99% sure I've miscarried but doctor THINKS I haven't?!

[Februarybluee]

I am very surprised by this as is my partner and interested if others have experienced similar.

I am very sure I miscarried, starting at 8 weeks. Lots of bleeding, had contractions that increased over 24h, peaking over a few hours and increasing to every 2 mins at one point. Passed a handful of BIG clots, one as big as a golf ball. Lots more blood than a period.

Community midwife told me to test two weeks after mc started and if positive to ring them. Tested and was quite surprised as got a strong positive. Expected v faint or nothing. Rang them up and as of 1 March community midwife line has shut down...

Instead I rang my GP. Lovely friendly man. He said it is unusual but he thinks I'm still pregnant?? Thought I hadn't emphasised enough so mentioned again about the big clots and he said again he thinks I'm still pregnant and to get a scan and test again tomorrow.

Wasn't surprised about the scan bit as I know there can be remaining tissue. Thought he would say possibly remaining tissue or maybe hcg slow to decrease.

Rang EPU and they said the recommend to do a test 3 weeks after mc and to ring back in a week if still positive. Very much the response I expected.

Anyone else think my GP is barmy? I have no false hope at all about this and I'm quite shocked that he was so positive about it.

I have attached the test for reference. Wasn't FMU was afternoon as I forgot so just didn't drink much for a couple of hours.

Really interested in people's thoughts on this.
Thank you x

For more context I have had two miscarriages before so I'm not new to miscarriages!

Technically your GP might be correct. Your EPU is correct too.

You should test 3 weeks after the MC.
If positive then you need a scan. Thusis because you might have had an incomplete miscarriage, so technically you are still pregnant but the pregnancy will not succeed. You might need a procedure to complete the miscarriage.

Or, you might still be pregnant and doing well. Bleeding is not unusual, sometimes heavy, although the clots are concerning and more indicative of a miscarriage. But it might have been something else. You'd need a scan to confirm.

How come they didn't scan you at the EPU when you were bleeding? Did you not go in then?

Might it have been a multiples pregnancy?

And to you, I've had three myself, I'm sorry for your losses xx

Can EPU do an early scan? I had a mc last July and they scanned to confirm mc.

Or actually, maybe an ectopic pregnancy? You definitely need a scan. Felicity might be right as well, it's so hard to tell. xx

@PurplePansy05 completely agree with you and my thoughts too.

As I have had two before I didn't push to be seen by EPU was very sure. Also I'd had a scan in a November when I already pretty much knew I was miscarrying so it was very sad. I didn't want to go through that again when I was so sure. Since I was so sure community midwife also didn't think it was necessary just told me to test in two weeks.

@FelicityPike I have read about that which got my mind turning!

@PurplePansy05 thanks and thank you for responding 🧡

@Rrrob yes I agree I need a scan. I'll follow the EPU advice and ring back in a week if still getting a positive. I feel fine so don't feel in my gut it's anything sinister.

I think it is much more likely to be retained material causing the test than a continuing pregnancy.

There is a small chance that you could have been pregnant and not miscarried, but as you say, you do know what to expect on this front, and I don't think you could have passed clots as large as that without the cervix opening, which also fits in with the contraction type pain. Possibly he is just being ultra cautious, and it would be lovely if true, but I'd guard my heart about this as I think its most likely you know your own body

@RelentlessForwardProgress I completely agree with you, especially about the knowing my own body part.

I thought poss retained tissue or maybe hcg slow to drop.

I never did see the sac come out( I did for my 6 week mc) but did wonder if it had been in a blood clot.

Can you have retained tissue and feel totally fine? (Eg not ill)

I think @RelentlessForwardProgress gives sound advice, and it sounds like you are pretty sure (I was too when I mc’d). If EPU won’t scan you, you could get a private scan to confirm.

I understand, scans can be very anxiety inducing. However, I personally think your MW should've referred you there and then at least to make sure it's not an ectopic pregnancy, for your own safety. I know it's hard. I had zero MC symptoms in two of mine but the babies died and only found out at scans so that was pretty shit. Even if you know it might be happening, a scan is a difficult experience. I'm really hoping for some positive news for you soon, OP xx

I’ve had 4 mcs and in my last pregnancy was convinced I’d miscarried again. I had a huge rush of blood inc clots followed by 24 hours of escalating cramps when I was around 9 weeks. It was during the height of the first lockdown so the EPU wouldn’t see me, but I got checked at A&E and they said my cervix was still closed so they didn’t think it was a mc. In the end I got a private scan as was out of my mind wondering, and was very much still pregnant. Baby is 16 months now! They never found an explanation for the bleed, though I had been taking baby aspirin and they advised I stop after that.

So there is definitely hope but I guess I’d maybe expect the lines on the test to ge stronger at 8-10 weeks? If I were you I would definitely get a scan ASAp, privately if necessary, as the uncertainty is soul destroying.

@Rrrob

I think *@RelentlessForwardProgress* gives sound advice, and it sounds like you are pretty sure (I was too when I mc’d). If EPU won’t scan you, you could get a private scan to confirm.

Thank you

Ah sometimes I don’t think people think before they say things…even if he thought you may still be pregnant it would have been more helpful to use words to suggest that there is a slight possibility you may still have a viable pregnancy but it could also be other things as suggested above (which would be my bet sorry :()

I once had one plonker say to me after I had a confirmed ectopic (bit of hospital competition I think) well it looks like you could be carrying a twin pregnancy so we shall see you in two weeks time…I told her to look at my bloods again and remember date of first positive pregnancy test and there was no way it could be a twin pregnancy (especially as I had seen the scan with the ectopic pregnancy in a different hospital). That consultant was a complete gimp though rather than well meaning…

If I was you I would ask for a scan a bit sooner (just incase if any retained products of pregnancy). I paid for private ones with fertility clinic for last couple of miscarriages as I found it easier to have a compassionate professional discuss this with me as sadly my experience on the NHS was not so Fantastic for this - great for other things though. Good luck xxxx

You can feel fine with retained tissue, yes. You can even feel fine carrying a dead baby for weeks too (sorry, it sounds awful, but it's true). However, there is a risk of an infection or sepsis (rare, but possible), so you might not want to postpone this. I totally get this might be your third loss and I wouldn't be building my hopes up in your shoes either, I relate to how you're feeling now. But if this is a healthy pregnancy (eg if you passed a fibroid or had a subchorionic heamatoma) you should be offered progesterone asap. Just worth considering a scan sooner, that's all. Your rainbow will come. Mine finally has last year. Keep the faith. xx

@PurplePansy05

I understand, scans can be very anxiety inducing. However, I personally think your MW should've referred you there and then at least to make sure it's not an ectopic pregnancy, for your own safety. I know it's hard. I had zero MC symptoms in two of mine but the babies died and only found out at scans so that was pretty shit. Even if you know it might be happening, a scan is a difficult experience. I'm really hoping for some positive news for you soon, OP xx

I'm so so sorry for your experience.

I agree with you I probably should have been scanned. It seems to vary by trust.

I used to work in Manchester and in my first pregnancy had issues when at work so went to the infirmary there and despite me being about 4/5 weeks they did internal exam, bloods, temperature, and blood pressure. Did bloods 48 h later and turned out to be a mc. They continued to see me weekly until hcg dropped to near zero. They also discussed the emotional side with me and trying again. EPU was self referral.

Second time was at home in Yorkshire. EPU not self referral. Had to be from comm midwife, doctor or a&e. Had spotting but not particularly interested in me. Got a scan as had a heavy red bleed and a&e referred me. Scan confirmed mc and at second blood test they had a student take my blood no midwife to discuss next steps or take my bp or temp! Rang up after second bloods told me it was a mc, no offer of emotional support or what next!

Third experience was described as above.

Sorry for waffling but clearly it does vary massively by trust!

@HarrietM87

I’ve had 4 mcs and in my last pregnancy was convinced I’d miscarried again. I had a huge rush of blood inc clots followed by 24 hours of escalating cramps when I was around 9 weeks. It was during the height of the first lockdown so the EPU wouldn’t see me, but I got checked at A&E and they said my cervix was still closed so they didn’t think it was a mc. In the end I got a private scan as was out of my mind wondering, and was very much still pregnant. Baby is 16 months now! They never found an explanation for the bleed, though I had been taking baby aspirin and they advised I stop after that.

So there is definitely hope but I guess I’d maybe expect the lines on the test to ge stronger at 8-10 weeks? If I were you I would definitely get a scan ASAp, privately if necessary, as the uncertainty is soul destroying.

So happy for you! Thanks so much for the advice!

It’s not completely impossible. I had a threatened miscarriage 21 years ago with huge clots and lots of bleeding. My DD is now at uni. I’ve also had losses and it was hugely difficult so I really feel for you. I hope you have lots of people supporting you in RL

@Lovemylittlebear

Ah sometimes I don’t think people think before they say things…even if he thought you may still be pregnant it would have been more helpful to use words to suggest that there is a slight possibility you may still have a viable pregnancy but it could also be other things as suggested above (which would be my bet sorry :()

I once had one plonker say to me after I had a confirmed ectopic (bit of hospital competition I think) well it looks like you could be carrying a twin pregnancy so we shall see you in two weeks time…I told her to look at my bloods again and remember date of first positive pregnancy test and there was no way it could be a twin pregnancy (especially as I had seen the scan with the ectopic pregnancy in a different hospital). That consultant was a complete gimp though rather than well meaning…

If I was you I would ask for a scan a bit sooner (just incase if any retained products of pregnancy). I paid for private ones with fertility clinic for last couple of miscarriages as I found it easier to have a compassionate professional discuss this with me as sadly my experience on the NHS was not so Fantastic for this - great for other things though. Good luck xxxx

Thank you for the advice and I'm sorry you had that experience. Like you said well meaning but... think about what you're telling a lady going through this !

All of mine were like your experience in Yorkshire, it's a shitshow in so many parts of the country.

Before you go, read up on PRISM and PROMISE trials on Tommy's website - due to the bleed and prior history you are entitled to progesterone if this pregnancy is ok (I know it's a big if). And regardless, do not leave without a referral in place to the recurrent miscarriage clinic to which you are entitled after a third loss (if this is what's happening). xx

I should also say that I was receiving treatment for recurrent miscarriage for that pregnancy (having had the same treatment and a successful pregnant between mcs 3 and 4). I was on steroids (prednisolone), progesterone and aspirin. If this one doesn’t work out then perhaps consider investigating privately - the NHS refused to accept there was anything wrong with me. The fact I had mc no 4 on no treatment (after my first child) confirmed to me that the treatment was necessary. Feel free to PM.

Thank you so much everyone for your responses and especially to you @PurplePansy05 for all your detail!

I will digest all this and see how I go on and monitor myself closely.

The mw did refer me to the recurrent miscarriage clinic. We are not sure at the moment about trying again. The last time I wanted to right away but this time we are not in the headspace. I'm glad I've been referred though in case.

@HarrietM87

I should also say that I was receiving treatment for recurrent miscarriage for that pregnancy (having had the same treatment and a successful pregnant between mcs 3 and 4). I was on steroids (prednisolone), progesterone and aspirin. If this one doesn’t work out then perhaps consider investigating privately - the NHS refused to accept there was anything wrong with me. The fact I had mc no 4 on no treatment (after my first child) confirmed to me that the treatment was necessary. Feel free to PM.

Thanks Harriet I do have the means to go private if need be.

I suspect I may have some sort of clotting issue. Due to HUGE clots but also my mc also start off with weird brown sticky blood and it's not the type of brown blood at the end of a period it is WEIRD, kind of like how I'd imagine sticky newborn poo to be. Sorry if TMI!

I had a MC OP and the midwife didn't think I had. She said this was normal, to test again in 2 weeks. I waited 2 days, test came back negative. You could just have some bleeding? Hoping you haven't. I just knew within myself! Xx