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Q&A: No heartbeat in early pregnancy?

Should I definitely see my baby's heartbeat on the ultrasound by eight weeks? Should I be concerned if I don't? And when is the latest I should expect to see it?

Re: Should I definitely see my baby's heartbeat on the ultrasound by eight weeks? Should I be concerned if I don't? And when is the latest I should expect to see it?

The Bump Expert

There are several reasons why you might not see the fetus’s heartbeat at eight weeks. First, you may not really be eight weeks pregnant. You may have menstrual cycles longer than 28 days, or you may have ovulated late that cycle.

The second reason has to do with the type of ultrasound probe your doctor is using.Transabdominal probes (over the belly as opposed to in the vagina) are not as sensitive in detecting pregnancy and early heartbeat.

A heartbeat definitely should be seen if an embryo (or “fetal pole”) is seen, usually as early as six weeks of pregnancy by transvaginal ultrasound.

Dr. Ashley Roman | July 09 , 2009 2:42 PM

re: Q: No heartbeat at 8 weeks?

I saw my baby's heart beat at 6 weeks and 6days.

Tifany2308 | March 03 , 2008 10:20 AM

re: Q: No heartbeat at 8 weeks?

my dr. used a transvaginal ultrasound and we saw the heart beat at 6w 5d

mrse1107 | March 04 , 2008 3:09 PM

re: Q: No heartbeat at 8 weeks?

I didn't have a heartbeat at 8 weeks either. At my next visit I found out that I had a miscarriage.

Kisha-n-Chris | March 13 , 2008 6:55 PM

re: Q: No heartbeat at 8 weeks?

I saw the heart beat at 8 weeks and miscarried my first at 10.

Dereksgirl101407 | March 19 , 2008 2:13 PM

re: Q: No heartbeat at 8 weeks?

We didn't se a heartbeat at 6w5d (transvaginal U/S), we're hoping desperately that we see one today at 7w5d. This is our first IVF and first pregancy.

Sprudeln | June 09 , 2008 1:33 AM

re: Q: No heartbeat at 8 weeks?

We heard and saw the heartbeat at 6 weeks 2 days. It was very exciting!

lradelicki | October 17 , 2008 1:36 PM

re: Q: No heartbeat at 8 weeks?

I saw the heartbeat at 9weeks through a vaginal ultrasound, but did not hear it. I heard it at 13weeks with a monitor the dr. used.

Celeste&Danny | November 13 , 2008 12:09 PM

re: Q: No heartbeat at 8 weeks?

I saw the heartbeat at 5 weeks 5 days through a transvaginal scan. The abdominal scan at that time was barely even showing the yolk sac.

Mrs. Dillingham | November 28 , 2008 8:41 AM

re: Q: No heartbeat at 8 weeks?

My OB doesn't even see patients until 10-12wks, which is when she will do the ultrasound. I have 4 weeks still to go!

jdncingfery | March 02 , 2009 3:44 PM

re: Q: No heartbeat at 8 weeks?

Yeah, I have my 12 week appointment in two weeks - waiting until then to see the hearbeat!!!!!

missnineteeneighty | March 12 , 2009 9:17 PM

re: Q: No heartbeat at 8 weeks?

im waiting for 2 more weeks to go back to the doctors to have a transV U/S. I had my first Ultrasound at 5 weeks and all they saw is a gestational sac... i'm anxiously waiting...

babyblessing | March 15 , 2009 6:34 AM

re: Q: No heartbeat at 8 weeks?

My OB doesn't have me come in for my first appt until 9 weeks. I was surprised, but am hoping everything is normal at that appt.

nicobean1 | March 23 , 2009 12:07 PM

re: Q: No heartbeat at 8 weeks?

I had no heartbeat at 12 weeks. Found out the baby had stopped growing at 8 weeks. Had a D and C done.

LilHash1216 | May 05 , 2009 10:41 PM

re: Q: No heartbeat at 8 weeks?

We're waiting to hear a heartbeat before telling friends and family.

themcelroys2 | May 09 , 2009 7:10 AM

re: Q: No heartbeat at 8 weeks?

We had the same thing, no heart beat at 7 weeks, but our OB wanted to have us wait until 8 weeks to check again. Sadly, nothing changed. We had a miscarriage. Our D&C was a couple of days ago.

melida_cruz | May 23 , 2009 4:45 PM

re: Q: No heartbeat at 8 weeks?

I had my first doctor's appt last Friday I am supposed to be 8wks 4days but baby is measuring approx 2 wks less. My doc did a transvaginal u/s and we saw the sac and embryo but did not see the heartbeat. My doc sent me to the lab to have my hcg levels checked again and scheduled another scan for this coming Friday to see if the heartbeat can be detected. Hopefully all is well!

PAmommytobe | May 31 , 2009 3:47 PM

re: Q: No heartbeat at 8 weeks?

We saw the heartbeat transvaginally at 6w5d. Right back at 8w6d for last appointment with RE before being released to the ob and they said there wasn't a heartbeat anymore. I am now scheduled for a d&c. I know that the baby is dead, but I still have that little worry because I never got to see the u/s - the screen was turned away from the whole time.

kovu | June 06 , 2009 8:23 AM

re: Q: No heartbeat at 8 weeks?

I went in at 8w 1d. The u/s measured the pregnancy at 7w4d but my OB said everything looked "great". When I started bleeding a month later, we found out that she had not seen a heartbeat even at that first visit. So, basically, the baby was already dead at the time of the first appointment. The moral of the story is: make sure you are able to see your ultrasound so that you can see for yourself.

juju5472 | June 07 , 2009 2:57 AM

re: Q: No heartbeat at 8 weeks?

Wow, you guys are scaring me!! My first appointment is in 3 days, and I don't even want to think about the possibility of a miscarriage... I am so terrified they won't see a heartbeat..... I will only be 8w4d when I go... *Deep breaths*

francescaraul | June 08 , 2009 8:03 PM

re: Q: No heartbeat at 8 weeks?

You ladies can be frightening! We just found out that we are expecting our first baby....super excited! However, I can't tell you how many women I have come into contact with (via internet or in person) who have quickly informed me that they miscarried their first one! It is so discouraging and has made me terrified that I will do the same. However, there are a few I know of that went throught their first pregnancy fine! I know it is helpful in preparation but its really scary. Please tell me that there are more of you out there that had a normal first pregnancy...( I am sorry, I am just terrified) And francescaraul, I go to the Dr. in the morning for my first u/s, bloodwork, etc and I will be 8 weeks tomorrow. Dont let people scare you!

kaylamwright@gmail.com | June 25 , 2009 7:43 AM

re: Q: No heartbeat at 8 weeks?

This is my first pregnancy as well and I am 10w 6d. My first doctor's appointment was at 6w 6d and even though the doc said everything looked fine, we weren't able to see anything on the ultrasound. She said that it was still very early so I shouldn't be concerned. But of course all I did for the next 4 weeks was freak out and convince myself that my baby had died and I would get the bad news at my next appt. (It didn't help any that I have had hardly any pregnancy symptoms at all.) But yesterday was my next doctor's appointment. She tried using the doppler first to hear a heartbeat but we couldn't hear anything. I thought the worst had happened but then we went and did an ultrasound. We saw the baby, saw the heartbeat, and even got to hear it! It was the most wonderful thing I have ever experienced. So it looks like I have worried myself sick over nothing. I know it is hard to not think about the worst case scenario, but I hope that my story is encouraging and please keep in mind that the odds are in our favor to have healthy pregnancies!

michelenyu03@yahoo.com | June 26 , 2009 11:11 AM

Q&A: No heartbeat in early pregnancy?

I was terrified that I was having a miscarriage, but I did not! Had most of the signs. I am 17 weeks pregnant and still can not hear the heartbeat but can see it. He thinks we can not hear it due to not using the bathroom as much due to the iron in my pre-natals. I find out if its a boy or girl tomorrow!

summerparks | July 19 , 2009 7:54 AM

Q&A: No heartbeat in early pregnancy?

Thanks michelenyu03. Your story and words have helped alot. Same timeline, same situation for me. I go in next monday for next US. Hopefully wonderful results like yours. Either way, I am not giving up hope. Thanks again for sharing.

sgureski | July 23 , 2009 12:31 AM

Q&A: No heartbeat in early pregnancy?

I'm getting so nervous waiting to get my ultrasound. At 4 or 5 weeks, my first ultrasound showed no signs of a fetal pole (heartbeat). Now, at 11 weeks, they can't find my baby's heartbeat using a doppler. I'm going in for another ultrasound in 10 days, and I'm deflating into a nervous wreck.

littlelovelolo | July 24 , 2009 6:49 PM

Q&A: No heartbeat in early pregnancy?

I was at the doctor at 8 weeks, I didn't hear the heart beat, however he was able to track it. So I hope that is good.

sdb2001 | July 28 , 2009 8:49 PM

Q&A: No heartbeat in early pregnancy?

I go for my very first prenatal appointment on Tuesday.... I am right around 6 weeks. All they told me when I made the appointment was that they would do a blood test to check my levels and give me a bunch of information..... I didn't even think they'd do an ultrasound my first visit???

laura.weinhold | August 02 , 2009 1:41 PM

Q&A: No heartbeat in early pregnancy?

Laura thats exactly what they did for me. They will take some basic info from you and some blood. That's it! Then they should make another appointment for about 2 weeks for your first ultrasound. I go in two days for my 8 week one. Good luck!

KristiM1020 | August 02 , 2009 5:49 PM

Q&A: No heartbeat in early pregnancy?

I had my first doc. appt. at 5 weeks. I am scheduled to go back in 4 weeks but I won't have an ultrasound until 18-22 weeks according to my doctor. Does this sound normal?

nimmerx2 | August 05 , 2009 3:57 PM

Q&A: No heartbeat in early pregnancy?

Hi Niimmerx2, It is normal to have your first US @ 12 wks. I had one earlier due to spotting issues. They are tracking mine sooner rather than later. Had a transvaginal US last night and could see the yolk sac and heartbeat at 5w 6 days. We could only see a "dot" and that is the baby. Strange! It is the size of a grain of sugar at this point! The hb was low (90 bpm) where normal is between 120 - 180. However, they said that this early, they probably can't hear all the beats, or it is just beginning to beat, so not to be worried a/b low beats at such an early stage. (Cause it is the size of a grain of sugar!!) Don't worry so much. ; )

amjra | August 11 , 2009 3:17 PM

Q&A: No heartbeat in early pregnancy?

You Ladies are very terrifying!! I am 6w 5d and I'm going for my first U/S tomorrow and I am terrified that they are not going to see a heartbeat. I do have a question though....for the ladies who found out they had miscarried, first I would like to offer my sincerest sympathies and second I wanted to ask if you continued to feel any of the "pregnancy symptoms" (sore boobs, nausea, fatigue) after your U/S, but before you found out you had miscarried?

TISHA2 | August 20 , 2009 7:48 PM

Q&A: No heartbeat in early pregnancy?

With my first pregnancy my doctor told me to stay off the internet, it was one of the best pieces of advice they gave me. Don't let yourself get scared and worry about miscarriage, if you are taking care of yourself think positively. There is enough information to scare anyone.

supermudge | August 25 , 2009 7:49 PM

Q&A: No heartbeat in early pregnancy?

My doctor says I won't be able to even hear it till at least 10 weeks.

brittneydial | August 27 , 2009 10:16 PM

Q&A: No heartbeat in early pregnancy?

I also miscarried my first. I still had sore boobs and saw a heartbeat at 8 weeks. Then I had another ultrasound at 10 weeks and the baby only measured 9 weeks. It is scary and sadly a part of life. Happily, I am pregnant again at 6 weeks and hoping for the best.

zeldagrly | September 09 , 2009 8:36 PM

Q&A: No heartbeat in early pregnancy?

Try not to worry ladies. I just had my first u/s a few days ago and I am just now today, at 8wks. My doctor had ordered the u/s because I am having some miserable symptoms. I have a mysterious rash that no one seemed to know why I have (definitely tied to my pregnancy, lucky me) and my morning sickness or all-day-sickness landed me in the hospital with severe dehydration. They've put me on anti-nausea meds but as you can tell, I haven't been on the most pleasant pregnancy ride. No one has accused me of "glowing." So my doctor thought we ought to have a look. Leading up to my ultra sound all the the professionals warned me that it wasn't always possible to see the baby's heartbeat this early. My family practitioner, her nurse, and my midwife all told me the same thing. So honestly, when the gell went on the thing, I didn't have high hopes. Sure enough over the belly brought no results so my midwife moved on to plan B and did a vaginal ultra sound. Let me tell you, that woman was determined to find that heartbeat but I am amazed she did. She rooted around up there for a good ten minutes until she landed on that heartbeat and I will be honest it was a fantastic moment when she found it. My point being, I just as easily could have walked out that day and not seen the heartbeat at all if it hadn't been for my midwife's persistance. It wouldn't have meant it wasn't there, I just wouldn't have seen it.

courtneyione | September 19 , 2009 12:43 PM

Q&A: No heartbeat in early pregnancy?

I haven't seen or heard the baby's heart beat yet.. I had my first Dr. appointment last tuesday... and he said that he will do the u/s when I'm 11 weeks, so I have 3 weeks to go

sandybem | September 25 , 2009 5:14 PM

Q&A: No heartbeat in early pregnancy?

I had my first ultrasound at 6 wks and they couldn't hear the heartbeat very well but told me that was normal since it was so early, and scheduled me to go back for another at 8wks...then last night I spotted...and now after reading all this...I'm scared to death I'm gonna have a miscarriage

AlenEdgar | September 26 , 2009 1:44 PM

Q&A: No heartbeat in early pregnancy?

i heard and saw the heartbeat at my 6 weeks u/s. A side note, I don't think the doc was suppose to let me hear it. The heart beat was slow, so I had to go in at 8 weeks to see if there was any improvement. That was today and it was normal thank goodness! My next appointment is at 11 weeks to check the NT, where the u/s tech checks the skin thickness on the back of the neck, along with other tests. I can't wait to see the little bean again.

leannakk1 | October 12 , 2009 10:14 PM

Q&A: No heartbeat in early pregnancy?

I started spotting at 5 weeks 6 days and went into the emergency room. They were able to barely see the fetus but could not locate a heartbeat. I went into the doctor a few days later but she just checked my hormone levels. She said they were rising. So now I'm scared I have miscarried. I have to wait until this friday until I get another u/s. I will be 9 weeks 5 days. Should I be worried I didn't see a heartbeat at 5 weeks?

mertense | October 18 , 2009 11:08 AM

Q&A: No heartbeat in early pregnancy?

we couldn't see it at 6w 4d, but saw it at 7w, 3d....it also depends on the quality of the machine being used...some ultrasound machines pick up heartbeats in early pregnancies better

KimJared | October 29 , 2009 11:04 PM

Q&A: No heartbeat in early pregnancy?

I was supposed to be at the end of 8 weeks today - went in for my first aptmnt and the baby only measured 6 wks 2 days - no heartbeat. The doctor wants to look again in 5 days. If there is no heartbeat then - I'm going to hope for the best - just because they don't "see" it does not mean it is not there. I was always the smallest one growing up and everybody thought there was something wrong with me - tried putting me on growth hormones but I turned out fine - I'm hoping this little one is just developing at his/her own sweet pace.

belindahaschke | October 30 , 2009 11:30 AM

Q&A: No heartbeat in early pregnancy?

I'm new to this site but just wanted to respond. I had my first appt yesterday at 6w6d. Doc saw gest sac and fetal pole but no hb but he said the fetal pole was moving up and down. My hcg has gone up from 67000 to 104000 which my doc says is a good sign but I am spotting too which could be a not so good sign. I'm scheduled for another us in about 10 days so hopefully everything will be alright. It is nice to know I am not alone in this situation. Good luck to all of you.

ames602 | October 30 , 2009 1:06 PM

Q&A: No heartbeat in early pregnancy?

I am 8 wks 4 days pregnant and had my first apt today, blood work, urine test etc but no US, the dr. wont do one until the Nuchal testing between 12-14 wks. We begged the dr to try and find a heartbeat with the monitor (not a vaginal US) but she told us it would be near impossible to hear this early on. We didn't hear it but she said this was normal. Said that the baby grows so fast during this time that days make the difference. We are going back in two wks to listen to the heartbeat. My dr. says that 10 wks is the norm to hear the heartbeat so I hope this makes some feel better that haven't heard it yet! I know I'm a bit freaking out after reading some responses, but stay possitive! Its healthy for the baby! :)

SHOPPRINCSS | November 02 , 2009 4:51 PM

Q&A: No heartbeat in early pregnancy?

today I went in for my 1st appt. I am supossed to be 6-7 weeks according to my period, but when she was checking me she said I felt further along. We tried to hear the h/b on a doppler and couldnt. She said that wad normal since she didn't think I was 12 weeks. After I left the office they called me to come in before my next appt. for an U/S. Is this normal? I'm kind of worried

2tymAround | November 10 , 2009 11:29 AM

Q&A: No heartbeat in early pregnancy?

It's very easy to forget when reading all of these posts that the risk of miscarriage is 10 - 25% and 50 - 75% of those miscarriages happen before 4 weeks. One could easily think the statistics were much worse reading all of these stories. For the women that had miscarriages there are places you can go for support like mend.org and aplacetoremember.com. This website is for women that are excited to learn about their pregnancies. No one can deny the reality of miscarriages, we are all fully aware of them. But for now I would like to surround myself in positive, uplifting information rather than one sad story after another. This is my very last online discussion about pregnancy I will ever read.

mknudson614 | November 14 , 2009 11:55 AM

Q&A: No heartbeat in early pregnancy?

My first ultrasound is Nov. 30th and i will be 13 weeks! I Hope To Hear The Heartbeat! This is my first and i just got married in August lol

MelluvsKory9983 | November 19 , 2009 9:22 AM

Q&A: No heartbeat in early pregnancy?

i went yesterday for my first appt. they did an ultrasound on the abdomin and transv adn didn't find a heartbeat adn im' at 10 weeks but i still have hope that they simply couldn't hear it. the hospital i use has a bad reputation for hurrying into procedures without double checking so i'm making them do blood work and another ultrasound in a week to see if they pick anything up then...i'm praying every night that they will adn im' counting down...im' just a little upset that they weren't willing to give my baby a chance they just tell me that i should miscarry within a week and if not they're just going to take it out...wouldn't it make more sense to double check? so please pray for my little one....it's in gods hands now

jamiedawn11963 | December 02 , 2009 2:50 PM

Q&A: No heartbeat in early pregnancy?

had my first visit at 9 weeks, the doc tried to use doppler to check for a heart beat but she said it looked like it was still too early. we have to wait until 13w5d for our first ultrasound. we're so excited...the waiting is tourture!!

kknapp25 | December 08 , 2009 9:11 AM

Q&A: No heartbeat in early pregnancy?

At 6wks1 day we couldnt here the heartbeat of the baby but the doc said there was one on the u/s. Worried that at 8 wks it will be like some of yours with no heartbeat! hopefully not. And to the girl with her first pregnancy dont be too scared just take it easy and dont stress that something will go wrong with your first pregnancy the more you stress the worse it will be for u and the baby!

tenlow06 | December 17 , 2009 10:44 PM

Q&A: No heartbeat in early pregnancy?

Ok now you girls have scared me to death. I go next monday to hear the heartbeat at 7 weeks. I'm so scared of loosing this baby. We tried for 2 years to have a baby and now I'm so scaed of loosing it.

bekah22587@hotmail.com | December 30 , 2009 1:29 PM

Q&A: No heartbeat in early pregnancy?

OK i know it must be hard to have a miscarriage, ladies who have not please do not give yourself extra worries. we are going through alot as it is already. acouple things 1. spotting is normal and sometimes even heavier bleeding 2. blood test and ultrasounds togther will give you the best answer NOT one or the other. 3 I had my first child 10 years ago i did not know i was pregnant until i was 13 weeks! scary yes it was but i was young did not take care of my self and had never heard of prenatal vitamins and my daughter is going to be 10 she is healthy and happy and a great kid!! i am now 8 weeks pregnant saw a heart beat at 6 weeks after not seeing one at 5 and having some spotting. My best advise is this....God is good no matter what he will always do whats right it may not be what we want but it is and will be ok. i had to come to grips with this when i thought i was loosing this child. My husbands away in Afghanistan and we are going to be just fine and so will all of you :) those who are pregnant and those who have lost something so tiny yet precious. Another thing the alpha feta protein testing that they do to check for birth defects can be quite scary My 10 year old was suppost to have severe spina bifida based on those labs and did not at all , so unless you'd have an abortion based on the results you might not want to put yourself through that stress either.

futureshattuck | January 07 , 2010 2:19 PM

Q&A: No heartbeat in early pregnancy?

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heytaranichole | January 28 , 2010 10:16 PM

Q&A: No heartbeat in early pregnancy?

I was pregnant 2 yrs ago and went to my first U/S at 8wks. i didn't even realize i was supposed to see anything or hear a heartbeat because i was in a U/S tech office, not with my usual doc so i wasn't as open to asking questions. they did the trans V and sent me home... the doc scheduled me for another U/S the following week and when the tech started she was asking me weird questions, like had i been sick, or were my breasts sensative, i didn't start to worry until then and when i asked if anything was wrong she said to ask my doc. I found out 3 days later i was losing the baby. i was so angry with myself for not doing some research or even asking someone what i should have expected... but it was a learning experience b/c now i'm on the ball.

EmoDiva | February 01 , 2010 7:52 PM

Q&A: No heartbeat in early pregnancy?

THANK YOU mknudson614. It is definitely easy to forget the miscarriage stats. My aunt spoke to me about this issue because, like many of you ladies with the misc. fears, I was scared to death too. But my aunt let me know that many of the ladies on pregnancy websites tend to be in their 30s (just liker her) and that the misc. rates are higher in older women. My aunt had 2-3 misc. and she told me it was because of her age. And it's true. I'm not saying it happens only older women, of course not. It could happen to anyone. But people, do your research. I came into this board to read on ultrasounds and all I am left with reading is about women who have had miscarriages. And just like mknudson614, I will avoid these online pregnancy discussions most of the time or at least go to the positive boards. There's plenty of information out there on the internet to scare people.

alma_vargas | February 05 , 2010 9:33 AM

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