Pregnant and spotting

[5 Little Monkeys]

Sorry to ask this here but I know most of you are moms so I'd appreciate some feedback...

I'm roughly 12 weeks pregnant and for the past handful of days I've been spotting off and on. It's a dark red brownish colour and not very much at all. It goes away and than comes back. I have a bit of light cramping but nothing major.

I can go see my doctor on Tuesday but am wondering if I should be worried more and go to the ER room before Tuesday?

[Fireyesblue]

Hi there, light spotting and cramping is normal early pregnancy (I went through the same thing) if the blood is bright red (fresh) that's reason to be concerned but if its darkish brown/light pink thats usually considered normal. I know I was concerned as well, and when I called my Dr I was assured it was normal but if it progressed to bright red to come in. I'm just speaking from my own experience (2 years ago) but to ease your mind, you could go to the ER to be safe. Congrats btw :)

[5 Little Monkeys]

Thanks :)

From what I've read online and from what a few friends have told me, I also think it's likely nothing to be too concerned about. I think I'm just being paranoid given that it's a holiday tomorrow and I know seeing my family doctor isn't an option. If the cramping gets worse or if bright red spotting happens, I'll go in! Thanks!!

[lplplp]

Spotting in early pregnancy is very common, especially in the first trimester and is usually nothing to worry about. With my second, I had spotting all throughout the first trimester and even a bright red, heavy bleed at 14 weeks. Pregnancy remained completely normal. With a normal pregnancy, cramping is usually just from your uterus stretching. Have you had an ultrasound yet? Did it show a normal pregnancy? Bleeding can occasionally be from an ectopic pregnancy which can become serious, especially if not caught early. They checked me for this because of the spotting I experienced. If the pain and/or bleeding intensifies, be sure to go to the ER. (You will have a lot of pain from an ectopic pregnancy.) You could always go to the ER now to be sure everything is ok. They should be able to do an ultrasound now, or at least schedule one for the morning to check on the baby. If you have a low lying placenta, this can be the cause of the spotting as well. If you have had an ultrasound, you will probably know where the placenta is lying. If the bleeding becomes heavier or you notice clots, go to the ER. Not to get too personal, but being intimate can also cause spotting during pregnancy because more blood flows to the area. No matter what you decide to do now, definitely mention it to your doctor the next time you go in.

[5 Little Monkeys]

So we ended up going to the ER tonight. They did blood work and a Pap test. Blood work came back and dr said the hormone levels are too low for 3 months. He said my cervix is still closed though so he's ordering an ultrasound for hopefully tomorrow!!

Ugh, now I'm not going to sleep tonight :(

[babydom]

Unfortunately I have had to many mischarges and they have all started off with dark browny blood followed with a blood test that shows my levels were low. All around 11/12wks. BUT stay hopeful....like the others posted bleeding can be normal!! Also levels can be off as well and baby still heathy! My full term pregnancy my levels were always to high, baby always measured two wks ahead my friends levels were always low and baby measured wks behind but is a normal child now :). Whatever happens know that it will be ok and if this baby decides to come early you can always try and try again....don't give up....5yrs later, many lost babies, we are still going! It's in Gods hands and plans. All the best, I'm praying for you. Keep us posted!

[superfun]

Yes, try to stay hopefully. My levels were low too, and I had bleeding. But I didn't miscarry. :)

[jodaycare]

I had spotting at 12 weeks, went to the ER and thankfully everything was fine. She is 22 now! Sending positive thoughts your way!

[Van]

My heart is in my mouth for you-

[5 Little Monkeys]

Thanks everyone but unfortunately it didn't end well. The ultrasound showed that I miscarried at 9.5 weeks :(

I take the pills tomorrow morning to help it pass.

[Van]

So Sorry to hear your sad news, allow yourself to grieve, Have a shoulder to cry on
Hugs

[5 Little Monkeys]

Thanks Van!

Does anyone have any experience with the pills instead of the D&C? I was given 3 pills to take orally tomorrow morning and than told that within 4 hours I should pass the fetus. I was told that there would be lots of pain, cramping and bleeding. If there is excessive bleeding that I should go back to the ER.

I've been off for 2 weeks and go back to work tomorrow. I have my husband and a friend who offered to come help with the kids if need be but I am just wanting to hear some feedback on what to expect. THanks!!

[Fireyesblue]

Firstly, I am so sorry. Just know you are not alone, and don't let anyone try to minimize any sadness and grief you are feeling. It's all very real, and needs to be validated. Secondly, you don't want or need to be working not after you take those pills. You need to take a day or two off. I know its not always feasible, but perhaps even the week, to heal. But whatever you decide to do, take at least 48hrs off once you take those pills. Get some rest and do not go alone. You need the support.

[5 Little Monkeys]

Thanks fireyesblue. I had actually not allowed myself to get too excited about being pregnant in case this did happen but it is still shocking and came as a surprise. Definitely a lot of emotions right now!

So after some reading online and thinking, I wonder if I can wait and see if it passes naturally and if not, take the pills on the weekend. This would allow me sometime to heal and grieve and not worry about work. I saw an ER doctor today so I don't think calling there will do any good. I called healthlinks instead and they said the same thing, if I call there they will advise me to come in (and wait for hours again) or they will tell me to call healthlinks. The healthlinks nurse said they can't advise me to not follow the dr's orders but that it does sound like it may be an option since the dr did say I could try the "wait and see" approach. She said that I should call my family doctor tomorrow and see what she says. I was to take the pills at 730am (just in case I needed to come into ER it would give me most of the day because he did say I would be bumped as it's not emergent) but I think I will hold off and call my doctor when she opens at 8.

On top of all this, my husband has to spend the day at his parents tomorrow as his mom is coming home on a trial run after spending 4 months in the hospital after a stroke (altho, he can be here if I need him) and than on Wednesday I go see the diabetic nurse because I've been diagnosed with diabetes. Is this week over yet?!?!

[babydom]

It will be painful...for me it was just like I was in labour. Be warned, don't look in the toilet when u pass it unless your prepared and want to. I made that mistake. U will need to take tomorrow and wed off. You will have a lot of cramps and lower pain Ull pretty much just want to sit on the toilet for a long while. It will go quickly though, throughout the day tomorrow and then you'll just have your normal period but it will be heavier then normal. Please take the time to heal, I'm so sorry it happen....I know exactly how u feel :(. Remember a mth or two after this u can try again and many ppl have had many heathy babies after :)

[lplplp]

Very sorry for your loss and to hear you are going through this. I've had 2 miscarriages myself. Remember that whatever you're feeling is normal.

[jodaycare]

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I agree with everyone, take the time you need to heal.

[mickyc]

I have been thinking about you constantly since you told me. Even shed a tear or two. It brings back a flood of emotions I also experienced.

I hope your day is going well. I also would have taken a few days off but understand how you decided not to. Hopefully the cramping is not too bad. My first 2 miscarriages were not as painful as my 3rd. Give your body time to heal and just know that there are those that understand and care very much about you!

[5 Little Monkeys]

Thanks for your kind words everyone, it means a lot!

I decided not to take them this morning and called my dr. I have an appointment with her at 5 and I'm sure I'll be able to take them on Saturday instead...it is only 3 days away after all.

My daycare babies are back today and I'm enjoying them this morning. Were gonna head out soon and enjoy the new sand box area I got ready over the weekend. (Sand in a kiddie pool enclosed in an ikea tent!)

Enjoy the day everyone!! Thank you so much for the support :)

[5 Little Monkeys]

So I took the 3 pills this morning at 9. Around 10 the cramps started and have gotten worse throughout the day. It's now 430 and still nothing, not even bleeding. I'm starting to get worried and wondering if the pills won't work? I just want this to be over with :(

[Suzie_Homemaker]

I sorry to hear your news. I have no advice, I no experience but please know that many are thinking of you during this difficult time.

[5 Little Monkeys]

Thank you Suzie. That means a lot!

The cramps have decreased in pain but I'm not feeling well. I think I'm stressing myself out. I've likely read every article twice on google about this but they haven't been much help :( I did read that it can take up to 48 hours before bleeding so I'm trying to keep that in mind.

[Lou]

I'm so very sorry. I have been through this and it was agonizing for me. 3 yrs ago, and I still think about it a lot wondering who that baby would be. (((hugs))) It does hurt, and you bleed more than you think you will but the physical pain passes quickly. I took a week off when I found out I was losing mine, as I didn't know what to expect and I was emotionally a wreck- I let it pass naturally. Do whatever you need to do and don't feel an inch of guilt about it!! xoxoxo

[Gloucestermom]

I'm so sorry. Hope you're feeling better soon.

[MonkeyPrincess]

I am so sorry to hear. My heart is sad for you :( i have never had a miscarriage but i know a few friends who have. My cousin, who i am very close with, had one in June. I cried with her. I was so sad for her. Her circumstance was almost exactly like yours.

We are all here for you. Please lean on us when you need support.

[playfelt]

So sorry to hear your sad news. Keeping you and your baby in prayers.

[5 Little Monkeys]

Thanks for the kind and supportive words everyone!

Still nothing so I made a drs appt for after work and will see if I can try again or just wait and see. Really hoping d&c isn't my only option left