well (temping, etc), there's really no way to be sure that you ovulated within the "normal" 24 hours of your first +.

So it might not be likely, but it is DEFINITELY possible that even with OPKs, you ovulated later than you think.

And even if you did ovulate on time, yes, some women have measured small and then gone on to have healthy pregnancies. Early scans can be tough because you just don't know yet. Fingers crossed for you!!!

 

[TXJen]

Thanks, Topanga. I had my hCG levels tested and my numbers are still doubling, so fingers crossed things are ok. My doctor and my nurse have both called me today to assure me that things still look good, just not as far along as I had hoped, so I'm just waiting until next Monday now to see if there is a heartbeat and fetal pole there!

 

[dairymomma]

I've measured right on with one out of nine pregnancies. All the others were 5-8 days smaller according to my lmp and while I have m/c several of those (due to progesterone issues and possible bleeding issues), I made it to term with my DS and DD, both of whom measured 5-7 days smaller than my lmp the entire pregnancy. My sis had her due date moved back 2 full weeks with her older son and he'll be 5 this winter. Those early dates can be off by alot simply because they are trying to find and measure this itsy bitsy teeny tiny ball of cells. Hang in there. As long as your hCG is rising normally and the dr is hopeful, you aren't out. Good luck!

 

[slg76]

TXJen,
can I ask how your pregnancy progressed? I'm in a similar situation now.

 

[dairymomma]

slg-I'm going to say the same thing to you that I did to TXJen...Hang in there. All is not lost. Those early measurements are can be so off because that little bean is so very little and other things like the shape and tilt of your uterus, the skill of the technician, and the ultrasound model can all affect those numbers. As long as your hormones are rising normally and your doctor is saying it's okay, try to relax (as much as you can.) I know how hard it can be to hear the baby isn't measuring where you think it should. I've been there too but with my DS and DD, I measured 5-7 days smaller the entire pregnancy. DS will be 4 this winter and DD just turned 2. FX all is well with both you and TXJen!

 

[Kasey84]

At my first ultrasound I was supposed to be 9w4d based in lmp. I was expecting to be a few days behind as my cycles are a little longer then 28 days , but I ended up being 8w3d, so a full 8 days behind! My dr assured me that things were ok. I'm now 12 weeks and have heard the hb with a Doppler.

I know how hard the waiting is, but hang in there! I hope all turns out well! Hugs

 

[slg76]

thanks dairy momma and kasey64 for your reassurance. I'm trying to be patient until my scan on Wed. It took me a year and a half to get pregnant with this one so the thought of losing it is overwhelming. BUt, I'm not convinced yet that it will be the case.