It depends on your age as well. When I first saw the heartbeat at about 6 weeks, I asked my RE for percentages because I was so worried about miscarrying (having just come off a chemical pregnancy). She said that based on my age (33), the risk had decreased to about 15%. Very sadly, we went on to miscarry after seeing the heartbeat again a couple of weeks later. Both times the bbm were within the average range. I hope you continue to remain optimistic, and agree with PP that there is very little you can do to prevent a miscarriage, but I think stats like 5% and 3% are misleading, unfortunately.

Yes your chances decrease, but I've also heard if you're going to miscarry there is really nothing you can do. Some people are predisposed to miscarry, most are not.

Still devastating none the less, but it helped DH and I get through the first trimester knowing that I was doing everything in my power for her!

Interesting list of miscarriage myths: http://www.pregnancyloss.info/myths.htm

The rate of the heart is important too. There was a great study done that at 7 weeks (exactly) the rate of the heart gives a strong indication of whether you would make it or not. If they heartbeat was over 120 your chance of miscarriage dropped to 3%. If below 120 you were very likely to miscarry. That is why a lot of RE will have a 7 week appointment.

Hearing a good strong heartbeat is a GREAT indicator.

The chances of miscarriage definitely decrease after hearing heartbeat (at least according to the RE I saw). . . .every day is a day closer!! Good luck!!

Anonymous wrote:Did you actually hear it or just see it?

Both.

Did you actually hear it or just see it?

Hang in there, OP. The initial days are hard. Another one with a chem pregnancy prior to this one. Heard heartbeat at 6 weeks and am now in the second trimester.

Good luck!

Anonymous wrote:OP, the stats you mention are the stats I've always heard. Not sure how reliable these sources are but here you go:

http://www.pregnancyloss.info/info-howcommon.htm
http://www.amazingpregnancy.com/pregnancy-articles/337.html

Congrats on your pregnancy!

Thank you!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Op here
I heard it via vaginal ultrasound. Why does it make a difference if it's heard through ultrasound vs. Doppler?

bc via Doppler u only get beyond 12 weeks and a 12 week fetus is much bigger and stronger than a 6 week one.

Well, yes the risk at 12 weeks is less than at 6 weeks, but there is a very significant drop of risk at 6 weeks.

Anonymous wrote:Op here
I heard it via vaginal ultrasound. Why does it make a difference if it's heard through ultrasound vs. Doppler?

bc via Doppler u only get beyond 12 weeks and a 12 week fetus is much bigger and stronger than a 6 week one.

OP, the stats you mention are the stats I've always heard. Not sure how reliable these sources are but here you go:

http://www.pregnancyloss.info/info-howcommon.htm
http://www.amazingpregnancy.com/pregnancy-articles/337.html

Congrats on your pregnancy!

Op here
I heard it via vaginal ultrasound. Why does it make a difference if it's heard through ultrasound vs. Doppler?

Actually I dont know that it does. I am assuming that at 6 weeks you "heard" it via sonogram. i though the risk only fully decreased after you hear it with a doppler at 10-12 weeks. lots of MC happen before 12 weeks.

Yes---not sure about actual percentages, but it does drop a lot once they hear the heartbeat.

I have had 2 chemical pregnancies prior to this pregnancy, so I am really nervous about losing this one.
Is it true that once you hear the heart beat your chances go down to 5%? Or is it after 12 weeks?