What if they can not see a fetus on the ultrasound?

There are a few reasons why a fetus may not be visible on an ultrasound.

* Early pregnancy. If you are very early in your pregnancy, the fetus may be too small to see on an ultrasound. The earliest that a fetus can usually be seen on an ultrasound is about 5 weeks and 6 days after the first day of your last menstrual period (LMP).

* Implantation location. The fetus implants in the uterine lining, and if the implantation occurs low in the uterus, it may be difficult to see on an ultrasound.

* Body habitus. If you are overweight or obese, it may be more difficult to see the fetus on an ultrasound. This is because the extra fat tissue can block the sound waves from the ultrasound machine.

* Uterine fibroids. Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that can occur in the uterus. If fibroids are present, they can block the sound waves from the ultrasound machine and make it difficult to see the fetus.

* Other medical conditions. Certain medical conditions, such as a tilted uterus or a retroverted uterus, can make it difficult to see the fetus on an ultrasound.

If your doctor cannot see a fetus on your ultrasound, they may order additional tests to confirm whether you are pregnant. These tests may include a blood test to measure your hCG levels or a repeat ultrasound.

In some cases, a fetus may not be visible on an ultrasound even if you are pregnant. This is known as a missed abortion. Missed abortions are rare, but they can be a devastating experience. If you have a missed abortion, your doctor will discuss your options with you, which may include surgery or medication to remove the fetus.