Have I miscarried?

[MarieF321]

Going slightly mad looking for faint lines on test strips, and wondered if anyone else had had a similar experience and/or could offer advice!

I’ve had two miscarriages in the last 8 months, most recently of twins (March this year). Got a faint positive a week ago (13 + 15 dpo), then two days later (17 dpo) started to bleed (TMI but bright red, and as heavy as my normal period). I was devastated, but presumed it was a chemical pregnancy. However, I stopped bleeding after 24 hours, so whether it was hope or intuition, I still felt I could be pregnant so took another test, and got a very faint positive. I’ve since (stupidly) tested daily, and keep getting very, very faint positives. I even did a test with water to check they weren’t indent or evap lines, and absolutely no line on water test. I did have another small, red bleed on day 4 (20 dpo), so my gut is now saying it’s just residual hormones from a miscarriage, especially as it’s not getting darker. I’m now 21 dpo, and the line is so faint it’s barely visible until it dries (which I know is no longer valid). My pregnancy symptoms also seem to have faded.

Writing this out I’m even more convinced I’ve miscarried and just have residual hormones. I just didn’t think such a short pregnancy would cause hormones to last so long.

I’ve attached a pic of all my tests. They’re all dried lines of course, so were much fainter during the ‘test window’. I know I just need to wait it out and test in a week to get that negative, but just wondered if anyone else could share their experiences as I can’t stop thinking about it all. Thank you in advance.

How helpful is your GP? Mine would have ordered blood tests a couple of days apart so could see if pg was progressing. Or a local EPU? You are going to drive yourself mad with the testing, though I do understand why you are doing it 💐

Sorry for your losses OP. I too would speak to your GP and/or EPU! My EPU have a hCG machine on the ward, so the result comes through in about 5mins. I wonder if it was twins again- given the lines going light then dark again? Blood tests are really the only way to know though.

Nothing can be done if this was indeed a chemical or MC, BUT, if this is your 3rd loss, then your GP should refer you to the multiple MC clinic. Also, if you have another, they will do genetic testing on the foetus. I've After the 2nd loss, the EPU said they'd be happy to do a viability scan at 7-8 weeks too. Best of luck x

Thank you both for your help. I know you’re both right, I should just speak to my GP but I partly feel I’m just making a fuss as if I’ve miscarried there’s nothing they can do, so I should just wait it out. Also, because of my age (37), and maybe the twin pregnancy, I have already been referred to the MC clinic and am due blood tests next week, so I’m worried that if I have another MC on my record I’ll have to delay these tests by another 6 weeks. I know that is not logical thinking and it’s best they do know about this MC if it can alter the results, but I so want to start moving forwards! My MC with the twins was not straight forward as it was initially missed and then I ended up having to have two surgical evacs, two months apart, because I have bicornate uterus and some tissue was left behind, so I don’t want more delays.

I think I just don’t want to be told more bad news - that I’ve MC’d again and that I need to delay my testing. I know I’m putting my head in the sand but I can pretend it’s not happening as long as doctors aren’t involved. I know that’s silly though.

Sorry to hear you've had 2 losses but good to hear you've been referred for some investigations.

I had a miscarriage a couple of weeks ago now and I'd say from those tests there must be a tiny amount of hcg left over. I've only just had a negative test about 2 weeks after bleeding stopped & it took a while for those tests to start getting really light. Given that you've had bleeding & are now a long way past ovulation I'd expect the test to be much much darker.

It's so hard not having a proper answer about what's happened but hope you're ok.

In regards to the tests you need moving forward I guess being honest is best - just incase it has any effect. Hopefully this won't delay anything for you. Sending you a big hug

Thank you, I’m pretty convinced I have miscarried, given the bleeding and faint tests. I did the right thing and spoke to my GP, who said they don’t do blood work but referred me to the EPU, who may bring me in for a scan. I don’t want to waste anyone’s time as I know there’s nothing they can do, but I guess I should let them decide that. Also, now have to wait another 6 weeks for blood tests, so that’s a bit gutting. I don’t want to stop trying but I guess at some point I’ll have to, as I can’t keep having MC’s.

Thank you again to everyone for all your advice and reassurance, it’s good to speak about it, stops the thoughts whirling around in my head a bit!

sorry this is happening OP - I had 4 mcs between 39 and 41, then had a successful pg. I know it's tough but it's not impossible for you to have a happy ending.