Waiting to See If Its a Blighted Ovum-

Updated on March 31, 2012
I.X. asks from San Clemente, CA
10 answers

Today for my 8 week ultrasound the Dr. was not able to locate a baby. This exact same thing happened with my second daughter. Due to my tilted uterus, it was hard to find. Both times I was sent to the hospital for a stat ultra sound. With my daughter, the tech showed me the baby within 30 seconds. This time the tech said nothing, but took a million measurements. I'm waiting for the on-call dr. to call me with news. Anyone know what protocol is for ultrasound techs and if they actually follow it? I was told wither good news or bad news the tech would not be allowed to tell me anything. But, hospital policy or not, the last time this happened, like a said, the tech turned the screen and said, "here's your baby!" What do you think? Is this tech just following hospital policy to a "T" ? or is it surely bad news?

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C.W.

answers from Washington DC on

I can only tell you my experience. With baby #1, #2 and #4, the tech was very happy, showed me the baby, pointed out the heart, told me my due date, etc. With baby #3, she told me she wasn't allowed to say anything, that the machine couldn't calculate the due date and that the doctor would have to review it first. The doctor called me later that morning to tell me that they couldn't find anything and that I had to have a D & C. I hope that isn't the case with you, but I think they don't say anything if something is wrong. Maybe it is specific to the place that you have it done at? I was really upset because I went into work and if she had said something, I wouldn't have gone.

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☆.H.

answers from San Francisco on

That's pretty common policy with ultrasounds and scans. I don't think it's an indicator of your test results.

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R.M.

answers from Cumberland on

Times have changed and I'm sure she was just following hospital protocol. God bless you , Sweetheart-and all the Saints and Angels, too.

1 mom found this helpful
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S.W.

answers from Minneapolis on

I wish you well, but you won't know for sure until you hear back from your doctor.

I wish my tech would have done this. Mine blurted out "I'M SO SORRY!!" and then went on to whine about how "She's had three of these today" as if I was supposed to feel sorry for HER! SO unprofessional. The second pregnancy, the tech needed to do a vaginal ultrasound to find it, then showed me the tiny blip that was the heartbeat. That one miscarried a week or two later. The third one, I heard the heartbeat in the midwife's office at 8 weeks and everything went just fine from then on.

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L.M.

answers from Norfolk on

My second pregnancy was twins, and I had some spotting at 15 weeks. I went to the ER and was sent to ultrasound. The lab tech wasn't going to show me anything or really talk to me much, but I engaged her in conversation and she eventually let me see the screen. At that stage, I could see the two babies moving and hearts beating.

Hopefully, your tech was just a little more strict and everything is fine. Best wishes to you.

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A.C.

answers from Washington DC on

As a tech she's not qualified to tell you anything really. Which is why most hospitals have the protocol of don't say anything at all. They aren't doctors and aren't trained to read the ultrasounds (although most of them can after a couple of years on the job) they are only trained to administer them.

And giving you what they THINK the results are could get them fired and/or lose their certification/license.

It's not an indicator of bad news that this tech was actually doing her job correctly and following protocol. Hang in there and don't worry till there's something to worry about.

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M.P.

answers from Portland on

There is no way of knowing why the tech didn't show you the screen or talk about what she saw. I'd just hope for the best and wait to hear from the doctor. You should hear sometime tomorrow. You do at least know that there was something there for her to take measurements of. Measurements is a good sign.

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J.L.

answers from Los Angeles on

I wouldn't go off of anything the tech has done. They get in big trouble if they give you good news or bad news because what if they are wrong. They are trained to look not to interpret. My first baby was over 9lbs so for #2 the doc did an ultrasound 3 weeks before I was due to check on size. The tech would not tell me anything. And there were no concerns for anything but how big she might be. I was so mad. I know it is not easy but wait for the doc. Good news or bad the tech probably wouldn't be able to handle your reaction. It is usually not their thing. Hoping for the best for you!

S.S.

answers from Los Angeles on

I have had it go both ways when the tech wouldn't say anything. Best wishes.

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L.J.

answers from San Diego on

As reassuring as the previous tech was, they should have NOT told you what they did. The same that an x-ray tech should not tell you that you have a broken bone - that is the job of a radiologist. I can only hope the first tech was mistaken in why the US was being done, and thought it was just a routine screening. Even though I am a nurse, it is the doctor's place, NOT mine, to interpret lab results or any other test, no matter how experienced or accurate I am. Hopefully, you will get good news soon.

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