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We saw a flicker at 6+3 and I heard and saw a heartbeat at 6+6 and at that point E was measuring a day or two behind.

At a gestational age of 4 or 5 weeks which is also considered fetal development weeks 2 & 3 a vaginal US can "possibly" detect an audible heartbeat. Most physicians do not advise scans before 7 or 8 gestational weeks as that even at gestational age week 6 (* which equals a fetal age of 4 weeks), a fetal pole and a fetal heartbeat may be found but may be weak or difficult to locate. By weeks 7 or 8, it is easier to locate and there is less chance to misidentify as an "early loss." 8 weeks is, generally, the "gold standard."

Yes at 7 weeks you should see a heartbeat. My local clinic prefers anything over 8 weeks because then they do abd u/s vs transvaginal u/s. Maybe book then because 100% you will see a heartbeat then!!

Personally I would wait. With my son, my first appointment was around the six-week mark, and all I saw was a yolk sac. They said it was fine, but I'm similarly anxious and stressed until we did another US at eight weeks and all was fine. This second time around, I didn't schedule anything until eight weeks because I found that to be so stressful. Seven might have been fine, but I wanted to be extra safe.

I think you'd likely be able to see it at 7 weeks, but whether for sure may depend on the quality of the equipment and tech.

I've seen a hb at 6 weeks twice. First time they had to use a TV ultrasound. Second time, different practice that used a different ultrasound clinic (though in the same hospital). Better equipment and we saw it using an abdominal.

Honestly the reason I'd probably go with 8 weeks is that there is a spike in losses around 7 weeks, and then I think again around 10-11 weeks. If you make it to the 8 week mark, you're already past the first hump. My practice at least only does a dating scan and then NIPT bloodwork. I had to go in for a 6 week scan due to a history of molar pregnancy, but then had no idea until I could find the hb on my home doppler later whether the baby was still alive. I'd rather get some reassurance in the middle of the first tri, and also reduce the chance of being stuck in limbo, as if you see a slow heartbeat early, you have no idea whether it's just started beating or something is wrong... By eight weeks you know what it should be...

p.s. and based on the length of my response, I'm pretty sure I've seriously overthought this. First trimester limbo sucks.

@periwinklebee: This is a good point--eight weeks feels like a milestone, and it can be comforting to have an appointment at that time!

@Petitduck: big hugs I agree with the 8w reasoning of @periwinklebee: but it’s so hard to wait. First tri (especially with any issues/loss) is the worst.

@Petitduck: Sorry to hear about the emotional rollercoaster, and I cross my fingers and toes for you! I remember I bleed too and I don't remember about cramping. It was hard especially when they couldn't find any heartbeat at 7 wks for me, and I bleed maybe 1-2 days later. Hang in there and see what happens at 8 weeks. Warmest wishes....

@Petitduck: Aww I am so sorry. 5+4 would be kinda early. I think I went at 6 with my first and there was no heartbeat yet.

First off, crossing all my fingers and toes that everything goes amazing and your bub is perfect! My OB won't even see us until 12 weeks. I agree with the other posters to wait until at least until 8 weeks (and I know how hard that is truly!)