You sure were the happiest person on earth when you got your first positive pregnancy test. And anyone in your place is sure in the same boat. But in an early scan at eight weeks, you saw your baby’s growth is measuring only six weeks, and the fetal heart rate is also low; you might be thinking “I’m 8 weeks pregnant but measuring 6 weeks with slow heartbeat, should I be worried?”- Even though your first ultrasound at four weeks seemed all well.
This scan result can scare you to your core, but you need to stay positive and hope for the best. Because there might be other reasons for this ultrasound reading, and I am here to help figure out the reasons.
- Measuring small could be fine, heart rate over 100 is fine as well.
- It is OK for baby to measure behind sometimes.
- It is possible that the measurement was inaccurate. Be patient and wait till the next scan, to see the updated growth rate.
- You could ovulated late.
Let’s dive through the following article to know why 8 weeks pregnant would measure 6 weeks with slow heartbeat.
What Are The Reasons on 8 Weeks Pregnant But Measuring 6 Weeks With Slow Heartbeat?
Usually, it is not recommended to get an early scan of the baby, but sometimes parents like to be sure of the pregnancy, see the baby’s growth, and know the due date, so they consult the OB/GYN and get one. If you see brown spotting during pregnancy, then you should go for a scan to see if everything is okay.
A small baby can be a normal thing because of different growth factors in people, but if a baby’s heartbeat is slow in the scan, then it is something to be concerned about.
Before getting all tensed and freaked out about your unborn baby’s growth, you should calm down and look forward to your doctor’s advice regarding this matter. But here, let me help you find out the reason why your baby measured small in the ultrasound.
Read below to know more about this.
Miscalculated Cycle
The reason you got six weeks reading at eight weeks is that you might have calculated your cycle wrong. We know that ovulation happens on the 14th day from the last period date or any day around it. But only a few people know that women can get pregnant at any point in their cycle.
You have a higher chance of getting pregnant during your ovulation, and that’s completely true, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get pregnant during your pre-ovulation or post-ovulation phases. The possibility is very low, but it can still happen. So, if that’s the case, then you might just be calculating your date wrong.
And that’s why your baby might measure small and get a reading of a slower heartbeat which is right for the age. Just sit back, relax and wait for your next scan to see if everything is fine.
Lack Of Oxygen And Nutrients
If your little sunshine doesn’t get enough oxygen and nutrients in the womb according to their need, then it might be a reason for reading your baby at six weeks at an 8-week scan. The baby’s body and organs do not expand as much as they should when the unborn baby does not obtain enough oxygen or nutrients throughout pregnancy.
The amount of blood that goes through the placenta is limited by some of the issues that cause newborns to be tiny for gestational age. This may result in the baby receiving less oxygen than usual. This puts the infant in greater danger during pregnancy, delivery, and later.
Physical Problems With Mother
Sometimes mother’s physical problems can lead to the baby’s slow heartbeat and growth. If you have malnutrition or anemia, diabetes, high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease, heart disease, or respiratory disease, or if you weigh less than 100 pounds, then this can be a reason for your baby measuring small at the ultrasound.
And alcohol or drug use and cigarette smoking can also be harmful to your baby and its growth. Avoid these harmful substances during your pregnancy.
Problems With The Developing Baby
Sometimes because of multiple pregnancies, such as twins or triplets, infection, birth defects, chromosome problems, etc., and some reasons your baby can measure smaller than its age. Check up with your OB/GYN to know more about this.
Genetical Concerns
If both parents are of short height, then the baby can also get it genetically from them. And the baby measuring small in the ultrasound reading is quite normal. There is no need to worry about that. The baby’s health is not at risk in this case.
But this is something to worry about if the baby has a low heartbeat. Then you should consult your doctor and find out more about the issue.
Possibility Of Missed Miscarriage
If any factors mentioned above are not applicable, then there is a chance that this might not end up in a viable pregnancy. Every parent builds up their expectation about a healthy baby after the first positive test. The whole process of pregnancy is like a roller coaster for the mothers. And if the mother already has a history of a few miscarriages, then the probability is quite higher in this crucial case.
But generally, the first trimester is a very crucial time. Even doctors suggest staying safe and cautious during this period because missed miscarriage is a very common factor at this time. If you got a 6-week reading and slow heartbeat at eight weeks, then your doctor probably has already suggested a follow-up scan within a few weeks.
At the follow-up ultrasound, you will get to see the actual condition of the baby. If you see slower heart rate and growth at the second scan, too, then maybe you should be ready for a miscarriage and not hold hope with the pregnancy. We know it can be very hard but sometimes giving fake hope is worse than anything else.
An early scan can’t tell everything about a baby. So, you need to stay positive and hope for the best because stress is not good for the baby at all.
Is Possibility of Miscarriage High If Baby’s Heart Rate Is Slow?
Every parent wants to hear their baby’s heartbeat at the beginning of the pregnancy to be sure there’s a human being growing inside the mother. According to Pregnancy Treasures and Boutiques, a baby’s heart rate should be 90-110 bpm. Lower than that can be considered a slow heartbeat.
The low heart rate does lead to the possibility of miscarriage even more, but miracles can also happen. There are a lot of mothers out there who were in a similar situation but gave birth to healthy babies without any complications. So, stay strong and hope for the best outcome.
And even if the miscarriage happens, there is no need to be disheartened. You can get pregnant again with a completely healthy rainbow baby who will make you forget the storm you have been through before. We know the waiting game can be very long and hectic, but it will be worth it when you see your baby’s face.
Stay positive even if you’re 8 weeks pregnant but measuring 6 weeks with slow heartbeat
Hope we could help you with your query about being 8 weeks pregnant, but the baby is measuring 6 weeks with a slow heartbeat. Now that I tried to cover all your concerns, there is no need to be so worried that your baby measured small. Because it’s not good for your baby, try to stay positive and hope for the best. Be sure to stay in touch with your doctor. And best of luck with your future endeavors. Hugs 💗💗💗
More to Read:
- Is My Baby Hungry When I’m Hungry During Pregnancy?
- Why Is My Pregnant Belly Soft When I Lay Down – What You Should Know
- Why Does My Pregnant Belly Look Smaller Some Days?
- Can You Crack Your Back While Pregnant – Is It Safe?
- Pregnant and Scared of Life Changing – Guide to Overcome
