Scared 1st time mum

[RosieBoop]

Hi

I am currently 9+1 and from yesterday I have had what feels like strong period cramps, no bleeding but what looks like a brownish mucus (small amount) is this cause for concern ?

Altho I have taken multiple pregnancy tests (all positive) and have my 12 week scan in January, I am now concerned I may not actually be pregnant as no doctor has confirmed it (can’t see one due to COVID restrictions)!

I am 42 and this is my 1st pregnancy, should I be going to the hospital or is the above symptoms normal ?

Hey. You don’t generally have your pregnancy ‘confirmed’ until you have your scan. Some people choose to have a private scan before this as obviously a long wait. You could call your local EPU. Whether or not they’ll have you in is a bit hit and miss. Is it possible for you to book a private scan ?

Hi, I didn't want to read and run!

I presume you've got a named midwife if you've got a scan booked - contact her about your symptoms, or your GP. They might refer u to the EPU (Early Pregnancy Unit) who will check you out. EPUs aren't usually open at the weekends tho.

Also, doctors don't confirm pregnancies anymore - in fact in many areas u won't actually see one at all - it's all done by midwives unless u get referred to a consultant for some reason.

Private scans aren't great if you're having bleeding / pain. Their aftercare isn't great. Also the NHS won't use private scans and will make you have another one if there's a problem, which can be traumatic. Best to get in at the EPU if you can.

When I had brown ‘spotting’ at about 7 weeks EPU wouldn’t see me. Just said keep an eye on it. They didn’t see to be concerned as there wasn’t any red bleeding which suggested the blood was old. Hope you’re ok x

Whilst I agree with you @bumpyknuckles that EPU should be first port of call, if EPU won’t see OP would you expect her wait until January ? In a blind panic constantly worrying if something was wrong ?

I didn't suggest she wait in a stew until January. I'm suggesting that private scans should be used with caution. See below for why:

www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-54527595

Hi, thanks to everyone for your comments, I am going to phone the EPU see what they say! I think I am just overly apprehensive because did my age x

I hope all is well. Cramp pains aren't unusual in the early weeks. Usually brownish discharge isn't a concern but if it turns red it is. But even people where this happens sometimes do go on with the pregnancy without problems.

Cramping is likely to be your ligaments stretching. This is absolutely normal (as is loss of “symptoms around this time as the placenta kicks in between 8-12 weeks which lessens/ removes symptoms).
Keep an eye on the brown stuff, but I would try not to worry.
Good luck.

I have been able to get a scan for tomorrow morning 9am at the EPC. My symptoms are now like my period only a little less discharge and a little more cramping. It is gonna be a long day and night.

Ahh that’s good. Hope it goes well x

Sorry I mean good you have managed to get a scan 🤦🏻‍♀️

UPDATE - had my scan at EPC this morning, my date suggested I am 9 weeks+3 but baby only measured 6 weeks! Unfortunately they were unable to locate a heartbeat but did say this could be down to the size of the baby, we now have to wait 2 weeks before the next scan to see if a heartbeat can be located!

I am slightly reassured that everything appeared healthy with no loose blood inside etc but it is gonna be a long 2 weeks. I am still extremely concerned because if they baby is a little younger than anticipated (ie only 6 weeks) and is still growing then why am I having cramps and bleeding ?

So sorry - this is so stressful. I had a similar situation and was sent for a series of blood tests to see if my ECG levels were increasing or not (sign of missed miscarriage). I don't think this is normal practice on NHS though. Sending hugs x

HCG levels

What a worry for you. Are you certain of your dates ? Do you perhaps have irregular cycles/ovulate late ?

How are you feeling today, OP? I'm not sure if I'm being helpful, but just wish to offer some support as I was in your situation too and am also your age.

I had gone through this odd experience while on holiday in Italy and the doctor had given me advice which I had found so reassuring and poetically Italian.

He said take these situations as part of the whole experience of fertility: the pregnancy is in the right place (ie. not ectopic), indicating that your tubes are not obstructed, you are ovulating, there is chemistry between your eggs and your partner and everything is functioning. Even if this foetus self-destructs, the signs are there that you could have a successful pregnancy in future. Either way, your mind has been irrevocably altered and you will always be a mother, whether your pregnancy progresses or not.

In my case, my first pregnancy ended in a miscarriage but I tried again after ERPC and one period (as advised by my NHS gynae) and got pregnant again.

Good luck!!!