# I'm pregnant, but I fear it's doomed. **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [July 5, 2011, 11:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-pregnant-but-i-fear-its-doomed/587956 "2011-07-05T23:43:33Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 7
**Author:** ![Neeps](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/a183cd/32.png) [@Neeps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Neeps)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2011, 6:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-pregnant-but-i-fear-its-doomed/587956/121 "2011-07-15T18:35:08Z")
> [@EmAnJ](#): > > Another update: My numbers are still rising. ☹ > > They went from 229 on Sunday to 494 on Wednesday. The nurse said it’s not viable, but now they are concerned it’s ectopic. I go in for an ultrasound on Tuesday morning, and was instructed to go to the ER if i start having severe cramps. > > I just want this to end. > > ☹ You poor thing ☹ A friend of mine went through this recently, so I saw some of the stress she went through. My heart goes out to you - you really don’t need this. I’m surprised they are waiting until Tuesday for a scan - have you not had one yet? ---
**Author:** ![EmAnJ](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/d2c977/32.png) [@EmAnJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EmAnJ)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2011, 7:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-pregnant-but-i-fear-its-doomed/587956/122 "2011-07-15T19:09:02Z")
> [@Neeps](#): > > You poor thing ☹ A friend of mine went through this recently, so I saw some of the stress she went through. My heart goes out to you - you really don’t need this. > > I’m surprised they are waiting until Tuesday for a scan - have you not had one yet? No, I haven’t had any scans yet, just betas. My numbers were just too low to see anything, so they were holding off. ---
**Author:** ![Neeps](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/a183cd/32.png) [@Neeps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Neeps)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2011, 7:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-pregnant-but-i-fear-its-doomed/587956/123 "2011-07-15T19:48:14Z")
That makes sense. My friend (that went through the ectopic) had a number of scans that didn’t show anything (I think she wasn’t sure how far along she should have been, hence all the scans), and all the while she had spotting and rising numbers. It was a week or two of great stress, until she finally had a scan that confirmed that she had an ectopic and that she needed immediate surgery. I really hope things get resolved quickly, and the scan on Tuesday answers all your questions. This sounds horrible, but I hope it’s just a simple miscarriage ☹ Sometimes, when I hear about what some women go through to get pregnant and stay pregnant, I just wonder why no one told me it could be this stressful. I sometimes feel like we are the first generation who have been so open about the stresses of reproduction - previously, women would have just suffered in silence (and there weren’t all the options that we have, so there was little point in discussing things). It’s got to be a good thing that we are all talking about these things now, isn’t it? Let us know how you get on. Do you have friends in real life you can talk to about this? ---
**Author:** ![Glory](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/7cd45c/32.png) [@Glory](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Glory)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2011, 8:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-pregnant-but-i-fear-its-doomed/587956/124 "2011-07-15T20:34:58Z")
> [@Neeps](#): > > Sometimes, when I hear about what some women go through to get pregnant and stay pregnant, I just wonder why no one told me it could be this stressful. I sometimes feel like we are the first generation who have been so open about the stresses of reproduction - previously, women would have just suffered in silence (and there weren’t all the options that we have, so there was little point in discussing things). It’s got to be a good thing that we are all talking about these things now, isn’t it? When I had my miscarriage (first pregnancy) last February - I was shocked, SHOCKED how many people told me how normal it was and all the shared stories of miscarriages. I was shocked to learn that 1 out of 5 pregnancies end in early miscarriage (and that’s just the numbers when women know they are pregnant). It was like I joined a very sad, very secret club that I didn’t even know existed until I became a member. I have always been a ridiculously healthy person and I would never have dreamed I would have such a hard time getting and staying pregnant (I had a second miscarriage later that year, and haven’t been able to get pregnant again) Hugs to the op. ---
**Author:** ![overlyverbose](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/9dc877/32.png) [@overlyverbose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/overlyverbose)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2011, 8:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-pregnant-but-i-fear-its-doomed/587956/125 "2011-07-15T20:44:39Z")
> [@EmAnJ](#): > > Another update: My numbers are still rising. ☹ > > They went from 229 on Sunday to 494 on Wednesday. The nurse said it’s not viable, but now they are concerned it’s ectopic. I go in for an ultrasound on Tuesday morning, and was instructed to go to the ER if i start having severe cramps. > > I just want this to end. > > ☹ Oh, my God! I’m so sorry! I had an ectopic pregnancy in January - it was so scary. Please, please, please keep track of how you’re feeling throughout the day. If you start hurting or bleeding, get seen by a doctor as soon as possible. The cramps I had were surprisingly mild - it felt like I’d started my period, with occasional stabbing pain. PM me if you need any support or have questions. ---
**Author:** ![Kolga](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/e56c9b/32.png) [@Kolga](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kolga)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2011, 9:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-pregnant-but-i-fear-its-doomed/587956/126 "2011-07-15T21:06:00Z")
Christ, I’m so sorry that this is such a roller coaster. My thoughts are with you. ---
**Author:** ![PeskiPiksi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/e495f1/32.png) [@PeskiPiksi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PeskiPiksi)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2011, 9:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-pregnant-but-i-fear-its-doomed/587956/127 "2011-07-15T21:41:41Z")
> [@Glory](#): > > When I had my miscarriage (first pregnancy) last February - I was shocked, SHOCKED how many people told me how normal it was and all the shared stories of miscarriages. I was shocked to learn that 1 out of 5 pregnancies end in early miscarriage (and that’s just the numbers when women know they are pregnant). It was like I joined a very sad, very secret club that I didn’t even know existed until I became a member. I could have written this post. When I had my first miscarriage, the “me toos” just seemed to come out of the woodwork. I think modern technology is at least partly to blame. Thirty years ago, I probably wouldn’t even know I’d had two miscarriages. I would have just thought I’d had slightly late, somewhat heavy periods that month if I’d even noticed. But thanks to at-home pregnancy tests that can tell you if you’re pregnant before you’re even expecting your period, we’re much more aware of the ones we’ve lost. Sending hugs your way, **EmAnJ**. I’m so sorry for your loss. This too will pass. ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [July 16, 2011, 1:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-pregnant-but-i-fear-its-doomed/587956/128 "2011-07-16T01:46:52Z")
Oh, **EmAnJ** , I’m so so sorry for all of this. Please, hang in there. ---
**Author:** ![Ruby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/13edae/32.png) [@Ruby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ruby)\ **Post date:** [July 16, 2011, 3:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-pregnant-but-i-fear-its-doomed/587956/129 "2011-07-16T03:40:50Z")
Ugh. I’m so sorry to hear you have more to bear right now. Know that we are all pulling for you to get through this as quickly and safely as possible. Take gentle care of yourself. ---
**Author:** ![Sarabellum](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sarabellum/32/3492_2.png) [@Sarabellum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sarabellum)\ **Post date:** [July 16, 2011, 3:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-pregnant-but-i-fear-its-doomed/587956/130 "2011-07-16T15:55:20Z")
It’s a good thing that you’re aware and informed of the situation, as unpleasant as it may be. You can self-monitor and be less at risk for serious complications than someone who wasn’t paying attention and didn’t know they were pregnant in the first place. Sorry that you’re having to go through this. ((((EmAnJ)))) My best wishes to you, and I hope it’s safely over soon. ☹ ---
**Author:** ![kittenblue](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/ba8739/32.png) [@kittenblue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kittenblue)\ **Post date:** [July 16, 2011, 4:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-pregnant-but-i-fear-its-doomed/587956/131 "2011-07-16T16:12:29Z")
> [@EmAnJ](#): > > Another update: My numbers are still rising. ☹ > > They went from 229 on Sunday to 494 on Wednesday. The nurse said it’s not viable, but now they are concerned it’s ectopic. I go in for an ultrasound on Tuesday morning, and was instructed to go to the ER if i start having severe cramps. > > I just want this to end. > > ☹ I’m so confused now…I thought the numbers rising was a good thing? How do they know it’s not viable? What indications do you have right now that make them believe it might be ectopic and not just the normal rise in numbers I thought you were looking for? I can’t even imagine the stress you are feeling right now…hope you are getting lots of hugs. ---
**Author:** ![ENugent](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/4af34b/32.png) [@ENugent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ENugent)\ **Post date:** [July 16, 2011, 5:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-pregnant-but-i-fear-its-doomed/587956/132 "2011-07-16T17:23:52Z")
> [@kittenblue](#): > > I’m so confused now…I thought the numbers rising was a good thing? How do they know it’s not viable? What indications do you have right now that make them believe it might be ectopic and not just the normal rise in numbers I thought you were looking for? Kittenblue, a normal beta hCG for a viable pregnancy should be doubling every 36-48 hours. Hers is going up, but so slowly that it’s unlikely to be a viable pregnancy. [Betabase](http://betabase.info) is a good source to get an idea of normal hCG levels. EmAnJ, I’m so sorry you’re going through this. I hope it doesn’t turn out to be ectopic. ---
**Author:** ![EmAnJ](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/d2c977/32.png) [@EmAnJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EmAnJ)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2011, 1:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-pregnant-but-i-fear-its-doomed/587956/133 "2011-07-17T01:04:19Z")
> [@ENugent](#): > > Kittenblue, a normal beta hCG for a viable pregnancy should be doubling every 36-48 hours. Hers is going up, but so slowly that it’s unlikely to be a viable pregnancy. [Betabase](http://betabase.info) is a good source to get an idea of normal hCG levels. > > EmAnJ, I’m so sorry you’re going through this. I hope it doesn’t turn out to be ectopic. Actually, they say 48 to 72 hours now, but even then, my numbers go up within range, but then stall, go up, stall, etc. In addition, I am over six weeks now, and my numbers should be significantly higher then they are, up in the thousands or even close to ten thousand. ---
**Author:** ![overlyverbose](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/9dc877/32.png) [@overlyverbose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/overlyverbose)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2011, 2:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-pregnant-but-i-fear-its-doomed/587956/134 "2011-07-19T14:43:06Z")
I’m worried that we haven’t heard an update. **EmAnJ** , are you ok? What happened? Let us know how you’re doing. ---
**Author:** ![Cat\_Whisperer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cat_whisperer/32/4839_2.png) [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2011, 4:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-pregnant-but-i-fear-its-doomed/587956/135 "2011-07-19T16:31:09Z")
{Checks} - She’s in for an ultrasound this morning - hopefully she’ll have some good news later today. ---
**Author:** ![Poysyn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/f4b2a3/32.png) [@Poysyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Poysyn)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2011, 5:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-pregnant-but-i-fear-its-doomed/587956/136 "2011-07-19T17:13:50Z")
I remember going to the doctor for a period that seemed to be going on far too long. he said since I was currently “trying” it was probably not a period, but a miscarriage and that I could go for a test to be sure. I did not go - I was already sad, why have it confirmed? ---
**Author:** ![EmAnJ](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/d2c977/32.png) [@EmAnJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EmAnJ)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2011, 7:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-pregnant-but-i-fear-its-doomed/587956/137 "2011-07-19T19:33:08Z")
Thanks for checking in guys! 🙂 Good news and bad news I guess. Good news is that they didn’t see anything in my tubes, and the tech said that not seeing anything in my tubes at this point means my risk of ectopic is very low. Bad news is that they also didn’t see anything in my uterus. He said my endometrium is thick (12 mm) and is indicative of a pregnancy, but no gestational sac was seen. I was sent back over to the clinic with the report and talked to my fertility doctor. She said there is still hope, and maybe I’m way earlier then we thought, but looking at when I tested positive on a pregnancy test, and when we had sex, and when I was away from home for a work committment, I should be over six weeks now. They have me dated at 6 weeks, 6 days and I have myself dated at 6 weeks, 2 days. She looked at my beta numbers again and said they were ‘ok’, and sent me for another blood test right after the appointment. I should hopefully have the results by the end of the day and that might tell more of a story. And of course, as soon as I left, I started cramping, and when I got to work and used the bathroom, there was red blood on the toilet paper. I had been spotting some brown blood, but this is the first red blood I’ve had. ---
**Author:** ![Cat\_Whisperer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cat_whisperer/32/4839_2.png) [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2011, 7:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-pregnant-but-i-fear-its-doomed/587956/138 "2011-07-19T19:37:01Z")
That’s a helluva roller coaster ride you’re on, there. Fingers still crossed! ---
**Author:** ![Sattua](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sattua/32/11906_2.png) [@Sattua](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sattua)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2011, 8:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-pregnant-but-i-fear-its-doomed/587956/139 "2011-07-19T20:02:43Z")
I’m not giving in to pessimism, here. I’m rooting for this baby to be viable and healthy and in the right place. “Ok” is okay! ---
**Author:** ![overlyverbose](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/9dc877/32.png) [@overlyverbose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/overlyverbose)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2011, 8:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-pregnant-but-i-fear-its-doomed/587956/140 "2011-07-19T20:24:29Z")
I’m so glad for you that it’s not ectopic! Let us know what happens. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-pregnant-but-i-fear-its-doomed/587956.md?page=6) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-pregnant-but-i-fear-its-doomed/587956.md?page=8)