If you are experiencing a pregnancy symptom but have a positive pregnancy test but no baby on ultrasound, you might be wondering if the symptoms are related to your pregnancy.
It is recommended to wait a week or so after your last period before you have an ultrasound. However, some women may become pregnant as early as four weeks after ovulation, which means the pregnancy might be ectopic or tubal. If your test is positive, but there’s no baby on the ultrasound, you should seek a second opinion from another doctor. An empty pregnancy on ultrasound is often a sign of early miscarriage. Ideally, a woman should wait until she’s six weeks old for her first ultrasound. A positive pregnancy test does not necessarily mean the baby is in a place outside of the uterus. An empty ultrasound is usually a sign of pregnancy with complications. However, if the ultrasound is empty, it’s still a good idea to wait another couple of weeks for a second ultrasound.
A stowaway twin is another possible reason a baby doesn’t appear on an ultrasound. This can happen during or after delivery. While it is less common in modern ultrasound technology, it still happens. The twins don’t have much space to hide, and shy twins may hide behind a sibling in the sac. But it doesn’t mean that the baby isn’t there. Sometimes, it simply isn’t visible.
Another reason for a positive pregnancy test but no baby on ultrasound is an unfavorable condition known as a blighted ovum. When the egg fails to develop into an embryo, something goes wrong. The ovum does not develop properly and does not release pregnancy hormones. Instead, the placenta continues to secrete pregnancy hormones. Even if the egg has failed to develop, it can still be positive on an ultrasound.
If you notice irregular bleeding or missed periods, you should consult with a doctor. A health care provider can rule out other possible causes of missed periods and abnormal bleeding. A positive pregnancy test will help confirm your pregnancy and identify any complications. If you have any symptoms or concerns, report them to your healthcare provider as soon as possible. Your doctor can then help you decide what to do next.
