Miscarriage at 6 weeks. 3 different healthcare professionals have told me to manage at home?

[Enchanted82]

2 weeks ago I had a miscarriage at 6 weeks. I phoned my GP, local midwife unit and EPU at hospital all saying I can manage it at home unless I continue to have pain or bleeding. On so many other threads people have had scans at this point. Have you demanded to have a scan? Or have healthcare professionals wanted to see you?

I’m took a pregnancy test today ( 13 days after miscarriage) and still positive. Anyone know if this is to be expected?

Both times I’ve had bleeding in early pregnancy I was seen for a scan, bloods - then repeat bloods after 48 hours then another scan if needed. Sadly both of these times confirmed as a miscarriage by them. Really shocked that you havnt been offered atleast a blood test, I would call back and explain pregnancy test still positive. Mine went negative within about a week I think. Depends on area as to who you need to call but may be worth calling EPU direct or a midwife line and see if they can sort anything for you if you explain situation. Sorry you’re going through this

How did you confirm that it was a miscarriage? Was it assumed because you had painful bleeding? I had a negative test by 10 days post miscarriage, but had read that some had a positive test for far longer. You should get it checked out though in case anything is retained.

there was just so much bleeding and clots I thought it must be. Far worse than my very heavy periods

I can't comment on whether a test should be showing as negative right now, and the last thing I want to do is give false hope, but as others have echoed- how did they diagnose miscarriage? I ask as I had quite heavy red bleeding at 8 weeks. I was offered a scan at the EPU and although they couldn't explain why the bleeding had happened my pregnancy was still intact. I think under the circumstances it's fair of you to mention the test you've taken today and say you need a test to confirm whether you have definitely miscarried.
I hope you get some clarity soon x

It'll be fairly obvious in another week OP. Sorry for what you've been through.

I’d definitely see if you can get to an EPU, have to be referred by GP in my area but let them know that you’re still having a positive test. Is it a strong positive? They need to scan you. Also as above can’t believe that they’ve not confirmed anything for you.
I hope it all gets sorted for you and you get some answers.

I'm so sorry. Honestly I found the administrative staff blunt bordering on cruel when I miscarried.

I was a bit further along though and was already 'in the hospital system', but tbh I was only scanned because I went to the early pregnancy unit and waited in the drop in queue.

It was confirmed not viable and I was sent home to await the miscarriage.
No blood tests or anything. No support - I wasn't expecting any, though in hindsight I was a total mess.

I hope you're doing okay.

Also I tested positive for a couple months afterwards

I miscarried at 6 weeks, GP told me no appointments were needed. I conceived again a few weeks later, he’s 17 now.

So sorry this is happening to you. I've had a few sadly, my earliest being at 6/7 weeks and the GP just said "yes it does sound like a miscarriage" over the phone and that was it! Just to manage at home. This was during Covid though so not sure if it's the normal way they do it.

When I had an mc at 7 weeks it was manage at home.

When I had a later one I had to go to hospital.

I'm so sorry OP 💐

What are you expecting though? I mean that kindly. It's an early m/c and managing at home is the correct advice.

If you've any concerns, do seek medical advice.

I've had 4 miscarriages- at 5, 8, 10 and 11 weeks - all been managed at home.

The length of time I have had to wait for a negative pregnancy test has varied from 1 to just over 3 weeks. I went to EPU for a scan after my first miscarriage to confirm there was no remaining tissue but didn't feel the need to for the others.

I'd wait until 3 weeks post miscarriage (that's the timescale the EPU have always given me) and if you are still getting a positive ask them for a scan. If you're getting any pain, or heavy bleeding continues then ask them for a scan sooner.

I’d say it’s pretty standard to manage at home. The only reason they’d ask for scans is if they suspected an ectopic or if you were bleeding for an unusually long period of time which could indicate retained product.

I never tested again after my 6 week mc but I tested positive up to 3 months after my 12 week one (and bled for 8 weeks!).

I would ask to be referred to confirm it is in fact a complete miscarriage. The bleeding could have another cause. It is also possible to miscarry a twin but for the other twin to remain viable.

You can request a scan if you suspect you have retained product (I had to do this). I was also told to contact the EPU if I was still testing positive 14 days after I began bleeding. But if you’re not still bleeding nothing else seems amiss they’ll likely just tell you to test again in another week. It can take a while for HCG levels to drop and hormones to stabilise. Sorry for what you’re going through ❤️

Call the EPAU and tell them you're still testing positive.

I am so sorry you are going through this.
From memory, if you are still testing positive 3 weeks on from your miscarriage phone your local EPU. I suspect you'll be invited in for bloods and scans.

As for bleeding that can continue for up to 8 weeks or so.