HomeAnswersObstetrics and GynecologyheartbeatWhy could the doctor not find my baby's heartbeat?

The doctor cannot find the baby's heartbeat. Should I be concerned?

Share

The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At May 15, 2018
Reviewed AtJanuary 18, 2024

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

My wife is 49 days pregnant. Today we met our doctor. He said that the fetal size is 0.2 inches, but still, there is no heartbeat felt. The doctor asked us to wait for one more week. Is it normal? Please clarify my doubt. My wife is worried about this. This is our second baby.

Answered by Dr. Balakrishnan R

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Your doctor has given you the right advice. You are calculating the gestational age as per her last periods. But let me tell you that you can never predict when her ovulation was. There are two possibilities:

1. Either the baby is still small and yet to grow to the size at which the heartbeat is seen. So, by waiting for seven to 10 days, the baby may grow and will have a heartbeat on the scan. This does not mean the baby has a problem.

2. Or the baby's size is smaller than the scan machine's sensitivity.

Unless the baby's heartbeat is seen, we cannot say it is healthy. So just wait and pray well. If the baby is not healthy, the next scan will show the baby smaller than the previous one, and the heartbeat will not be seen.

Hope I have clarified your query. Do write back if any more queries.

All the best.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Balakrishnan R
Dr. Balakrishnan R

Obstetrics and Gynecology

Community Banner Mobile
By subscribing, I agree to iCliniq's Terms & Privacy Policy.

Read answers about:

pregnancyovulationheartbeat

Ask your health query to a doctor online

Obstetrics and Gynecology

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy