Spotting and light cramps - where do I go from here?

[Algor1thm]

I'm 4 weeks pregnant and found out a week ago. I had a tiny bit of spotting 3 days ago which stopped, and then spotting started again yesterday and continued through most of the day. It's very light and brown in colour, but by the end of the day there was a bit of brown, stringy discharge. I've had mild cramps on and off since implantation really. I've taken a cheap test every morning since I found out and the line is still progressing - very dark this morning, darker than yesterday. My period would have been due yesterday/today so not sure if that could have anything to do with it. Seems a bit late for implantation bleeding?

I've had a CP in the past followed by a healthy pregnancy with no bleeding. My previous CP was more cut and dried - positive test followed by sudden heavy bleeding a few days later accompanied by negative test.

I have a few questions:

A) Is there any hope for this pregnancy or do I need to accept this is the start of a miscarriage?

B) Is there any point contacting the GP at this early stage or will they just tell me to wait it out? Is there anything they can do to get a clearer picture of what's going on in light of the progressing pregnancy tests?

C) If this carries on (light spotting but nothing heavy, still testing positive) where do I go from here? My local EPU won't see me until 6 weeks but do I try to get a referral then?

Can anyone help? Lots of nausea this morning so pregnancy symptoms certainly haven't disappeared.

I would speak to your GP definitely. Good luck 🤞

I wouldn't lose hope at all, as I think it could be fine. Do get referred if you can at 6 weeks though, as then you won't have the long wait till 12 weeks.

Fwiw, I had this with both of my dcs. One at 6 weeks and the other at 10 weeks. The spotting at 10 weeks was quite bad and obviously I was a bit further along, so we did get a scan at the EPU to check everything was OK and it was.

I don't want to give you loads of false hope, but at the same time it can work out fine.

Really good luck with it all!

I'm not sure what a gp would be able to do, but it may be worth asking. I think some people are prescribed progestogen, but I'm not a HCP or anything like it, so that might not be the right thing.

Thanks for your replies, really appreciate it. I've contacted my GP for a call back later today. Good to hear that your pregnancies progressed normally @SuzySangfroid, trying not to hold out false hope but am trying to remind myself it's not definitely over.

The spotting has reduced to almost nothing today but I'm still having cramps. I've been referred to the EPU by my GP to rule out an ectopic, as my symptoms do tick many of the boxes. They won't be able to see the baby at this stage but should be able to visualise the sac and check that it's in the uterus. Then should be able to have a follow up scan to check for a heartbeat a bit later down the line 🤞🏻 I'm really hoping that the worst of the spotting is over now, even though the cramping doesn't seem like a great sign.

That's good you've been referred op. Hope everything is OK.

That’s good that you can go to the EPU so early @Algor1thm When is the scan?

@GreyTCat not sure yet, they said they'll put the referral in and then I'll get a call. The GP sounded hopeful it'll be before the end of the week 🤞🏻

It is most likely implantation bleeding and cramping this early on. I had it when I was due my period and worried but now 8 weeks and baby is fine so far. Cramping very normal your womb is growing
I always think it’s best to speak to midwife or gp if you’re worried ( I had MMC in April so was nervous too )