bad news at early viability scan - do I keep taking IVF meds?

[emma_g87]

I had my early viability scan yesterday following FET on 7/5. I should have been 7w4d but the nurse who did the scan was only able to measure the embryo at 6w2d. She was also unable to find a heartbeat and said that the pregnancy was not going to continue.

I’m booked in for a confirmation scan with a doctor next week. The nurse said it’s my choice whether to continue with my IVF meds (estrogen and progesterone) or not. She was quite clear that I should not have any false hope though.

My gut feel is that I don’t want to continue the meds if it’s going to delay the inevitable. If I’m going to have a bleed then I want it over as soon as possible. However, there is a small niggling doubt in my mind - is there any way that the measurements could be wrong at this stage? Or an unclear picture make it hard to measure, or see heartbeat? I would hate to take the decision to stop the meds if there is a small chance of better news next week.

[BlahBlah55]

I’m so sorry to hear this, hope you’re looking after yourself.

Was this scan with your fertility clinic? If so, is it possible for you to go to your nearest EPU? You’ll be seen by a doctor straight away rather than have to wait a week. You can then get a doctors opinion on whether you need to stop meds or not.

Sorry the nurse said it was your choice - that’s really unhelpful!

[emma_g87 in reply to BlahBlah55]

Thank you for the kind response ❤️

[Anxiousintrovert]

if I’m completely honest, I’d carry on with all meds until the confirmation scan. But that’s just me- I’d prepare myself for bad news, but would nurture that seed of hope… thinking of you x

[emma_g87 in reply to Anxiousintrovert]

Thank you for the kind response ❤️

[Hidden]

Thinking of you and hoping you have people around you for support

Take care

Janet-Partner

[emma_g87 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you ❤️

[Millbanks]

Hi lovely,

I'm so sorry you're going through this - I've just been through the same (check out my post if you want to see the progression). We had to go back for 3 scans to see if there had been any growth, and there was, and then there wasn't - so we were fostering false hope.

My also didn't give us any reason to think it would turn out ok, but we had to wait anyway.

I would keep on the meds until it's confirmed by the doctor. Measurements at this stage are very tiny and hard to get exactly right. You also don't always see a heartbeat at 6 weeks. Sometimes it takes a few more days.

xx

[emma_g87 in reply to Millbanks]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I’m so sorry you also had to go through that.

[emma_g87]

UPDATE: I spoke to my clinic again this afternoon to clarify what was said yesterday at my scan and if there was any chance of hope. They basically reiterated that the combination of being 9 days behind where I should be at this stage PLUS the fact that there was absolutely no heartbeat or blood flow in the area meant that this is definitely a non-continuing pregnancy.

They said that it’s still my choice whether I want to continue with the meds but also stressed that this was not going to alter the outcome. The pregnancy will not continue and the only reason to continue with meds in these kinds of case is that some people find it easier, psychologically, while they wait for the confirmation scan.

I think in this case, given the response from the clinic I am going to stop the meds today. I do not want to prolong this awful experience. That said, I do really appreciate all the advice given here. It’s such a comfort to hear from others going through similar and to think about the decision from all angles.

[Millbanks in reply to emma_g87]

I'm sorry lovely - I would do the same. Sending a massive hug at this shitty time xx

[emma_g87 in reply to Millbanks]

Xx

[BlahBlah55 in reply to emma_g87]

So sorry to hear this 💔

[PineappleCrumble in reply to emma_g87]

So sorry for what you're experiencing. Sending a big hug. xxx

[MammaMia86 in reply to emma_g87]

really sorry to hear what you are going through....usually they like to do a second scan a week later to confirm it .....so I am surprise with what they said....do what you consider is best for you.... sending you a big big hug....🧸

[Elmo13 in reply to emma_g87]

So sorry to read this. X

[orangecatmum in reply to emma_g87]

I'm so so sorry you are going through this. It is unbearable and there are no words but you will get through it. One moment, one day at a time xx

[Christianbaby in reply to emma_g87]

So sorry to hear this. 🙏 Hugs. x

[Twiglet2 in reply to emma_g87]

I’m so sorry you are going through this, I’ve been through the same thing and I wish my clinic had been as clear as yours have been as I had to go back 3 times and stay on meds and it just dragged it out for weeks 😢 sending you a massive hug xx 💜

[BabyDust23]

I’m so sorry you’re going through this. Sending my love ♥️

[HollyT7]

if it was me I’d keep taking the medication as the last thing you want in your head is what if. At least that way, you won’t have any doubt you did everything you could to see if this would work. One step closer regardless of the outcome xx

[HopeOfYou]

I'm so sorry you're going through this... I had an early miscarriage two years ago, and I found some comfort in having some nice food, listening to music, and thinking that somehow that little thing that was still attached to me would experience what I was experiencing. A little glimpse of how life would be outside my belly, if they weren't already doomed to go.

Sorry, I know it doesn't make sense, and I'm not sure it helps. Sending you hugs 🩷