Q&A: Is it normal to not be able to hear a heartbeat at 15 to 16 weeks?

by Dr. Gerard M. DiLeo

I had my 15/16 week appt. today. I am 15 weeks and 4 days pregnant. Today was the first time they had tried to listen for a heartbeat. They couldn't find one. They used 3 different dopplers on every inch of my stomach. They didn't seem to be concerned and said they would check at my next visit. I was wondering...Is it normal or at least a somewhat common occurence not to be able to hear a heartbeat at 15 to 16 weeks. I know you can hear a heartbeat as early as 10-12 weeks, but should not hearing one at 4 months be a concern?

I would worry until I heard them, certainly. Although what's been recommended for you is reasonable for some obstetricians, this can be quite a trying time for you while waiting for the next visit. If it's driving you crazy with worry, it wouldn't be unreasonable to ask your doctor for an ultrasound just to document fetal viability. If the ultrasound looks fine, then who cares what you can hear or not hear?

find more about:
related categories:
All the pregnancy info you need—from the first trimester to the last.
watch more videos