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Original poster

Miscarriage, but tests darkening? Help!

26 replies

ElleBelleLou · 25/03/2022 21:59

Hi everyone

I'm just really confused and thought I'd come here for any advice or experiences as it's some time before I can ring a doctor and I just want to see what could be happening.

I conceived on 31st January this year, but sadly I started miscarrying on Thursday 10th March. I took a test (top picture) on 15th March with first morning urine and it was significantly light and pale, as I expected.

I then went away with my partner, I have had pain and bleeding from 10th March until now - it has been extremely heavy but now it's spotting, sometimes enough for a pad, sometimes just a pantyliner.

I did the next test (second picture) in the evening this Wednesday (23rd) and noticed the test was darker.
The final test (last pic, and the pic on its own) I've done literally just now, and straight away the dark bright positive line came up.

Has anyone had this before? I know you can test positive for a long time after a miscarriage but I'm wondering whether my bleed was something else? Or have I conceived again this quickly? I just can't understand how my tests are getting darker and not lighter.

I'd really appreciate any advice, and please be kind, I'm going out of my mind with wonder and I plan on ringing the EPU first thing tomorrow morning.

OP posts:
Howmanysleepsnow · 25/03/2022 22:03

Was your miscarriage confirmed?

Original poster
ElleBelleLou · 25/03/2022 22:08

@Howmanysleepsnow I had quite bad treatment if I am honest, I rang when I started cramping and bleeding and my doctor said at this stage "most women wouldn't even know they were pregnant" and that I should just treat it as a really heavy period. I knew I was pregnant because I'd been testing since 9DPO and watching the line get darker and darker.
But because I was only ~5 weeks my doctor didn't really take me seriously, and told me to call again in 3 weeks if I still test positive. I'm 6 days off 3 weeks but just want to know now what's happening.
I bled a massive massive amount, very clotty (sorry for TMI), so much pain and all my symptoms such as tiredness, sore boobs and nausea left, so that confirmed it all in my eyes.

OP posts:
Twizbe · 25/03/2022 22:15

Go back to the doctor and get checked out,

It could be the miscarriage wasn't complete or it could be that it was a twin pregnancy and you only lost one.

Original poster
ElleBelleLou · 25/03/2022 22:18

@Twizbe I didn't even know that was a possibility - twins run in my partners family and I'm a twin myself so it's not out of the realm of possibility!
I plan on ringing the EPU first thing tomorrow morning, hopefully they can scan me. I just don't know what to think, I don't want to get my hopes up that I could be safely 8 weeks pregnant now, and I also can't stop worrying that it could be something more sinister like a molar or ectopic. I just hope I can get some sleep tonight.

OP posts:
RMS0209 · 26/03/2022 08:44

@ElleBelleLou hi! don't have any advice but thinking of you and hoping all ok. X

Original poster
ElleBelleLou · 26/03/2022 09:58

@RMS0209 Thank you. Been trying to contact the EPU all morning but not having any luck. Barely slept a wink - just want to know what's what x

OP posts:
Mummyme87 · 26/03/2022 09:59

Hope you get some clarity @ElleBelleLou

RMS0209 · 26/03/2022 10:00

@ElleBelleLou is it worth phoning the NHS line or will they just tell you to phone the EPU? Not fair if you can't get through, must be worrying x

Original poster
ElleBelleLou · 26/03/2022 10:27

@RMS0209 What is the NHS line? 111? x

OP posts:
Mummyme87 · 26/03/2022 10:54

Do you have a walk in EPU @ElleBelleLou? I wouldn’t bother with 111 for anything pregnancy related.

My trust you can walk in to be seen and they would do a transvaginal scan

EV117 · 26/03/2022 10:59

I had this with an ectopic pregnancy. Phone your gp or 111. Sorry your gp was in so insensitive. Mine sent me to A and E after I was still testing positive after some days of bleeding and had cramps, particularly down one side.
(I do hope that’s not it for you, but best be safe and get it checked!)

MarshMarigold22 · 26/03/2022 11:00

It sounds similar to my ectopic. Is there an Early Pregnancy Unit near you? I'd call them to ask for a scan.

Best of luck x

curliegirlie · 26/03/2022 11:45

This is such a horrible situation to be in. I’ve experienced similar earlier this month, with a positive test, followed by bleeding, and continued positive tests for two weeks before they finally departed. However, in my case the tests never darkened hugely in one step tests (see attached my photo from Wednesday- two weeks after the bleed) and the week before last I had blood tests and a scan which concluded it wasn’t good news. On the other hand, your lines seem to be darkening, so you really need to find out what’s going on!

I’m not sure 111 will get you anywhere with scans and bloods etc over the weekend. But do chase up an EPU appointment next week. I can’t believe your GP was up for leaving you in limbo until over 8 weeks! Good luck - I’m crossing everything for you.

curliegirlie · 26/03/2022 11:46

This was what I meant to attach - a week after my 4 and a bit week miscarriage. Much lighter than yours!

Miscarriage, but tests darkening? Help!
Original poster
ElleBelleLou · 26/03/2022 12:48

Hi everyone,

I managed to get through to the EPU, they've booked me for a scan on Tuesday morning which is the soonest they had.

I did a clearblue weeks indicator test just now (after about a half hour hold on my urine) and it's showing as 'Pregnant 2-3', whereas before I bled it showed as 3+ weeks so my levels are definitely dropping, I just want to know if there's anything going on.

OP posts:
Mummyme87 · 26/03/2022 13:04

Glad you have a scan booked

RMS0209 · 26/03/2022 13:14

[quote ElleBelleLou]@RMS0209 What is the NHS line? 111? x [/quote]
So sorry I was heading out for the day, yeah I think that's it but I am glad to see you have a scan booked for Tuesday x

Howmanysleepsnow · 26/03/2022 13:17

Glad you have a scan booked and hopefully you’ll get some answers on Tuesday. That was terrible treatment by the Gp Flowers

Howmanysleepsnow · 28/03/2022 21:09

Good luck for tomorrow OP

Original poster
ElleBelleLou · 28/03/2022 21:15

@Howmanysleepsnow thank you! still very confused what's happening - tests are continuing to get darker so I'm ready for some answers tomorrow x

OP posts:
Original poster
ElleBelleLou · 29/03/2022 10:49

Hi everyone,

I wanted to update you - I had an ultrasound & internal scan this morning and it's unfortunately not good news. Though it's not ectopic or molar, there is retained tissue and no pregnancy. I have chosen to wait 3 weeks to see if my body naturally dissolves and passes the tissue, and if not I will have surgery after the 3 weeks. There doesn't seem to be much explanation for why my tests are darkening rather than getting lighter, but I am going to step away from the tests now and just let my body get back to normal.

Thanks for all your comments xx

OP posts:
Maggit · 29/03/2022 10:56

So sorry to hear about this OP. Much love and hugs to you.
I just wanted to say that too that I'm sorry about the attitude of your doctor. I had a similar experience when I had an early MC and it was really horrible. Don't let that doctor take away your right to feel sad. I felt it was difficult to grieve an early loss, although I really needed to allow myself to. Hugs x

curliegirlie · 29/03/2022 11:26

So sorry, I was so hopeful for you Flowers

RMS0209 · 29/03/2022 11:46

So sorry to hear this Thanks

Howmanysleepsnow · 29/03/2022 12:33

So sorry, OP. Flowers