4 days since positive test, estimated 5 weeks pg, bleeding. What do I actually do?

[dallafela]

I got a very immediate and clear positive test result on wednesday, when my period was 4 days late, followed by another positive the same day. My period is incredibly predictable and regular which is the only reason I tested. If it's at all relevant I have spent the last 3 days in shock, and frankly upset, as I had never wanted or planned to have children and have been in a relationship for 13 years without ever having a pregnancy scare. My immediate thought had been to terminate but I was allowing myself a small number of days to really make an informed decision rather a fear-based one.

A few hours ago I began bleeding, and it feels exactly like a normal period, but with perhaps a bit more cramping than usual. I'm not actively happy at the thought that I could be losing the pregnancy, but equally if that is the case I wouldn't want any interventions to prevent it happening (I know they are limited to none-existant at this point anyway). I'm sorry if I sound callous or strange (I'm more mixed up and confused that I would have expected I'd be), but what do I actually need to do in this situation? Do I need to contact any medical professionals or do I just see what happens and test again in a few days? I realise this probably sounds like a naive or pathetic question, but having never been in this position I don't know what I'm supposed to do. I obviously hadn't contacted my GP about the pregnancy yet, nor have I told anybody but my husband so don't know who to ask.

All you need to do is keep testing- if this is a natural misscarriage the same tests will get lighter and lighter then stop being positive over the coming weeks. You only need medical treatment if you have bad pain or fever or other signs of infection.

People can also bleed without misscarryibg so if the lines dont reduce then you need to see a health professional too.

Keep in mind that after a misscarriage people are typically highly fertile.

Wishing you all the best x

Sorry you’re going through this.

I think that this early on, you can just monitor the blood loss and see what happens. There’s very little anyone can do. If you start to experience extreme pain or bleeding then seek medical advice. When I had a very early loss, the tests started to fade away quite quickly. If you test again in a few days and it’s still positive then keep checking. At around 6-7 weeks you could then go for a scan. I had bleeding in all my pregnancies, including my successful one.

I’d report it to your GP so there’s a record. You might then get access to earlier scans in the next pregnancy.

Best of luck. X

I agree with the others; in your position I wouldn’t do anything unless the bleeding or pain got out of hand. Test again when you stop bleeding and you’ll probably see it’s negative. Best wishes x

Thank you, TheDaydreamBelievers, greytminds and Floopandtired. I will sit tight, hope to not experience too much pain and see what a test says in a few days. I'm so surprised by how sad I'm feeling, even though if I hadn't tested I'd think this was a normal period.

You need not do anything at all.
Have you got some decent pain killers?
If pain gets too much, bleeding excessive then you could seek medical advice.

I would disagree with the pp re keep doing pregnancy tests as ime I still got a positive test up to 3 weeks after fully miscarrying and the bleeding had stopped as the hormones of pregnancy hang around for a long time.
Also disagree about being more fertile after miscarriage, I don’t think that there is any evidence other than anecdotal to support this. For me, it could take up to 2 years to conceive again after miscarriage.
Obviously you will need to review your contraception if you want to avoid this situation again.

If you experience any abdominal pain, temperature and/or discharge not normal for you & continuous bleeding in a week or so then you could have “retained products” and should seek medical assistance as this can be troublesome & could make you unwell.

Despite it not being what you want, don’t be surprised if later down the line it does impact your thinking and stirs up feelings in you.
All the best

Thanks, Pickypolly. I do have some codeine from a recent injury, though I'd rather not take that unless absolutely necessary, which it isn't at the moment. The cramps have worsened a bit and are now definitely worse than any period pains I've had (though I'm lucky in that my periods are usually very straightforward) but ibuprofen and a hot water bottle is doing the job for the moment.

I'll monitor my temperature and keep a watch on the blood loss and anything unusual for me. I'm reassured in knowing that at the moment this is all I'm 'supposed' to be doing.

I'm reading all the views about forthcoming fertility should this indeed be an early miscarriage and will bear them all in mind.

Thank you for the kindness.