Should I just head to a&e? Brown discharge, can't get through to EPAU

[TheBeesKnee]

I'm 11 weeks 2 days pregnant and this morning I had stringy brown discharge - looks like old blood. I've had a bit of cramping over the last week but assumed it was just stretching and growing pains.

Local early pregnancy assessment unit only works 9-12 every day, it has been 25 minutes since I called. Couldn't get through and was just invited to leave a voicemail and they'd get back to me as soon as possible. You're not allowed to walk in, it's appointment only.

I'm so distressed, I am wondering if it's best I just head to a&e? I live about 15 minutes away from the hospital. DP at work and not answering his phone.

No don’t go to A&E unless you’ve got a lot of pain, there’s not much they can do and you’ll be there for hours for no reason. Sometimes healthy pregnancy has minor bleeding and sometimes they don’t work out. Try the EPAU again. Hope everything is alright for you

A&E probably isn't your best bet. As hard as it is you're probably best off waiting for the EPU to call you back.

It doesn't necessarily mean MC BTW but I know what a worry it is. I had the same and it turned out to be fine.

I hope they get back to you soon.

I would wait and see. I def wouldn't go to a and e.

I would wait for EPU.
Me being me I'd book a private scan for asap.

But to let you know I had brown spotting for weeks in first trimester, all turned out well.

Fingers crossed for you.

A&E won’t do anything, it’s not an accident or emergency unless your having uncontrollable bleeding or severe pain.

Unfortunately, if you're going to miscarry, there is nothing they can do. There are lots of reasons for brown discharge. I hope it settles soon.

They called me back after 30 mins, I am on my way in.

Thank you all

as the other ladies have said, wait for EPUA. I hope all is well for you! 🤞🏻💜

@TheBeesKnee, just saw your update. Good luck! Keep us updated. 💖

Good luck

Hope all is OK OP. Glad they got back to you quickly.

Hope all is well OP, update when you can xx

Also, if it makes you feel any better I had the exact same cramps and brown blood at 11w3d and baby was fine. Everything crossed for you xx

Everything is fine. They couldn't explain the bleed by blamed my cramps on gas 😳

They scanned me and the baby is alive and kicking, I'm measuring 5 days ahead of what I thought I was.

I feel utterly exhausted now, I really thought it was the beginning of the end this morning.

So pleased everything is well.

@TheBeesKnee, I'm pleased everything went well 😊

As a rule, brown discharge is old blood, and usually not much to be concerned about. Red, fresh blood would be worrying.

Usually, but if you’re Rh negative you will be given and should be given an anti-D injection for any bleed.

(And irrespective of any bleeds, you’ll still get one, preemptively, around 30 weeks and another one after birth - if the baby is Rh+ (to protect the next pregnancy))

You should know if you’re Rh- when the midwife orders the first blood tests I think (week 10-11), I’m pretty sure it’s included, but then I always knew my blood group.

...I'm rh- and had multiple bleeds like the one OP describes early in both pregnancies, and only got the anti-D at 29 weeks. I was told brown blood doesn't count as a bleed because it's old, not fresh.

You were right to go get checked. Whilst brown blood is usually old it doesn't always mean everything is fine either.

I'm glad everything is well! Bonus you're further along than you thought too!

Congratulations 💐

@MolliciousIntent i went last week and first they checked then sent me home, then called the next day saying the protocol has been updated and to come for the anti D injection. I had a bit of pink blood bc of inflammation due to thrush and the pessary I put in, they ruled out that it was from the baby but they say now they’ve been told to give it for any bleed for Rh-. And I will still have the 30 week injection too.

I think I spoke too soon, I just had peachy discharge. I'm hoping it's just the rest of yesterday's issue clearing out, but I will keep an eye on it.

I don't want to call the EPU in a panic again but I do feel uneasy.

There's no point calling EPU, you've literally just been seen, which a&e our epu here wouldn't even see someone for, a small amount of old blood. Epu would just tell you to wait and keep an eye on it, there's nothing else you or they can do.

I'd hope it's just the rest of whatever old bleed is coming out, maybe see how you go over the weekend and re-assess Monday?

Try and stay hopeful, I had similar bleeding for at least 5 days at the same stage with my first and she was absolutely fine.

When is your 12 week scan? Xx

Just for the benefit of anyone reading this thread in future,

(1) it is sometimes worth going to A&E for something like this; my two local EPAUs only take referrals from A&E/Urgent Care so if you go down to the hospital they triage you and then refer you to EPAU. So it is absolutely false that there's no point going to A&E unless you're gushing blood. You need to find out the referral pathways for your hospital and act accordingly.

(2) if you're worried, it's always fine to call the midwife helpline. They would want you to if there's anything you're worried about, even if the only thing they can do is try to reassure you. More care in early pregnancy is associated with better outcomes!!

I wouldn't want anyone to read some of the replies to this thread and conclude that if they have light bleeding/spotting the only thing they can do is sit at home and stress about it. Seek care and support from your medical team!

@TheBeesKnee , so glad you got scanned and everything was ok. Hope the discharge clears up soon.