Feeling worried and frustrated

[NoodleWobble]

Having exhausted all other routes of information (Google, my local EPU, and first midwife appointment) I thought I'd turn to here to see if anyone can offer some honest, sound advice.

I'm just over 6 weeks pregnant with my first baby. On Monday (today is Friday) I woke up to a couple of patches of brown blood, both about the size of a 50p or so. There was a bit more blood during the day but nothing major and, since then, there hasn't been anything of any note. However, today I have a bit more brown blood and also a bit of a sharp pain (almost like a stitch) in my abdomen, near my right hip...

I'm aware that brown blood is old blood and that bleeding can be fairly common but I'm not really sure how much is a lot of blood to be considered as normal. I'm not as tired as I was but that may partly be down to finally having a decent nights sleep last night for the first time in a while. Additionally, my boobs don't feel quite as sensitive as they were although there is still a bit of discomfort there.

I went to my first midwife appointment on Wednesday, expecting them to brush the issue to one side and pass it off as something normal and not worth worrying about but, instead, they advised I take another pregnancy test on Monday and to not do any exercise until my 12 week scan (not that I've been exercising a huge amount). They mentioned the 'missed miscarriage' term so, naturally, I've read up on it.

All the information I've read seems to say that it can take HCG levels a while to fall and I'm therefore wondering what the accuracy of Monday's pregnancy test would be. Indeed, I don't even know whether I should be worried at all or whether the midwife was simply covering her backside by mention the MMC term.

Can anyone offer any advice please? Good or bad? I just want to know what to expect and whether I'm worrying about nothing or whether a MMC is something that could have happened and, if so, how long these things take before they can be detected. I know there's no 'hard 'n fast rule' but some honesty rather than answers which are simply given to cover someone's backside would be very gratefully received.

Thank you x

Spotting like that and pains are very common in early pregnancy. I had it too! If you're worried though, see if you can contact an early pregnancy assessment unit, or go see your GP who can refer you to one. They'll do a scan. I had two scans before the 12 week one because of repeated spotting. I don't think you should have to wait another 6 weeks if you're worried!

Ah sounds rough - I had these symptoms with dc1, went for a scan at 6 wks 3 days and it was twins. They told me that sometimes you can get a bit of bleeding when the sac is trying to attach. In your shoes is get an early scan although before 8 wks they don't always guarantee to see anything so it can add to the confusion. did go on to lose one twin at 9 wks, no idea if related or not. I was surprised by the lack of caring the professionals displayed. Some private scan places offer early scans.

Thank you both. My early pregnancy unit (EPU) were very clear in saying "We won't scan you before 8 weeks because if we did that for everyone then we'd be here all day". I had hoped for a little more compassion I must admit; I wasn't necessarily hoping for a scan (although would take it if it were offered) but a bit more about whether what I'm experiencing is actually completely normal for 6 weeks or whether there maybe is a cause for concern. Instead I got the "do a test because it might be but it might not" response which isn't helpful either way.

I don't understand why they haven't done bloodwork to see if your hcg levels double. You have one test done and then 2 days later go back in for a second one and then they tell you if it is a viable pregnancy or not.

I had these tests done at around 5 weeks as it was too early for a scan as the scan would be inconclusive anyway at that stage. I think they only scan if an ectopic is suspected at this stage.

Go and request these blood tests and good luck

Tell your GP you're having ONE sided pain and for a referral. They should scan you!

I am shocked tbh. In the unlikely case something is awry, one sided pain + blood is always considered risky enough to be scanned in the 3 hospitals I've been with over the last few years. There's a tiny chance of ectopic and molar... Leaving them to 8 weeks would be madness! It is a tiny -1% or less- chance, but the NHS have a good track record because they (Usually) always check.

Report to PALS what they said word for word. It is appalling.