Why no HB on doppler? « Back to Group Discussions

[SunnyPerch]

I had my sixteen week appointment today. There was a bit of anxiety as my OB couldn't find the baby's heartbeat with the doppler. After several minutes, we ended up moving to the other room and using the ultrasound machine.

Fortunately all looked fine, the baby was very active, etc. I never did get a clear indication of why we wouldn't have been able to hear the heartbeat with the doppler though, at almost 17 weeks. By comparison, he found it almost immediately at my last appointment, when I was just 12-13 weeks along.

Has anyone else experienced this recently? Any thoughts on why this might happen?

[UnderTheOldOakTree]

I had my 16 week apt today too, and while we eventually found the hb with the doppler, it took quite a while.  We realized eventually that my midwife was catching the babe momentarily and then it would move immediately so she was chasing it around my belly almost.  It could just be that your baby was really active and somehow evading the doppler too...

[Howdthishappen]

Funny, I had my 16 week today too!! My dr had to chase the baby around too in order to get the heart rate logged. I think baby was just active. Please don't worry, the fact that they found baby on ultrasound is wonderful!! I have been there where they didnt find it on Doppler, OR ultrasound, and it is horrible. Your baby is perfect and fine and you saw it! That is the best news ever!

[Howdthishappen]

Funny, I had my 16 week today too!! My dr had to chase the baby around too in order to get the heart rate logged. I think baby was just active. Please don't worry, the fact that they found baby on ultrasound is wonderful!! I have been there where they didnt find it on Doppler, OR ultrasound, and it is horrible. Your baby is perfect and fine and you saw it! That is the best news ever!

[SunnyPerch]

Thanks, ladies! It makes more sense now that you've put the pieces together for me!  And how exciting to have all our appointments on the same day. :)

While waiting for the ultrasound scan, my mind was split in two directions. The involuntary: "Oh god, please PLEASE don't let this be bad. I can't face news like this alone. Don't cry don't cry don't cry." Then I collected myself and wedged in some positive thoughts:  "Cool - a chance to sneak a peek at my little bean! I can't wait to see his/her little face again!!" \

HowdThisHappen - Was that with this current pregnancy? I hope it was just a scare. It was frightening today, and I can't imagine how I'd feel if that u/s had not yielded any reassurances either!!