Question, what is the likelyhood of fetel development stopping after 1st Tri.

[AMB1216]

Okay so here it is, my first big Worry post. I have pretty severe anxiety. I thought after hearing my LO's HB that I'd calm down because I was so worried that it would be a blighted Ovum or that there would be no hb. So I went in at 11 weeks 5 days and my OB said my hormone levels are great, everything looked good with me and my baby had a nice strong heartbeat at 169-170. But because I won't see my OB until 16 weeks 5 days I'm now scared again that something will happen to cause the baby to stop developing or that they won't find a hb. I will not get an ultrasound until 20 weeks (haven't had any ultrasounds yet, first time I knew my baby was okay was at almost 12 weeks) I'm thinking about getting a private Ultrasound done at 16 weeks but would be mortified if I went in and they scanned and something went wrong. I'm sure that I'm worried for no reason just like before, its just hard to know whats going on because theres no movement or anything yet.
I just want to kind of be reassured that what I'm fearing doesn't happen often, or happen at all. I did google some about MC in second trimester and it said most of those are caused from a bacterial infection or something like that.

 

[LuxAeterna]

Well, it doesn't NOT happen. I don't know what the statistics are for late miscarriages, but the stillbirth statistics, in the U.S. it is defined as fetal death 20> weeks, is 1 in 160. So, while it isn't an extremely high risk, it also isn't a rare or uncommon occurrence.

Second trimester miscarriage is less common than earlier miscarriages, but they do happen. It can range from chromosome problems, anatomical/structural (genetic defects not associated with a trisomy), bleeding (subchorionic hemorrhage), infection the mother contracts, incompetent cervix, chorioamnionitis (infection of the amniotic fluid), and sometimes there's no known cause.

Unfortunately, I know quite a few women who have experienced second and third trimester losses, as well as birth/intrapartum loss. I am one of them. Every one of the due date clubs I've been in, there's been at least one or two second trimester losses, and one third trimester or birth loss. I lost my first son in November '08, but he was due in December. In one of my groups there were three near-term/term losses, and in another there was a birth loss. In the one with the birth loss there were at least two late miscarriages.

I don't mean to unnecessarily scare you, but it would be dishonest to pretend late losses don't exist or "rarely" happen. For those of us that face the reality, we know it can and does happen, and it is not as uncommon as some would think. And I say that as someone who dealt with horrible anxiety during my last pregnancy (the one that followed my very late loss). I *thought* I'd experience less anxiety this time around, but I know all too well the reality of late losses, and how I can never feel too relieved or reassured. Still, I try to enjoy the moments/days I do have. That's all that can be done.

 

[cflower04]

Chances of miscarriage at this stage are less then 2 percent. Relax and enjoy the journey if you can

 

[BabyHopes1974]

My doctor said less than 1 percent.

 

[chipsticks]

I think the loss rate is 2% after 12 weeks, so 98% chance all will be fine! Unfortunately there's no certainty with pregnancy, and to be honest once the baby gets here I found that a whole other set of worries kicks in....I know it's easier said than done but try relax and enjoy your pregnancy!

 

[CastawayBride]

There are ton of things to worry about in second tri, from chromosomal issues to yes, some babies that just don't make it.

I see it like this, why worry? If it is in the stars, it is going to happen whether you worry about it or not.

I would just try to take care of yourself and make your appts. They have not offered genetic testing? That is a great start.

Also, I have had a blighted ovum after loosing my son at 32 weeks to a doctors mistake. My son should have survived but due to dumb decisions on a doctors part he is not here.....I still have hope for our future children and have one little guy in heaven to watch over them....it is a journey that we don't know about before we start on it thats for sure!

 

[AMB1216]

Thanks ladies for all the input. I'm trying really hard to stay positive-its just hard not to worry sometimes when you want so badly for everything to be okay and you only see your doctor once a month until you hit a certain week.

 

[babylove x]

The worst thing you can do for yourself and that baby is worry. Stress could cause things to happen. So do your best to relax, enjoy it, youre not pregnant for very long.

 

[EarthMama]

You have every reason to hope for the best outcome.

 

[SonAmyMom]

My OB mentioned that after the first trimester, pretty much all the major formation is done - organs, limbs, spine, etc. Now it's mostly growing and refinement. So chances are that if there was a good heartbeat things are going to be fine.

It's hard to not worry, I know. But try to relax Hopefully soon you'll start feeling the little flutters of movement, which is always a reassuring thing (I think it's normal to start feeling sometimes between 16 and 20 weeks)