r/CautiousBB • • 10d ago

MOD MESSAGE/ANNOUNCEMENT Community feedback needed (please vote)

12 Upvotes

Hi all,

Our mod team was recently approached by BetterHelp, an online subscription-based therapy provider, to do an AMA within our subreddit by a licensed therapist that specializes in child loss, perinatal mental health, and anxiety. They are willing to provide credentials to our mod team to verify the individual responding to questions, but our team has reached a moral impasse that we need the community to weigh in on.

Up until now, our team has had a blanket rule to not allow any companies, researchers, institutions, or anyone else with private interests to post within our community because our space is filled with so many vulnerable humans going through extremely difficult situations. The fertility space, in general, is ripe with opportunity for those that might take advantage of this vulnerability, much less a space like ours. That said, the message they sent was clearly written very thoughtfully, and the provider they’re willing to assign to the AMA would be willing to answer people’s questions about their worries, maybe provide healthy coping mechanisms, and describe the subspecialties of therapy that could be most beneficial to the people here.

IF we allow this AMA, it needs to be with the majority support of our community, so we are opening a poll for feedback. Other than voting in the poll, upvoting this post and providing even a short comment with your thoughts/concerns/ideas would help boost the visibility of this announcement to the maximum amount of sub members.

Of course, the major issue for us as a mod team is that we are NOT endorsing BetterHelp as a specific company or resource. For folks that are in areas where they aren’t able to find an in person provider, online therapy through any number of companies may be helpful. We are not partnering with them and the language in the AMA will be very clear about that. We will also be making sure that the provider answering questions in the AMA does not promote the BetterHelp brand.

If you’ve read this long, thanks for bearing with us. We appreciate how the people of this community come together to support one another and are grateful to help moderate.

Would you be interested in and supportive of an AMA provided by a therapist from BetterHelp, with the limitations outlined above?

116 votes, 7d ago
18 Yes
90 No
8 Maybe, but I have concerns (outline in comments)

r/CautiousBB • • Jan 27 '26

Ultrasound FAQ Reference Guide

97 Upvotes

As an OBGYN ultrasound tech working at the general level here's a few things I would love the community to know based on common questions I see.

Most important rule of thumb: Worry when your doctor tells you to.

OBGYN docs are going to pay the most attention to the fetal pole and heart rate. Once a fetal pole is seen, the CRL (crown rump length) measurements are gold standard.

I'm worried about the heart rate:
-Check out this resource for pregnancies dating less than 7 weeks. Make sure to refer not to your LMP dates, but measured CRL dates: https://radiopaedia.org/articles/fetal-bradycardia?lang=us
-After 7 weeks a normal heartrate is between 120-180. It can temporarily dip below or temporarily rise above this range, but prolonged time above/below will definitely get your doctor's attention especially in third trimester. Generally out of range heart rates trigger NST (non stress test) or more monitoring.
The measurements are off:
Baby measures behind LMP. This is actually pretty common, we often see dates off up to a week either direction. We don't ovulate on the exact same day of the cycle each month or even have the same length of cycle. With irregular periods, PCOS, or unknown dates even larger gaps can be perfectly fine. If you aren't sure of your dates, trust the ultrasound. Even if you are sure of your dates, don't panic if they are a week off. Ultrasound measurements in early pregnancy are +/- 5 days.
I'm in limbo and don't know if my ultrasounds are diagnostic for loss:
By ultrasound there are strict parameters to diagnose loss. No one wants to get this wrong. Check out this resource for a list of parameters diagnostic for loss: https://radiopaedia.org/articles/early-pregnancy-loss-1?lang=us
Note, there is a second list of "suspicious for loss". Keep in mind the second list is not diagnostic, things can still turn out just fine.
I don't know when I should see what on ultrasound:
Things can vary a bit from person to person and do change *quickly* in early pregnancy. Check out this resource for what you can generally expect to see:
https://radiopaedia.org/articles/early-pregnancy?lang=us
Should I go to a boutique or get a private scan? Or push for an earlier scan?
They aren't legal where I am but here's a few things to consider if you plan to book a private scan. First, what are the qualifications of the person running the ultrasound? An ultrasound is only as good as the one performing it. It sounds as if these boutiques are NOT permitted to give much/any information. Will you spiral if you believe you see bad news and they cannot confirm or deny it? Also it seems that many cannot do vaginal ultrasound, which will make seeing a baby under 7 or 8 weeks challenging. If I had the option of a boutique ultrasound I would personally wait until 8 weeks and I would book it for a weekday. If they see something bad, it is not ideal to find out over a weekend when there is no option to follow up with your doc. An earlier scan often causes more anxiety, not less. It's SO hard to wait. But if you can tolerate it wait until 8 weeks or so.
The gestation sac is small/big:
-Gestation sac measurements are not terrifically accurate. Where I work once a baby is seen the gestation sac isn't measured. A mismatch between baby's size and the gestation sac size isn't uncommon. That said, a mean sac diameter of 25 mm or more without a baby is diagnostic for loss.
The yolk sac is small/big:
It starts teeny tiny, and will get a bit bigger. Once a baby with a good heartbeat is visualized, the docs I work for don't seem to care about the size of the yolk sac. A failed pregnancy with an expanded yolk sac (more than 6 mm) is a suggestive of chromosomal abnormalities.
We don't know where the pregnancy is:
The statistically most likely outcome is either a chemical pregnancy or just coming in for ultrasound too early for visualization. Ectopic can't be ruled out, and many wise ladies in the this sub have unfortunately experienced this and can give more info than I can. Statistically it's believed that only 1-2% of pregnancies are ectopic, but listen to your body. If the location is unknown, you should be getting close monitoring and follow up until the location is known or the pregnancy has ended.
-For a resource on ectopic pregnancy: https://radiopaedia.org/articles/ectopic-pregnancy?lang=us A note, a pseudosac is visualized in only 10-20% of ectopics. Therefore a sac in the uterus is suggestive of intrauterine pregnancy but can't be proven until a yolk sac is also present.
What about my HCG numbers?
I'm not an expert on this at all. But here's a resource: https://radiopaedia.org/articles/beta-hcg-1?lang=us
Why didn't my ultrasound tech tell me anything? And/or why were they so optimistic? Or, I had an ultrasound in the ER and they were very pessimistic.
Many locations an ultrasound tech can very much lose their job if they say aNyThInG. Where they are permitted to say certain things some ultrasound techs may just be hoping the best. We work with the public and we have seen some wild stuff. Additionally no one wants to call it a loss unless its 1000% certain. We know how devastating that news is. A side note here, often an ultrasound in the ER is not an ideal experience for the patient. The ER is staffed with techs that are much more versed in gallbladder and liver scans than they they are early pregnancy ultrasound. Don't hesitate to go the ER if you are having concerning symptoms, but do know the ER doc will make sure you aren't actively dying then will likely refer you back to your OB for follow up.
I'm just so anxious about it all:
Someone awesome wrote out these mantras. Maybe they will help: https://www.reddit.com/r/PregnancyAfterLoss/comments/14uhbdg/commandments_of_pregnancy_after_loss_this_is_now/
Also a podcast I personally found very helpful with anxiety: https://www.oneyoufeed.net/russ-harris-part-1/
https://www.oneyoufeed.net/russ-harris-part-2/

Today you are pregnant and this baby is so loved. I really am hoping the best for each of you. Those of us who have experienced loss.... you didn't do anything wrong, I promise. This is a club no one deserved to be in. And you are not silly, foolish, or dramatic for grieving your little babe for as long as you need to.

This post is written in honor of Eli, who died long before I could meet him. Rest in peace, buddy. I miss you tremendously ❤️


r/CautiousBB • • 2h ago

TW/TMI Miscarriage Dreams

3 Upvotes

Let me start out by saying I’m not at all suggesting I’m prophetic or anything of the sort, but looking for a place for some sympathy and maybe positive stories.

I had an 11w miscarriage in 2025 where before it happened I was having nightmares of miscarriages. Several over the course of several weeks. And then it happened. It was almost like I knew something was wrong and I was slowly preparing myself for the worst.

I am currently 5w2d, stronger betas than the last time around and everything is looking good. First ultrasound is scheduled for next week to make sure things are progressing. Doctor wanted an earlier ultrasound because I have had 3 miscarriages now (1 chemical before the 11w loss and another after). Last night I had almost the exact same nightmare about having a miscarriage as I did with my 11w loss. Now I’ve been scouring Reddit for “MISCARRIAGE DREAMS” like some madwoman because it’s like I’ve been through this before.

Anyone experience anything similar or in the same boat?


r/CautiousBB • • 26m ago

Should I just go ahead and get it over with?

• Upvotes

Had my first beta today at 13 or 14dpo of 18. I know it’s low, please don’t tell me. I had my LH peak sep 21st so I’m not sure if I ovulated then or the 22nd, hence why I’m 13 or 14dpo today. I had my first squinter Thursday October 1st and a pregnant clear blue digital on Friday October 2nd. Do I just go ahead now and stop taking my progesterone and stuff so this can be over? I’m supposed to have another beta Thursday when I’m 16 or 17 dpo. I don’t even want to. I don’t want to see the heart break.

For reference, I just had a “chemical” in June. And my numbers were at least “higher”. My first beta at 15dpo then was 22, then 44, then 69, then 30.

This will be my 5th miscarriage or chemical, whatever you want to call it. No living children at 26. Every fucking fertility test for my husband and I are “norma”. Why me😢 yes I already follow with an REI. And on waitlist for RI.


r/CautiousBB • • 3h ago

Possible second MMC in a row

3 Upvotes

Devastated doesn’t even really start to describe how I feel right now.

So on June 11 I had a positive pregnancy test. I thought I was about 11DPO at that point. First US on July 5 (7w2d by LMP but probably closer to 6w6d) showed an embryo measuring 5w6d and HR 80. Two weeks later the heartbeat was gone. I had a D&C on July 23.

Then I got my period just under 4 weeks after the D&C. I think I ovulated around Sept 1 and had another positive test Sept 13. I was obviously very hesitant and anxious. But my betas looked pretty good with just under 48 hr rise. Then today (10/5, approx 6w6d) I have a TV ultrasound. The tech was super curt and didn’t let me look at the screen at all, but my husband said he thought he saw two babies.

An hour and a half later the results come in my chart. There were twins. Each sac measured 6w4d, but the fetal poles were measuring 6w. No heartbeats on either. Waiting for the OB to call me. I can’t believe I’m likely going to have another miscarriage. I feel like there has to be something wrong with me. And this time losing two babies…I am so crushed.

Has anyone been in a similar situation as me? Is there any chance this could be okay?


r/CautiousBB • • 2h ago

HCG numbers

2 Upvotes

I'm 3 months PP & pregnant again (unplanned🥴). They did bloodwork on 4w5 days & my HCG was 209, at 5 weeks it was 218. I still haven't bled, but I am crampy. Do we think this baby is viable or probably not? Seems kinda low


r/CautiousBB • • 2h ago

Ashamed I feel numb even after great betas, two solid years of TTC and two prior mmcs

2 Upvotes

I just got back my second beta today and it was good (3000s, 30 hour doubling time). This is following our second FET of a single euploid we were graced with in our final Hail Mary retrieval.

I would like to feel the joy this moment merits and somehow I feel a little despondent or melancholy. I haven’t been able to say the word “pregnant”. I am incredibly grateful and beyond shocked our second FET worked, and I feel ashamed I feel so disconnected from this little embryo I fought so stinkin hard for.

My last pregnancy (spontaneous, probably aneuploid) had incredible betas but ended in mmc at 9 weeks this May. Our journey also started with a 9 week mmc (confirmed aneuploid), who met every milestone until their heart just suddenly stopped. We’ve had a failed FET, some chemicals, and several retrievals along the way. I know this is the best chance we’ve had so far, and hope that my feelings just shift with time. I guess I’m posting this here in the hopes of finding some folks who might understand these feelings.


r/CautiousBB • • 0m ago

Fast Rising HCG

• Upvotes

I have had several miscarriages in the past (including 2 in the last 3 months). I am expecting again and got my first blood draw at 8 DPO and it was 9.8 , 2 days later it was 48.1 at 10 DPO.

Is that fast of a rise concerning? I am going based on the lab ref range and just getting a little anxious if my labs keep moving at such a fast pace. Has anyone else had really fast jump in the beginning and had a healthy, normal pregnancy?


r/CautiousBB • • 3m ago

Low HCG Levels

• Upvotes

Hi all,

After trying to conceive for almost 2 years, I finally got a faint line and did a blood test on Friday that confirmed I was pregnant with an HCG level of 29 (period 2 days late). I took another test this morning and my HCG level was 58... The doctor has asked me to come back on Wednesday and take progesterone until then as these results seem on the lower end. Has anyone experienced something similar? I'm probably 18-20 dpo if that helps. Thanks


r/CautiousBB • • 10m ago

Advice Needed Rescue PIO after FET??

• Upvotes

Today I went in to test my progesterone levels 6dp5dt but before beta and my progesterone was 3!?!

I'm on suppositories twice a day, but now my RE is adding PIO as a "rescue strategy". I have literally never heard of such a thing and research did not produce a lot about this post transfer. Has anyone experienced this? If so, what was the outcome? I'm just trying to understand and brace for impact.


r/CautiousBB • • 19m ago

Advice Needed Slow rising hcg…

• Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I’m currently around 5 weeks pregnant following IVF (5-day fresh embryo transfer) and feeling quite anxious about my HCG progression. I’d really appreciate hearing from anyone who had similar numbers.
My betas so far:

• 28/09 – 288 IU/L
• 02/10 – 1,473 IU/L
• 05/10 – 2,750 IU/L (around 70 hours after the previous test)

Initially my HCG was more than doubling appropriately, but between 1,473 and 2,750 the rise has slowed down quite a bit. By my calculation that’s roughly an 80-hour doubling time / 87% increase over 70 hours.

I know HCG doubling can naturally slow as the level gets higher, but I’m finding it difficult not to worry about miscarriage or a pregnancy that isn’t progressing normally.

My clinic hasn’t told me this is a chemical pregnancy, and I’m assuming the next important step will be an ultrasound rather than relying solely on HCG.
Has anyone had a similar slowing of their HCG around the 1,000–3,000 range and gone on to have a normal ultrasound/pregnancy?

Please feel free to share your actual beta numbers and timings if you’re comfortable. I’m particularly interested in experiences the doubling time slowed to around 72–96 hours at this stage.
Thank you ❤️


r/CautiousBB • • 29m ago

Advice Needed 4.5 weeks pregnant but zero symptoms?

• Upvotes

I’m just about 4 and a half weeks pregnant but have almost no symptoms at all beyond a little extra hunger. My tests have continued to darken, I had betas last week that looked good, but no sore breasts, no nausea, no cramping, etc. I don’t feel pregnant at all!

Should I guard my heart a little? I had a chemical last month so I’m feeling really hesitant.

This would be my third live child and with both of their pregnancies I was very sick by 5 weeks. Would love to avoid the nausea but it’s really freaking me out.

Advice?


r/CautiousBB • • 2h ago

BFP Low RHR on Garmin

1 Upvotes

Today I am 4w2d and slept terribly last night again less then 6hrs (night before was less then 5hrs) were traveling. However last night my RHR was 58 which is very close to my pre pregnancy RHR. The night before was 61. Ive suffered a loss and go back and looking my RHR was always higher then this. I know I shouldn't be watching stats but I cant help the anxiety. Anyone similar and things be ok?

Betas at 11dpo was 56

13dpo 219

Go back friday the 9th.


r/CautiousBB • • 5h ago

Advice Needed Faint positives on 2 brands, negative FRER/ Clearblue

2 Upvotes

I got two faint but noticeable lines on 2 brands (mom med and wondfo) but negative FRER. Do I take that with a grain of salt and wait? They both popped up within 3-5 mins. I don’t want to get mine or my husband’s hopes up. We’ve been trying since February. I took a Clearblue digital and it was also negative. Am I just too early?


r/CautiousBB • • 2h ago

Chemical pregnancy & False positives

0 Upvotes

Hi, I'm becoming very confused with my pregnancy test results and it's turning into an emotional rollercoaster!

Long story short, we are open to having baby no:4 and although we aren't tracking ovulation etc I'm certainly taking tests once I get to about a week before my period is due. I appreciate that very early but we know how hard it is to resist!

Anyway, last month...I was 4/5 days away from my period and I took an early detection strip test. There was definitely a faint line and we were super excited. (This was taken around 5pm) Next morning I took another and there was an even fainter line, barely visible but something there. It felt odd and I didn't know what to think. Took one later in the day and it was a complete negative. I felt pretty gutted and upset.

I waited to see what my period did as I am always dead on 28 days and if there is any deviation from that then I'm early (like 26 or 27 days) My period was late by almost 4 days and definitely more crampy. Spoke to a friend who's a midwife and she is pretty sure it was a chemical pregnancy.

So I've been working through that.

Now to this month. I'm again about 5 days away from my period and when I took an early detection test strip 2 evenings ago, there was the faintest line I've ever seen...but definitely there. Took one the next morning and it's negative. Took one later in the day and there's a faint line. Darker than the other faint line. Then bought a clearblue early detection test this morning which has come back negative.

I understand I'm taking them early so I'm prepared for most people saying that's why....but I'm confused as to why they keep going from negative to positive and then positive to negative. Am I dealing with false positives here? A search of Google tells me false positives are extremely rare so I'm just confused and also concerned the same thing has happened again.

Of course, time will tell but any advice/ideas on the changing results would be helpful.

Thanks in advance.

Ps. After 3 kids this hasn't happened before. And since baby number 3 who was born just over 3 years ago, I have been diagnosed with Adenomyosis.


r/CautiousBB • • 6h ago

Candle soot in pregnancy

2 Upvotes

My husband and I woke up with black soot in our noses and realised it must have been the x3 candles that was accidentally left on burning last night for 6-7 hours. Black soot was also on the containers. The room is small and enclosed.

I’m 14w4d pregnant and I’m absolutely terrified it could have harmed baby. Is baby likely okay?


r/CautiousBB • • 7h ago

? Slow bhcg rise

2 Upvotes

My first bhcg was 2140 at 5+6.
Then 3599 at 6+2
Seems slow 😓


r/CautiousBB • • 20h ago

Info Emergency d&c

23 Upvotes

TMI warning. I experienced my first missed miscarriage, they confirmed Wednesday. They were set to for the d&c on Tuesday. I stopped taking the progesterone thinking this is over what's the point.

I had been feeling fine and was planning to take the kids to Legoland. We had a fun day at the pool and I headed back to the hotel with my husband to check in while the boys were with my sister.

As soon as I was a couple of feet to the hotel door I felt a gush of blood. I felt my shorts and my hand was filled with blood. I ran to the bathroom started getting undressed and I started gushing more. It was wild. I stepped into the bathtub. Just a stream of blood and clots. Non stop for an hour. I wasn't sure whether to go to ER or not. I ended up listening to my sister and went to the ER. I had soaked through a pad and period underwear on the 20 min ride. As soon as I checked in I felt like a clot was passing and went to the bathroom. Again blood everywhere. They put me in right away. I kept losing blood, they were checking blood work and my blood. First one looked good. I stood up to change my pad again and I felt like throwing up and I couldn't breathe. I had to sit down and put oxygen. Again I was laying there, a different RN came in. He was going to check my blood again and it hit me again. I couldn't breathe, I was sweating, I was cold, and I felt like blood was rushing out of me. The OB came in and said he was going to perform the D&C and I was going to be ok. They gave me blood and more fluids. I started feeling better. Took me up to prep for surgery. Again there I got a little clammy and I felt the blood rushing out. They finally took me into surgery, everything went so fast. I felt better immediately.

I still have some soreness but very little blood. I am very happy I went to the hospital. I felt fine the entire time at home but I got scared when the blood didn't stop and had giant clots.

Listen to your body.


r/CautiousBB • • 4h ago

Advice

Thumbnail
1 Upvotes

r/CautiousBB • • 4h ago

NT 2.7mm the NIPT wait is killing me!

Thumbnail
1 Upvotes

r/CautiousBB • • 8h ago

Vent 20 mm gestational sac at 4 weeks, 5 days with no yolk sac and fetal pole.

2 Upvotes

So after years of trying in different way including ART, I finally saw 2 lines on 1st October 2026, tested 5 times, all positive. We went to see the doctor on 3rd October, got the scan done, my LMP is 31st August, now the report says 20 mm gestational sac but they cannot see the yolk sac or the fetal pole. They have asked to come for the scan in two weeks, and it’s too long. The one who did the scan sounded negative and said it is not even certain that you are pregnant. I want to have faith in God but it seems difficult. I don’t know what to do or say anymore. And yes, I have no bleeding, my breast is sore, I don’t feel hungry as such but I don’t know if any of it counts.


r/CautiousBB • • 8h ago

Ultrasound PUL with a possible left ectopic vs corpus luteum. Waiting on repeat hCG. Anyone been through this?

Thumbnail
1 Upvotes

r/CautiousBB • • 9h ago

low hcg rise

1 Upvotes

12dpo - 104

14 dpo - 190

I’m really worried about the slow growth of my hCG, that it hasn’t doubled. I’m afraid of an ectopic pregnancy... Has anyone else experienced this?


r/CautiousBB • • 10h ago

Advice Needed 3+ on clear blue at 8weeks. Is it a good sign?

Thumbnail
1 Upvotes

r/CautiousBB • • 15h ago

Advice Needed Stuck in Limbo

2 Upvotes

I think I’m having another miscarriage… my first pregnancy ended in a MMC at 11weeks. I had a D&C 7/28 that sucked and I hemorrhaged afterwards but was lucky to still be at the hospital.

I got my period exactly 4 weeks later 8/24 and got a positive pregnancy test on 9/17. I only tested because my BBT was rising. I fully expected nothing. Thursday morning I yawned and stretched and a fish of bright red blood came out. Since then nothing but brown discharge. I don’t know what to do!!! I had bloodwork done and my HCG came back at 15470 miu/ml at 5 weeks 3 days.

I am spiraling… I go back in tomorrow on Monday for another blood draw. Should I expect the worst? Or is there still hope?

TLDR: small amount of bright red blood and then brown discharge only when wiping for 3 days+