Sorry if you don't need to read this today - please scroll on by.
I'm after a bit of reassurance really - I had good HCG on OTD and had my viability scan today - unfortunately the dr was only able to see an empty sac.
No foetal pole or yolk. I'm desperately hoping it's too early but my gut is telling me that I should prepare for the worst.
Back in a week for a scan - what are the chances that it's just too early? Anyone experienced this and had a good outcome?
Much love x
**UPDATE
Thank you all so much for your kind words this week - it really helped get me through.
I had my scan this morning and there has been some growth - they could see the fetal pole and a tiny flicker which looked like a heartbeat, but it was only measuring around 6 weeks whereas I should be just over 7. That's about an 8 / 9 day delay. I know these stories rarely end well and now we have another week of limbo while we wait to see if there is more growth or it just arrests.
But that tiny flicker gave me so much hope. xx
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Millbanks
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oh I’m so sorry to hear this I have had many losses which never get easier ( 3 since having our youngest daughter ) I haven’t got a good outcome story to offer ( I hope other ladies here do) but I do know tommys don’t recommend scans till 7 weeks so this is less uncertainty. I hope it’s just a bit early and your next scan is better news . You’re not not unless next scan says so ❤️xx
Thanks Jess - with my last pregnancy we saw a heartbeat at 6w4d so I'm so worried that this is an MMC. I've not experienced this before so I'm feeling a bit lost tbh.
I'm so sorry for all your losses - they must have been so hard xxx
Ive been very lucky to have 2 girls with my husband at one point I didn’t think we’d even have 1.I’ve been in your shoes with scans and awful waiting around the limbo is the worst. Things are so small at this early point and measuring and other things could be a little out or baby implanted later it’s not an exact science. There is so much looking so early and it’s rubbish seeing a positive test then having a chemical pregnancy seeing a heartbeat on a scan then finding on next scan no heartbeat it’s all very heartbreaking and I wonder sometimes if there is too much involvement and technology and it’s ok if all goes swimmingly but it’s bloody awful if it goes wrong. And it’s people that actively trying that get hurt with early testing and scans. I sometimes wonder if it was better when my mum didn’t have a dr test for a pregnancy for at least 2 missed periods and I think people were spared heartbreak. I think it is damaging. I really generally hope the next scan shows all is well and I think it’s a bit naughty to scan you so early ( unless there is bleeding) as it can cause you all this unnecessary stress when all might be well next scan. I would be optimistic unless next scan says it’s over you’re not out yet Xx
I think you're absolutely right - I was saying this to a pregnant friend the other day - she missed a period then had to wait until 12 weeks - all the while assuming it was ok - I don't know which is worse but it would be awful to get to 12 weeks and find a MMC.
Ugh I don't know love - I just hope it is ok.
Thank you for your lovely message - its really helpful to hear these stories xxx
I think a missed miscarriage would eventually end up passing naturally and without early scans there wouldn’t be so many MMC. Even with my late loss of 20 weeks ( which happened between having both my girls ) found out at 20 week scan she had died shocked wasn’t the word . so I got induced to speed the process up but eventually my body would’ve picked up and I would’ve naturally gone into labour. I think this early testing and scanning is just awful if it goes wrong too much heart ache is caused 😭 💔 It’s only ok when all goes well & smoothly
. In a way I wish my babies were unplanned happy accidents! Be less stressful I reckon! We fought tooth and nail to have our girls and forever grateful fot them 💕
All best with your scan rooting for you scans are scary things 😟 ❤️ Xx
Yes completely. So much early intervention just adds to the stress doesn’t it.
Love I cannot imagine how utterly heartbreaking it would be to hear that news at 20 weeks. My heart hurts for you. And you had the courage to go through more IVF. You my friend are a warrior - I’m already thinking I can’t go through this again.
my clinic wouldn’t scan until at LEAST 7 weeks and a few days because of this. It could be causing unnecessary worry (like there isn’t enough as it is!). Keep hold of that hopefull thought xxx
I hope some much for you it’s good news next week mine was twice over two empty sacs for my last attempt it’s just awful I’m still not over it I couldn’t believe my body could me so cruel the excite my of those positive tests and then this was devastating I know your shouldn’t get your hopes up but I had such early positives I just couldn’t help but feel normal for once with my two lines everything crossed for you x
My second successful pregnancy I had a scan at what was around 6+3 and they could see the gestational sac and yolk sac but nothing else - no foetal pole or heartbeat and they specifically wrote no embryo seen. But they also said that was about right and what they'd expect at that stage. I was reassured a bit as I mainly wanted to know there was something in the right place that looked vaguely like it should but on my first successful pregnancy I had seen a heartbeat at 5+3 so I was also disappointed and assuming the worst. Went back at 8+1 and it was there and wiggling. It's a horrible limbo and I desperately wanted to get another scan in between but they said they wouldn't be able to compare growth after only a week and it would worry me more. I know my first implanted early as I got a BFP at 3dpt and the HCG went up very fast, whereas the second must have been later and the HCG was lower when I went for the scan. Also when I had a PUL they could see clearly at 6+4 that things weren't right - no sacs, weird 'septations', fluid... So I really wouldn't assume anything's wrong based on what they've said. Can you get repeat HCGs while you wait for another scan? That helped me stay sane as I figured they'd tell me either way.
Thank you so much for your message - that's really reassuring ❤️ and good to know that pregnancies are so different.
That's so interesting - the dr today was kind of ambivalent about it - he didn't seem to concerned but also he probably has a very good poker face. He did say he thought he could see the start of something but I don't know. He didn't see a yolk sac though which did also worry me.
With my only other pregnancy we saw a heartbeat at 6w4d so this has me super worried.
And I know this one implanted earlish because I got a very faint positive from day 5 - although it took a long while to get stronger.....
I just did another test now and the test line is much stronger than the control line so that has given me a little bit of hope, although I know the HCG can continue to go up even with a MMC, at least it's not going down.
I wish I could fast forward a week so I know either way. xx
It's nerve-wracking but if they're willing to repeat in a week that's really good as i think things can change so suddenly. The HCGs can go up even when it doesn't work out and mine did on the PUL - sometimes a lot - but the scans clearly showed it wasn't viable from very early on and the HCG was so inconsistent (it would plateau then suddenly shoot up) so I think until they say either scans or HCGs are concerning them you can assume things are OK, but I expect this week is going to be hard for you and totally get about wanting to fast forward, I just wanted to go to bed and sleep through the whole pregnancy tbh! x
I've not been in this situation so can't offer any advice sorry, I just didn't want to read and scroll past.
I've noticed you comment on so many posts to try and provide comfort and reassurance to other women on this journey, including some of my posts, so I just wanted to try and reciprocate and say I've got everything crossed for you and I hope you end up with good news 🤞🏼 xx
I also couldn’t just read your post and scroll past. You’re such a lovely, supportive person who’s helped countless people battling with infertility, including me!
I will say that a lot can change in a week so please don’t lose hope. And I know you’ve probably heard (and given) this advice countless times before, but try to distract yourself and keep busy, doing things you enjoy, to help pass the time.
I’ll be thinking of you and really hoping it’ll be a positive outcome ❤️❤️
Thank you sweetie - that is so kind of you - you are absolutely right a lot can change in a week. I think we just go through so much to get even close to this stage and then its all hanging in the balance - it's just too much to take.
A week will go by quickly and I'll have my answer - in the meantime I will be cuddling my little miracle incredibly tightly and remembering that I am so so lucky to have him.
I know, every milestone is stressful! From transfer, tww, OTD, HCG levels, to scans, all of it! It’s not easy. Please look after yourself in all of this.
Ahh the best therapy ever! Enjoy all the cuddles. I’ll be thinking of you.
I’m ok thank you. Ever since my last BFN I decided to take a long break and resume in the autumn so I can try to enjoy life again. I reached a point where I felt I sacrificed so much in the last 2-3 years, and it was time for a break xx
I'm so sorry to read what a stressful time you had at your scan. I would just like to reiterate what others have said above that you have provided much reassurance and support to so many folk on here. I know scans with less than perfect news can be so very stressful but I will keep everything crossed for you and I do think the time scopes vary a lot but I also do understand your anxiety x x
Thank you Skittles! You're so kind. Yes let's hope so! I think the problem is that the doctor wasn't particularly bothered but obviously I came away and immediately Googled it and the results were not good.... so need to stay away from that and just listen to you lovely people.
Hopefully it was just a bit of a late implanter and a bit slower than before.
How are you getting on? You must be feeling all over the place xxx
I am terrible for googling too and to be honest it tends to only make the anxiety worse because there'll always be stories with both outcomes - and that literally goes for anything. But I totally get it as I am the same. In the past I have taken to putting my phone in a drawer for the whole evening upstairs so I am detached from it - and from Google - and that has worked well at times. X
Also try to constantly remind yourself of the 7 week scan timing people have mentioned above. That many clinics do not scan until after that point because, I imagine, of the potential anxiety it can create. I know it won't be easy until next scan but I think distractions are key x
Just jumping on to echo what the others have said - my clinic refused any scans before 7 weeks for these exact reasons. Fingers crossed for you and I can only imagine how all consuming the next couple of days are going to feel x
So sorry to read what you’re going through and what a stressful time this must be. Don’t lose hope- a lot can change in a week and it’s still really early.
I know from experience how difficult this can be and would say try to distract yourself (easier said than done, I know!) and keep off Google as much as you can!
Wishing you all the best and hoping for positive news. Xxx
I’m so sorry you’re going through this. I’m really holding out for you that your scan next week shows good news.
I’ve been there, and the week waiting between scans to find out is torture so I really feel for you. I took that time off work and binged Netflixs, went for walks, met people for lunch, got nails done etc. Basically just tried to indulge and distract myself at the same time!
Sorry to butt in but I saw this and will be thinking of you tomorrow. I honestly know its not easy and you must be feeling anxious so I'm wishing you all the very best x x
Aww I saw your post this morning and had hoped you'd be in again today.......really hoping things turn out better than you're expecting. Lots of love.xxx
I’ll be thinking of you tomorrow. I’ve been in very similar position before waiting for a scan to see if the pregnancy was viable and it was tough, glad the waiting will be over tomorrow x
Yes, I got to my official test date and had a strong positive. I’m now 4+5 so just waiting for a scan to check it’s viable. Waiting is just torturous! And it feels like every stage in this fertility business just involves more waiting!!
Hi lovely, I’m so sorry you are going through this. It’s such a stressful time. I really hope it was just too early a scan and you see a lovely heartbeat next week 🤞🏻💕 xxx
hi I’m so sorry for what you are going through ❤️. I really hope it was just too early for a scan. My viability scans have been between 7 & 8 weeks , those weeks make a big difference in embryo development.
aww lovely I’m so sorry the scan wasnt reassuring 😢 I absolutely know how agonising the next week will be for you! Was this an internal scan? As everyone has said our clinic don’t scan until 8 weeks for this reason. Did they say the sac was measuring the right size for how far along you are? Having had a MMC last year I think I’ve read every single story on goggle around it in the weeks in between scans and things did turn around for some people so there is hope, one of the things that seemed to be a factor is whether or not the sac was the right size in terms of whether or not things turned around in a positive way! The HCG unfortunately doesn’t tell you anything at all at this stage and only this agonising wait to the next scan will! Thinking of you lovely and really hoping it’s good news next week (or 6 days now as you’ve already made it one step closer today 💪🏼) xx
Thanks Twiglet - yes it was an internal scan - he didn't say that the sac wasn't the right size - in fact he said all looked good except the fact that we couldn't see the yolk or foetal pole. He wasn't doom and gloom but I just feel like I should be expecting the worst.
I'm sorry you experienced a mmc - it's just so awful to get this far and have it snatched away again.
I’m sending you all the luck in the world and lots of positive vibes. Try and bury your head in the sand and think positive positive positive for the next week. Stay strong, you’ve got this 💪🏻
Totally understand that. However hear me out. Being negative will get you nothing and negative attracts negative. You don’t want that so don’t let the negative thoughts in. You’re bound to be worried. But try not to think about the negative outcomes, Distract yourself in any way you can. X
You are right. I'm trying to cling on to the fact that there wasn't anything "wrong" per se - just that they couldn't see the FP. He said he thought he could see the beginnings of something along one side of the sac but he didn't reiterate that so I'm not sure if it was really anything or he wanted to give me some hope.
I'm supposed to be having my 2nd lot of intralipids today and the clinic called to cancel and wait until after the next scan xx
Exactly there is hope so grab it with both hands! My scan was at 7 weeks and he struggled to even find it full stop! It’s all so so tiny at that stage.
Try not to dwell on what the clinic are doing. I bet that’s not helped either. X
Hoping the best for your next scan and sending lots of love too. It’s such a horrible time, the limbo is just so unsettling. Keep busy and try not to dwell - although I know how hard it is. Xx
I am so sorry this has happened to you. It happened to me 3 times and I can understand how devastating one can feel. Keep strong and wait for another week and see. Sometimes its just too early. Fingers crossed.
Hi Millbanks, I've not got as far as you yet, but as others have said, give it another week and try to keep your mind out of it in the meantime... You've got this, even if you feel like you don't. I'm starting to think doctors don't know as much as we want them to know sometimes 🤗
Thanks lovely - I hope so!! I actually just feel a bit angry today that they would scan so early when there is a possibility it would just make you worry xx
I completely understand you... Try to keep busy with things that you enjoy - easier said than done... My thoughts are with you, I wish next week you get more comforting news 🤞 🙂
I had an early scan at 6+1 and saw nothing, completely empty… and then rechecked at 6+4 and everything was visible… so I think it can sometimes just be too early - I really really hope that’s the case for you. Very much so - do take care and sending love xx
thank you so much for sharing. It’s good to know it can only take a few days. It’s hard to believe that I can feel this rough and there be nothing there 😭
I saw your post and I wanted to wish you good luck, and let us know how it goes, and then I show your name and I believe that I've talk to you a few years ago.... here we both are but I believe that we will get those beautiful babies and all of this will be worth it.
This wait until the next scan is just the most cruel... I'm so sorry you're going through it, it was one of the hardest periods in my whole life... do take care, and do anything, everything that might take your mind off things even a tiny fraction? xxx
Just wanted to say that I will keep my fingers crossed for you. I know there is nothing anyone can say to ease the anxiety. But you are not out yet and there is a decent chance that next time you will see your baby ❤️
Oh no, i'm soooo sorry to hear this. I can't give you good news in terms of my experiences. I had a gest sac with no fetal pole or yolk sac in Jan, by 6 weeks they said they should have seen something. They did the whole, oh maybe you implanted later but I just knew in my heart. I also had scans from 5 weeks so we got to see the progression of the sac, which did happen but then by 6 weeks it slowed down and hadn't grown enough.
I REALLY hope this doesn't happen to you, it's not impossible and when I was scouring the internet for hope I did find some good stories where it was just too early at 6 weeks so it can happen, but do prepare yourself for the worst (I hate saying that!!)
Was this a natural pregnancy? Maybe you did implant later and are actually only 5 weeks as you would probs not see anything at that point. They just go off period dates which aren't always accurate if you implanted late, but obvs they wouldn't know that until later down the line.
Sending lots of love and be kind to yourself in the week's wait, I know the feeling well and it's SO up and down x
Thanks for sharing your experience and sorry this happened to you.
Unfortunately as it's an IVF pregnancy they are sure of the dates which is why they aren't being reassuring at all. I asked them if it could have implanted later and they were like - no.
In terms of the sac it's all measuring fine and everything else looked ok - but just nothing else to be seen. The dr said he thought he could see the beginnings of something along one side of the sac but who knows - he didn't reiterate that at the end and you would think if he really believed it he would have.
It is SO up and down - one minute I'm telling myself it'll be fine - the next I'm preparing for a miscarriage.... we'll know for sure soon enough.
Ohh well that is potentially good if he saw the start of something in there!! There is hope!! Try to keep the hope if you can but also kinda mentally prepare yourself for the worst then at least you aren't hit with it in a week. I'll have my fingers and toes crossed for you - had two empty sacs now so it would be sooo nice to hear a positive story!! xx
I'm so sorry for the stress your going through, I experienced a double blighted last year and it's a very cruel trick for the body to play when all you want is to see that positive. I have seen a lot of people though who don't seem to show until after 7 weeks so hopefully baby will show soon and is just taking his time to settle in. I will keep everything crossed for some good news next week xxx
Not the message I wanted to read! This totally sucks … I have everything crossed for you. I was really hoping this transfer would be the one! 🙏 Like others have said, lots of places won’t scan until 7/8 weeks for this reason. The waiting game is the worst but remember you got this. Hopefully your little one is keeping your mind busy. Xxxx
Hi Millbanks I’m so sorry that you’re going through this, I just wanted to wish you all the best of luck , I’ve read in here before stories where it turns into a positive, so I hope yours will be one of them . 6 weeks 3 days feels very early for a scan, our clinic does viability at 8 weeks. I did have a scan at 6 weeks because of bleeding and I have to say it took them a good 15 minutes zooming in and out to find the heart beat, things are tiny at that stage so it could easily be missed, try to do nice things to get your mind distracted, sending loads of good luck your way xx
Thanks lovely, I do hope I’m one of those happy endings! But you know how it is with IVF, it just beats you down to where you don’t believe it would ever happen to you…
I’m clinging on to the fact I’ve benn having some twinges in my uterus so I’m hoping that’s growth 🤦🏻♀️
hang in there , hopefully this week will bring you better news , I know the uncertainty is awful but there’s still some hope xx best of luck I’ll keep everything crossed for you!
In our case, the last time nothing was seen in an ultrasound also performed at 6 weeks, it was not good news for us. I think it depends on whether it is vaginal or abdominal (in abdominal ones the sensitivity may be less, however in vaginal ones they can normally see the sac and its possible contents quite well). They scheduled us a week later to see if the embryo appeared. They told us that normally, when a yolk sac or fetal pole appears after a week, it is because the pregnancy date is younger and is later adjusted according to the echo (but I dont know if that is common in IVF pregnancies...). I hope that is the case for you and I wish you all the best. 🫂🍀🍀🍀🍀🤞🏽🤞🏽🤞🏽🤞🏽
Poor you having to wait another week🥲. But it’s positive there is a heartbeat. I had the same thing last October and my miscarriage specialist wasn’t at all worried and in fact told me to book an appointment with the midwife none of the GPs were concerned either ( but I was so sure of my dates my cycles are regular and I knew when I’d ovulated ) I can’t offer a good outcome but having looked online there were many good outcomes where baby had caught up. What I was told by drs was they are so tiny at that age and a tiny little measurement error could throw it out by week. I will hope for a happy outcome for you. 🤞🏻 Xx
Thanks lovely - I was fully expecting to see absolutely nothing so it was definitely positive. But I know how touch and go these things are so not getting my hopes up. Feel a lot calmer knowing that it's progressed by the right amount though - even if it's behind.... xx
Just saw your update Millbanks it is really positive there has been some growth and a heartbeat seen. I totally get the limbo you find yourself in though and the uncertainty, it is really hard to go through just waiting and hoping. That said I will keep my fingers firmly crossed for you that next week brings you more good news x x
just came on to see if you had an update x 🙏🏼🤞🏼 x sending lots of love and positive energy for the next week ! It’s so good that there has been progression x keeping everything crossed x
Thanks lovely. I know it's a fools errand but I can't help but feel a bit positive after seeing the growth. Everyone else's experiences made me think that it was incredibly unlikely that there would be anything there at all - but here we are.... tiny flicker of a heartbeat. It probably won't last but at the moment I'm sticking in my PUPO bubble.
I would feel positive, and you are right to feel positive. I read of someone in a similar position to you who also had low HCG and her pregnancy resulted in a healthy baby - I wish I had saved the link as I did with so many other stories I needed to re read myself at that time so I could share x hope is a wonderful thing and you should keep that 🙏🏼 x
All the posts I've seen (all over the internet) say that an empty sac at 6+3 usually ends in blighted ovum.... but our little bean is there - maybe it was hiding the firs time.
Hope is a wonderful thing indeed. I guess we need to remember that every pregnancy / journey is different and sometimes there is just no telling what will happen.
One of my pregnancies ended up with nothing in the sac and ended up being a miscarriage. Hopefully yours goes the opposite way and it was just too early to test. Wishing you lots of luck!
Thinking of you Millbanks, so glad that you were given positive news today. Sending you lots of prayers for continued good news next week and going forward! Keep the hope alive ✨
Hello, as you may have seen I am in the waiting club too, had my scan yesterday and it measured 5 days behind, so going back next Thursday...hope you have planned something to distract for the weekend, it's my Grandma's 90th birthday so that should keep me occupied with all the family till Tuesday. Sending positive growing vibes.
Aw love, I’m sorry you’re in this shitty situation too! But honestly 5 days isn’t that bad. I know a fair few people whose babas were like that throughout the whole pregnancy. Try not to worry too much. Me however, 9 days is a lot! We’ll see xxx
Just seen your update! So glad things have progressed. I know it's so hard when it doesn't feel definitive though. Hold in there! 💗 Keeping everything crossed for the next time 🤞🏻🙏🏻 xx
Thanks lovely. Weirdly I kind of feel ok about it. I think it’s just completely out of my hands so I have to just take whatever happens. I think it’s quite an unusual situation or at least the dr didn’t seem to know what to say, so it’s all very unknown. Xxx
I am waiting for the first scan....so having doubts about everything...today I have some brown spotting....but I am calmer now because it hasn't increase....
Don't you wish we were able to see the future and find out what will happen?
Aw you're so sweet to check - unfortunately it wasn't good news for us - the baby stopped growing at about 7 weeks so they've told me to stop all meds. I've opted for a natural miscarriage.
Still hanging in there, 2 days behind now so they discharged us, they advised not to book another private scan too quickly so I'm going to have to wait 2 weeks now. .so sorry to hear your news though, at least you have some certainty I suppose, there is something in that. Hope it resolves itself without much drama and you get time to heal and move on soon. You are very brave, hope this community have been and continue to be support for you. Good luck for your future adventures. Sending consoling hugs.
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xx
6 weeks 6 days scan - sac but no yolk or fetal pole
***SENSITIVE*** 6 week scan update 
😢 update after the faint lines, 7 weeks and an empty gestational sac 😢 feeling lost 
Sensitive** 6 week scan 
