V. early pregnancy - pain & some bleeding

[trell]

After 15months of trying, am finally pregnant with 2nd child. Really early - possibly 3wks. Problem - started getting bad 'period pains' 3 or 4 days before period would've been due,then 2 days before had small bleed, then small bleeds again for the next 2 days. No bleeding for last 4 days but still dull ache, particularly on right side. Seen doctor but that was useless. Have looked into ectopic preg which seems to be a possibiity but pain is lessening and no pain in shoulder. Am really worried and wondered if anyone else has experienced this. Also not sure if a scan can be done so early to see if the cells are developing in the womb or tubes?

hi trell,

keep chin up might not be the worst. in your first mths of pregnancy you still experience period pains also you can bleed too thats what i have read.
but i would definatly go and get some advice from hospital. if it doesnt feel right go to hospital for some reassurance. regards to scans im sure they will do something. keep us posted x

Poor you - perhaps try and speak to the Early Pregnancy Unit at the hospital. It is always worth checking possible ectopics. They may not scan you until 4-5 weeks but they may monitor your hcg levels to check they are increasing at the right rate.

I am now 10 weeks pregnant and had 2 red bleeds early on around the time my period was due and everything was ok - but i did get a scan for reassurance at 5 weeks.

Thanks BabyEllsBells. Think I will go the hospital route and see what they have to say. Don't think I'll rest until I know whether ectopic or not. Will do my best to stay positive.

Lcy - didn't realise they could scan so early. Also didn't realise there were Early Pregnancy Units (so naive!) - thank you.

Trell - congratulations on your pregnancy. I tested positive on week three and had a short bleed (five days but only day one was heavy). I had some cramps and the GP sent me to the EPU ten days later and they scanned and said 'far too early to tell, bugger off for three weeks'.

Went back three weeks later, having been told I was 4+2 on first scan, only to be told I was 9 weeks and all was well. Am 12 weeks now and all is well.

Ectopic should always be ruled out but it's more likely an implantation bleed, didn't have one with my first pregnancy and so was really upset and confused when I had one with this - like you I assumed the worst. But these things can have good outcomes.

Good luck. Hope to see you on the childbirth boards in eight months or so!

I must say that most of my worries are because my first pregnancy was problem-free and so like you were, I've been upset and confused too. I know the period pain thing is really common but I really won't settle until I know a bit more. Am really pleased you're progressing so well - will def be posting on the childbirth boards if all goes well.

Hi Trell
I bled throughout both of my pregnancies, but esp in my first pregnancy, so am a minor expert! I was (eventually) diagnosed with cervical erosion - common, no complications/implications - but they tried miscarriage, placental bleeding, placental praevia etc etc on the way
Defn worth talking to your EPU. Most of them do a drop-in service, but the other option, if you want to feel more 'official' is to ring NHS Direct. I found them really helpful and supportive when I had bleeds, and they should be able to tell you your nearest EPU times. I'm not sure how early they can do scans - my first was at 5 weeks. FYI, it'll be a transvaginal scan (ie they insert a probe, scarily like a dildo) up your fanjo. Slightly uncomfortable at worst (I had trainees a few times!) but much better view.
As I understand it, about 1/3 of women have some bleeding in early pregnancy. Most common times are around when you would have had a period.
GOOD LUCK & keep us posted.

Trell - I invested in a doppler - from about nine weeks I've been able to listen to the heartbeat whenever I get worried. It's been brilliant!

BTW I had a transabdominal scan at 4/5 weeks and it was fine but your bladder has to be very full and you have to be quite slim apparently.

Hi funnypeculiar. I did ring NHS Direct initially and they directed me to my GP. Think I'll ring and find out about EPU - would prefer to drop in as based on last visit, not sure GP route would be fruitful.

hi whomovedmychocolate. Think I'd be in heartbeat listening overdrive but a really good idea. Will try to prepare myself for a full bladder!

if they dont help and you are really worried go to A&E thats what i did and i was seen by the EPU the next day.

Just been onto hospital website and found out EPU hours. Will be there tomorrow or Friday. Will let you know the outcome.

good luck im sure everything will be fine

good luck

trell how did it go? thinking of you xxxx

Hello, I am 11 weeks today and I am gutted. On Friday I noticed a light pink discharge , I saw my doctor who was reassuring and has booked me in for a scan on Monday. During the night and this morning the bleeding is worse, and I don't think it would be classed as 'spotting' any more, it is bright red like a period, although there have been no clots I have had some abdominal pain (though I have been getting this the last few weeks, mainly through flatulence!). I can't wait till tomorrow, though I spoke to an out of hours doctor today too, he said it may still not be a miscarriage. I have my doubts . Most of the cases I have read here seem to have bleeding much earlier in the pregnancy that I am experiencing. I can't bear the though of it. And keep getting tearful, even though I know what it meant to be is meant to be. It would be good to know of anyone who has experienced similar with a positive outcome.