Is this normal?? I'm a bit worried.

[Marlene]

I have an ex work colleague that I chat to on FB...she is having her first baby.
She is 13 weeks pregnant.She went to the doctor or clinic (not sure) today and they listened for the heartbeat with the doppler...the doctor/nurse (not sure) couldn't find a heartbeat but said they could hear the placenta wooshing...that maybe the placenta is in the way of the heartbeat and that it's quite common, that if the placenta is working than everything must be fine. I have never heard of this and am finding myself not being able to stop thinking about it, it has me quite worried.

Is this normal...have I just never heard of it?
She told me she had a dating scan at about 5.5 weeks, and she hasn't had an ultrasound since.

[[M]umma[M]ia]

i didnt pick up Mia's HB with the doppler until i was 17 weeks. It is very normal and she may just have a placenta that is infront of bub. Dont stress, im sure everything is fine with her.

[Inanna]

Very common! That's why I cringe when I read of people with dopplers at home. Its very difficult at such a tiny size to get an accurate reading.
I wouldn't be too concerned - but you are a good friend for caring so much...

[Marlene]

Thanks girls! I think I was actually getting a bit confused about "seeing" an early HB on ultrasound and "hearing" it on a doppler, LOL. Duhhhh....I blame it on 10 months of no sleep...hehehe.
Now that I actually think about it, I have realised I was sillly to panic. Geeeez, you wouldn't think I have had 4 pregnancies, would you??

[Arimeh]

just shows how much a beautiful friend you are my dear!

[Maybebabie]

I heard the whoosing of the placenta on a doppler @16wks. She did find a heart beat but i never heard the whoosing with no#1.

i assumed it meant my plancenta would be out front but no it's at the back again.

[briggsy's girl]

the placenta sounds are quite distinct on the doppler even early on, and it's very reassuring for it to be heard

my doc wouldnt' even try for HB on doppler until i was 16 weeks as she admitted it's too hard to find in a lot of situations, and just stresses people. i appreciated her honesty...