Quick reply needed please!

Published

Specializes in Gerontological Nursing, Acute Rehab.

My best friend went in for her first prenatal visit today, and there appears to be a problem with the baby. The doctor could not find the heartbeat, and the fetus was very small for the date of her LMP. She had to go in today for a HCG level, and was supposed to go in again on Saturday. Problem is, there are no labs that have any openings on Sat. to get a level drawn, and she is supposed to leave on Sunday for vacation. She asked me if she could go tomorrow (Friday) to have it done instead. I know that the HCG levels are supposed to double (or something like that) everyday that there is a viable pregnancy. My question is if she does get another level drawn on Friday, will it be able to tell her if the pregnancy is viable or not? Will the levels even change in 24 hours? She doesn't want to wait till Monday, because her kids have been counting down the days till vacation. Will they be able to tell anything with a samples taken 24 hours apart?

Thanks for any speedy replies!

Jennifer

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Gerontological Nursing, Acute Rehab.

:o :o

Just as I posted my OP, she came over and told me she passed a large clot and was bleeding.

Jennifer

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC/Behavioral/ Hospice.
My best friend went in for her first prenatal visit today, and there appears to be a problem with the baby. The doctor could not find the heartbeat, and the fetus was very small for the date of her LMP. She had to go in today for a HCG level, and was supposed to go in again on Saturday. Problem is, there are no labs that have any openings on Sat. to get a level drawn, and she is supposed to leave on Sunday for vacation. She asked me if she could go tomorrow (Friday) to have it done instead. I know that the HCG levels are supposed to double (or something like that) everyday that there is a viable pregnancy. My question is if she does get another level drawn on Friday, will it be able to tell her if the pregnancy is viable or not? Will the levels even change in 24 hours? She doesn't want to wait till Monday, because her kids have been counting down the days till vacation. Will they be able to tell anything with a samples taken 24 hours apart?

Thanks for any speedy replies!

Jennifer

How far along is she? It could just be a problem with dates. Some women have longer cycles and they may not be as far along as that little EDC wheel says. Also, if I remember right, the HCG levels are supposed to double every other day. It is not a hard and fast rule but it does show that there is a healthy amount of growth going on at the moment. I know it's easy for us to say but until she has more information, she needs to try not to worry. My thoughts go out to her. I hope that she hears good news soon.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC/Behavioral/ Hospice.

Oh no. I'm so sorry.:o

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

It sounds like an evitable spontaneous miscarriage. Having had a few of those myself, this really hits a sad chord in me for her. I am so sorry---it does sound like a loss to me. Please tell her how sorry I am, if indeed, a miscarriage is confirmed. I know the hell that is to go through. Please post us news, when you have it? I promise to check back.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Gerontological Nursing, Acute Rehab.
It sounds like an evitable spontaneous miscarriage. Having had a few of those myself, this really hits a sad chord in me for her. I am so sorry---it does sound like a loss to me. Please tell her how sorry I am, if indeed, a miscarriage is confirmed. I know the hell that is to go through. Please post us news, when you have it? I promise to check back.

I know what you mean, Deb, since I've been thru that myself, too. That's what it sounded like to me, but I didn't want her to lose what little hope that she had. But, since she's started bleeding, she knows that the inevitable has indeed happened. I so remember what that feels like....you are just in shock, and never expected something like this to have happened. At least it's happened now and not while she was on vacation with her whole family. At this early stage she shouldn't have a problem with heavy bleeding or cramping (at least I didn't). I feel for her because she just had the US done today and saw what we call her "little jellybean". The doctor was just so insensitive....not mean, but you can just tell he's had to say this so many times before so it's just routine for him. He was like that with me, too, during my miscarriage, that's why I just see the NP.

My heart breaks for her....I know how she feels.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

^I meant "inevitable" sorry.

And I again say, I am terribly sorry.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

Feel free to ask me if there is anything I can do. I hate that so many are insensitive to women miscarrying.....to some others, it's a ball of cells, or a clot or blob of useless and pathologic tissue.

To us, it was the loss of a child and a dream. Those having never been through pregnancy loss, have NO idea the pain we feel and carry with us each day since.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in PeriOp, ICU, PICU, NICU.
:o :o

Just as I posted my OP, she came over and told me she passed a large clot and was bleeding.

Jennifer

I am so sorry to read this :crying2:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Feel free to ask me if there is anything I can do. I hate that so many are insensitive to women miscarrying.....to some others, it's a ball of cells, or a clot or blob of useless and pathologic tissue.

To us, it was the loss of a child and a dream. Those having never been through pregnancy loss, have NO idea the pain we feel and carry with us each day since.

This is so true. Having had 2 misses myself, it is a drain on the heart and soul of so many women. It isn't often spoken about openly, either, which makes it even more difficult. Though I have noticed that when I've brought up my own miscarriages, women inevitably open up about their own experiences.

I'm so sorry to hear about your friend. A gift certificate for a massage or manicure/pedicure at a chi-chi salon might do a bit to help her spirits.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion