Why? Because women who are terrified that their babies are going to die are far, far more likely to do anything that’s asked of them “for the sake of the baby.” Then, when the baby comes out healthy and fine, she can fawn over her savior doctor and he gets to bask in the glory of rescuing the newborn from the death-clutches of its mother’s womb.

So, in your opinion what he should have said is, “I don’t see anything wrong. Chances are you will still be pregnant a week from now.” ?
I read the baby will live for a week and heard this baby has a problem that is incompatitble with life. She will be born and live approximately one week before passing away. Maybe it is because every day there is another horrible statement here and recently we have had “What did you do!” I like your interpretation much better, but this doctor needs to take a communications class. OTOH, Mom (or any patient) should have the balls to look at the doctor straight in the eye and ask just exactly what does that mean rather than meekly slink away or let the doctor leave the room without explaining. If you don’t understand what the doctor said, stop him or her and ask. Go in with the assumption that “I am a bright and intelligent woman. There is no reason that it would take more than another 20 seconds to make sure I understand my condition and I deserve to be treated as an equal.” I do this all the time. There is absolutely no reason why anybody should be afraid to say, “Now once again in English please” or “Is that a good thing or a bad thing?” or whatever it takes to point out to Dr. Big Bang Theory that what he just said made no sense if you don’t know the secret code words. No responsible physician would speak in such circular logic and expect to be understood. The fact that an ER doctor’s prime responsiblity is to keep you alive long enough to get you to the right kind of specialist really shouldn’t be common knowledge. It underminds the trust. A patient’s concerns are always going to last beyond one week. And doctors need to stop seeing their jobs as making predictions. A crystal ball is not required. Only the current and honest truth. I see a stong heartbeat and good movement. You should see (insert specialist) within (insert time frame.) Done! No threats about what might happen if you don’t see the speicalist. No gaurantees that if you do see the specialist that everything will be wonderful. Just the facts in common English.

that was sort of how i read this too – as in ‘bleeding with no seen SCH at this stage in pregnancy will not be a problem 95% of the time’. said in a funny way, but i don’t think it was said as a threat or meant to be anything other than reasuring.

At many hospitals, you aren’t sent to the L&D department until 20 weeks or beyond.