Is it normal to have no fetal heartbeat or fetal bud at 47 days of pregnancy?

Jul 17, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I've been pregnant for over a month, specifically 47 days. However, during the prenatal examination, the fetal heartbeat and embryo were still not visible. Doctor, is it normal not to see the fetal heartbeat and embryo at 47 days of pregnancy?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhao Xiaodong
It is generally normal to not observe fetal heartbeat or fetal pole at 47 days of pregnancy. This mainly relates to the woman's menstrual cycle, timing of ovulation, and when the fertilized egg was formed. If the menstrual cycle is longer or ovulation occurs later, the formation of the fertilized egg may also be delayed, resulting in a later appearance of the fetal heartbeat and fetal pole. Normally, the fetal pole appears between 40 to 50 days of pregnancy, while the fetal heartbeat typically emerges between 50 to 60 days. Therefore, the absence of a fetal heartbeat or fetal pole at 47 days of pregnancy may simply indicate that it is too early, and it is recommended to wait a while longer and undergo a follow-up examination. However, if there is still no fetal heartbeat or fetal pole after waiting, or if there are accompanying symptoms such as vaginal bleeding or abdominal pain, prompt medical attention is necessary to rule out abnormalities such as embryonic arrest. During this period, the pregnant woman should maintain a positive mindset, follow medical advice for prenatal checkups, and ensure adequate intake of nutrients like folic acid to support the healthy development of the fetus. For further assistance, please consult a healthcare professional.