Period like bleeding - 5 + 1/2 weeks

Lavenderrose92 · 12/01/2025 15:36

SapphicScot · 12/01/2025 15:33

Hi all,

I am looking for some advice, maybe just to write it down, because i’m pretty sure I know what’s happening already unfortunately.

i am 5w + 4d pregnant, however ive been spotting brown when wiping over the last week.. I was trying to remain positive and reading success stories on mumsnet. Last night I started bleeding quite heavily, (full disclosure, TMI TO FOLLOW) the blood is now red, dark but red, it’s not going onto my pad but when going to the bathroom/wiping it’s like a period. I have mild cramping but nothing significant pain wise.

Called EPU but they were closed and maternity can’t do anything on the weekend other than refer me for tomorrow for a scan to confirm a MC.

I’m not really one for false hope, I’m just not sure how or what to feel. This is my first pregnancy, or maybe, was.

Any words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated from anyone who’s experienced anything similar.

Thanks in advance xx

aww it’s so scary isn’t it!
Fingers crossed it’s implantation with some old blood mixed in?
please keep us posted! hopefully they can scan you in few days!

Original poster

SapphicScot · 12/01/2025 15:40

Lavenderrose92 · 12/01/2025 15:36

aww it’s so scary isn’t it!
Fingers crossed it’s implantation with some old blood mixed in?
please keep us posted! hopefully they can scan you in few days!

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Thank you for replying!

I was hoping for implantation bleeding until it became so heavy. It’s strange, when wiping it’s soo much but nothing on the pad. Maybe just gravity though.

I don’t even want a scan, because then it’s confirmed what I already know, but I know I need to.

This is just harder than I anticipated.

OP posts:

Harriet1989 · 12/01/2025 15:43

Ahh I'm so sorry OP.

I had a MC in June so did a lot of reading through various threads on here both to prepare myself and for a bit of hope. All I can tell you from that is that only time will tell and it can go either way I'm sorry to say.

By the time I did get scanned at EPU I knew I was unmistakably having a MC - I had lots of dark red blood, cramping and clots - these started small and went on to be about 50p type size.

It was uncomfortable but not super painful and EPU were really nice. The 'limbo' bit was the worst, once I knew it was much easier.

I also found lots of stories of people who had bleeds - sometimes period like who went on fine.. I think hope for the best and prepare yourself for the worst.

I'll be thinking of you x

Lavenderrose92 · 12/01/2025 15:44

SapphicScot · 12/01/2025 15:40

Thank you for replying!

I was hoping for implantation bleeding until it became so heavy. It’s strange, when wiping it’s soo much but nothing on the pad. Maybe just gravity though.

I don’t even want a scan, because then it’s confirmed what I already know, but I know I need to.

This is just harder than I anticipated.

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how many weeks do you think you are?

i had a ectopic in feb and lost my tube. the only sign was bleeding but it was heavy dark red and soaking pads
then had a chemical in nov which again was heavy bleeding.

so hard to relax isn’t it but bleeding can be normal and it’s not filling a pad that’s reassuring🤞🏻

Original poster

SapphicScot · 12/01/2025 15:51

Harriet1989 · 12/01/2025 15:43

Ahh I'm so sorry OP.

I had a MC in June so did a lot of reading through various threads on here both to prepare myself and for a bit of hope. All I can tell you from that is that only time will tell and it can go either way I'm sorry to say.

By the time I did get scanned at EPU I knew I was unmistakably having a MC - I had lots of dark red blood, cramping and clots - these started small and went on to be about 50p type size.

It was uncomfortable but not super painful and EPU were really nice. The 'limbo' bit was the worst, once I knew it was much easier.

I also found lots of stories of people who had bleeds - sometimes period like who went on fine.. I think hope for the best and prepare yourself for the worst.

I'll be thinking of you x

Thank you! It’s kind of you to take the time to reply.

I’m so sorry to hear about your MC!

I know all I can do is wait and hope, but the hope feels futile at this point. Not to be a negative Nancy, but I think the success stories after a heavy bleed are the exception not the rule unfortunately. I’ve had 1 clot, again im wiping, very small.

how long did the bleeding last, if you don’t mind me asking?

Even just someone who’s been through it reaching out is lovely though, thank you again.

OP posts:

Original poster

SapphicScot · 12/01/2025 15:55

Lavenderrose92 · 12/01/2025 15:44

how many weeks do you think you are?

i had a ectopic in feb and lost my tube. the only sign was bleeding but it was heavy dark red and soaking pads
then had a chemical in nov which again was heavy bleeding.

so hard to relax isn’t it but bleeding can be normal and it’s not filling a pad that’s reassuring🤞🏻

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I am so sorry to hear about your MC and Chem! I wish no one had to go through these things.

I am 5w and 4 days based on 1 day of last period and I know the exact day I ovulated/conceived etc.

The midwife I spoke with this morning also said not soaking a pad could be reassuring but I'm not wanting to get my hopes up when the likelihood isn’t good! But I really appreciate your reply.

OP posts:

Harriet1989 · 12/01/2025 15:58

SapphicScot · 12/01/2025 15:51

Thank you! It’s kind of you to take the time to reply.

I’m so sorry to hear about your MC!

I know all I can do is wait and hope, but the hope feels futile at this point. Not to be a negative Nancy, but I think the success stories after a heavy bleed are the exception not the rule unfortunately. I’ve had 1 clot, again im wiping, very small.

how long did the bleeding last, if you don’t mind me asking?

Even just someone who’s been through it reaching out is lovely though, thank you again.

Show quote history

Took five days from first spotting a tiny bit of pink on the tissue to the MC, the bleeding after took 2-3 weeks to completely stop, it was heavy for maybe a few days? I got a negative pregnancy test after 3 weeks of starting the bleeding, until then I was still testing positive.

I think the thing that made me realise it really wasn't right was the pain in my lower back, it was bad enough to wake me up at night and felt like a really bad period.

I'm now 10 weeks and while this pregnancy I've assumed less that things will definitely be okay, I've been less worried than I thought I'd be as I know I did nothing to cause the MC and nothing could have changed it. It was a really sad experience and I wish no one had to go through it but it wasn't awful physically and the limbo was the worst part.

I'm so sorry you're going through this but unless it helps you cope I still wouldn't assume yet that you're out xxx

Passthecake30 · 12/01/2025 15:59

I had spotting/bleeding at about that time and it was a blighted ovum, I chose to have the op to remove, and then went on to have 2 healthy pregnancies with no problems. For me I was glad it happened so early on in my pregnancy, when I calmed down and thought about it rationally. Hopefully it won’t be the same for you, fingers x.

Original poster

SapphicScot · 12/01/2025 16:07

Passthecake30 · 12/01/2025 15:59

I had spotting/bleeding at about that time and it was a blighted ovum, I chose to have the op to remove, and then went on to have 2 healthy pregnancies with no problems. For me I was glad it happened so early on in my pregnancy, when I calmed down and thought about it rationally. Hopefully it won’t be the same for you, fingers x.

Im so sorry to hear of your experience but congratulations on your two babies!!

Sorry I don’t know what a blighted ovum is?

Yeah earlier is definitely better!

OP posts:

Original poster

SapphicScot · 12/01/2025 16:12

Harriet1989 · 12/01/2025 15:58

Took five days from first spotting a tiny bit of pink on the tissue to the MC, the bleeding after took 2-3 weeks to completely stop, it was heavy for maybe a few days? I got a negative pregnancy test after 3 weeks of starting the bleeding, until then I was still testing positive.

I think the thing that made me realise it really wasn't right was the pain in my lower back, it was bad enough to wake me up at night and felt like a really bad period.

I'm now 10 weeks and while this pregnancy I've assumed less that things will definitely be okay, I've been less worried than I thought I'd be as I know I did nothing to cause the MC and nothing could have changed it. It was a really sad experience and I wish no one had to go through it but it wasn't awful physically and the limbo was the worst part.

I'm so sorry you're going through this but unless it helps you cope I still wouldn't assume yet that you're out xxx

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Congratulations on your pregnancy! I am thrilled for you! I wish you a healthy pregnancy!

Ive not really had much in way of pain, last night a couple sharp stabbing pains whilst I was trying to sleep but passed within seconds and other than that the odd mild cramping for seconds at a time.

I think I’m just scared to have any hope, but I think there’s always that little glimmer that we can’t control.

I just need to wait and see, and as you and most have said - the limbo is awful.

thanks again for your kindness x

OP posts:

Harriet1989 · 12/01/2025 16:16

SapphicScot · 12/01/2025 16:12

Congratulations on your pregnancy! I am thrilled for you! I wish you a healthy pregnancy!

Ive not really had much in way of pain, last night a couple sharp stabbing pains whilst I was trying to sleep but passed within seconds and other than that the odd mild cramping for seconds at a time.

I think I’m just scared to have any hope, but I think there’s always that little glimmer that we can’t control.

I just need to wait and see, and as you and most have said - the limbo is awful.

thanks again for your kindness x

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Thank you for your kind wishes, I never thought I'd be here and it felt a million miles away when I had my MC so I'm not taking it for granted.

I hope you have some answers soon. I know I only have one experience but if I can be of any help please reply on here! I'll be thinking of you, it's such a tough time, especially when no one really knows. I've told a few people since it happened and they have all been so incredibly supportive that this time I've told the people I wish I'd had support from at that time so I know I could tell them if I needed them this time. I promise you're not alone in going through this, whatever the outcome is xx

Original poster

SapphicScot · 12/01/2025 16:29

Harriet1989 · 12/01/2025 16:16

Thank you for your kind wishes, I never thought I'd be here and it felt a million miles away when I had my MC so I'm not taking it for granted.

I hope you have some answers soon. I know I only have one experience but if I can be of any help please reply on here! I'll be thinking of you, it's such a tough time, especially when no one really knows. I've told a few people since it happened and they have all been so incredibly supportive that this time I've told the people I wish I'd had support from at that time so I know I could tell them if I needed them this time. I promise you're not alone in going through this, whatever the outcome is xx

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Thank you!

I’m the opposite, I had told some people, had to tell my boss due to the job i do etc and now wish I hadn’t. Why do I feel embarrassed? I know it’s nothing ive done wrong, but I still feel guilty. It’s a strange one mentally.

I will keep you posted. If by some miracle i’m still
pregnant then I might also buy a lottery ticket!

OP posts:

Harriet1989 · 12/01/2025 16:30

SapphicScot · 12/01/2025 16:29

Thank you!

I’m the opposite, I had told some people, had to tell my boss due to the job i do etc and now wish I hadn’t. Why do I feel embarrassed? I know it’s nothing ive done wrong, but I still feel guilty. It’s a strange one mentally.

I will keep you posted. If by some miracle i’m still
pregnant then I might also buy a lottery ticket!

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I understand because I felt the same but absolutely nothing to be embarrassed about.

I hadn't told my boss and if anything I felt awkward saying I was taking a few days off for a miscarriage when they didn't even know I was pregnant. Felt like a lot for them to take in at once..!

Original poster

SapphicScot · 12/01/2025 16:34

Harriet1989 · 12/01/2025 16:30

I understand because I felt the same but absolutely nothing to be embarrassed about.

I hadn't told my boss and if anything I felt awkward saying I was taking a few days off for a miscarriage when they didn't even know I was pregnant. Felt like a lot for them to take in at once..!

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Yeah that’s true, I didn’t think of it like that. Maybe best they knew. Thankfully didn’t tell any colleagues though.

Will see what tomorrow brings!!

OP posts:

wantnoscrubs · 12/01/2025 16:58

I had a bleed at 5 weeks 5 days and went to the EPU this morning and they confirmed it was implantation bleeding and everything is ok. It can be heavier.

Mine was moderate in flow, dark red blood and lasted 20 mins. I'd also have brown spotting for 2 weeks.
I really hope the it's the same for you x

MsCactus · 12/01/2025 17:07

Good luck OP. It could honestly go either way and there's nothing anyone (or any doctor) can say to help until you can get a scan to confirm a MC or a healthy pregnancy.

Wishing you luck - I spotted blood for three days in my current pregnancy (now 20 weeks) and with my first DC pregnancy. Both times I assumed a MC and it was all fine.

I also know someone who poured blood at 16 weeks - it turned out to be a hemorrhage - the doctor told them it was likely a MC, but baby was fine. There are lots of stories like this but they are unusual.

I wouldn't get your hopes up, I would prepare for the worse - but hope for the best. Remember that the vast majority of MC are due to severe genetic abnormalities with the fetus - much better to have an early MC that carry a baby to term that won't survive after birth.

Sending you luck OP x

Original poster

SapphicScot · 12/01/2025 17:08

wantnoscrubs · 12/01/2025 16:58

I had a bleed at 5 weeks 5 days and went to the EPU this morning and they confirmed it was implantation bleeding and everything is ok. It can be heavier.

Mine was moderate in flow, dark red blood and lasted 20 mins. I'd also have brown spotting for 2 weeks.
I really hope the it's the same for you x

This is wonderful news! I am so happy for you!

Unfortunately ive been bleeding for almost 24hours now. So sadly I don’t think I’ll have a similar outcome! But thank you so much for sharing your experience, it is definitely positive!!

congratulations and I hope you have a healthy pregnancy!

OP posts:

Applecrumble9 · 12/01/2025 17:11

SapphicScot · 12/01/2025 15:33

Hi all,

I am looking for some advice, maybe just to write it down, because i’m pretty sure I know what’s happening already unfortunately.

i am 5w + 4d pregnant, however ive been spotting brown when wiping over the last week.. I was trying to remain positive and reading success stories on mumsnet. Last night I started bleeding quite heavily, (full disclosure, TMI TO FOLLOW) the blood is now red, dark but red, it’s not going onto my pad but when going to the bathroom/wiping it’s like a period. I have mild cramping but nothing significant pain wise.

Called EPU but they were closed and maternity can’t do anything on the weekend other than refer me for tomorrow for a scan to confirm a MC.

I’m not really one for false hope, I’m just not sure how or what to feel. This is my first pregnancy, or maybe, was.

Any words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated from anyone who’s experienced anything similar.

Thanks in advance xx

Hiya how long did you have the spotting for before the bleeding started?
I'm 5 wks 3 days, and over the weekend I started to get some light spotting, only when wiping too, it's been brown/light pink but has only happened 3 times.
With yours is it the same? Only at times or every time you go?
I called a&e but they basically said it could be a miscarraige or it could be fine. Hoping to attend epu tomorrow but at this early stage I'm not sure what they can tell me.
Are/were your lines dark on your test? Or faint/getting lighter? I previously had a loss just over 5 wks (in November) and I had a feeling something was up as my tests never got darker and were quite faint, I don't have that problem this time but again that can mean nothing
I have some cramps/pains, but I've had these all along before the bleeding and dr didn't seem concerned
Sending you well wishes xxx

MandyFriend · 12/01/2025 17:16

Sending lots of love at this very upsetting time. Try and keep calm because bleeding doesn't necessarily mean you're going to lose your baby. You'll only know for sure when you have a scan but if you still feel pregnant, that's a very good sign.

Let me share what happened to me, many years ago. I had a miscarriage at 6 weeks, but then became pregnant again soon afterwards. I started bleeding and was heartbroken, but the scan quickly confirmed my baby was ok and I had a low lying placenta. She's 27 now and still a worry to her mother!
MCs are very sad, but my doctor reassured me by saying at least you know you can get pregnant, which is encouraging.
I hope you get good news, but if you don’t we are all thinking of you xXx

BridetoBee · 12/01/2025 17:18

I had several bleeds, both brown and fresh red blood during my pregnancy with my daughter. I had bleeds on and off until 20 weeks which was a bit of a nightmare for me but she was absolutely fine, Born a little early but nothing to worry about and she’s a perfect child now!

AmberZebra · 12/01/2025 17:23

I’ve been pregnant 9 times, I have 2 children. I bled with every single one including the children I have you just can’t tell what is going to happen.
To be honest I became a bit emotionally immune to miscarriage so I’m sorry if I come across short.

Original poster

SapphicScot · 12/01/2025 17:23

Applecrumble9 · 12/01/2025 17:11

Hiya how long did you have the spotting for before the bleeding started?
I'm 5 wks 3 days, and over the weekend I started to get some light spotting, only when wiping too, it's been brown/light pink but has only happened 3 times.
With yours is it the same? Only at times or every time you go?
I called a&e but they basically said it could be a miscarraige or it could be fine. Hoping to attend epu tomorrow but at this early stage I'm not sure what they can tell me.
Are/were your lines dark on your test? Or faint/getting lighter? I previously had a loss just over 5 wks (in November) and I had a feeling something was up as my tests never got darker and were quite faint, I don't have that problem this time but again that can mean nothing
I have some cramps/pains, but I've had these all along before the bleeding and dr didn't seem concerned
Sending you well wishes xxx

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Hi Apple,

I had spotting over 7 days, with a day in the middle with nothing. It wasn’t every time i wiped. It started light pink and then brown and minimal. but for me that has progressed to heavier bleeding, dark red in colour, not covering a pad but a lot on wiping.

yeah sadly they can’t seem to tell us much at this stage, it’s a lonely time.

i tested positive at 11dpo with a faint line and all lines on my tests were getting stronger and darker, but I stopped testing about 4 days ago and haven’t bothered as the line doesnt mean much because you can test positive for a few weeks after a MC!

however, based on everything I’ve read whilst I was just spotting, yours sounds normal. I also called EPU re my spotting and they weren’t concerned at all then and said that’s completely normal, if that’s maybe reassuring to you! I really hope all goes well for you and it’s just your baby getting Cozy! Xx

OP posts:

Original poster

SapphicScot · 12/01/2025 17:25

BridetoBee · 12/01/2025 17:18

I had several bleeds, both brown and fresh red blood during my pregnancy with my daughter. I had bleeds on and off until 20 weeks which was a bit of a nightmare for me but she was absolutely fine, Born a little early but nothing to worry about and she’s a perfect child now!

Thank you for your reply, can I ask, when you say bleeds… was it a lot? And how long did each time last?

OP posts:

Original poster

SapphicScot · 12/01/2025 17:28

MandyFriend · 12/01/2025 17:16

Sending lots of love at this very upsetting time. Try and keep calm because bleeding doesn't necessarily mean you're going to lose your baby. You'll only know for sure when you have a scan but if you still feel pregnant, that's a very good sign.

Let me share what happened to me, many years ago. I had a miscarriage at 6 weeks, but then became pregnant again soon afterwards. I started bleeding and was heartbroken, but the scan quickly confirmed my baby was ok and I had a low lying placenta. She's 27 now and still a worry to her mother!
MCs are very sad, but my doctor reassured me by saying at least you know you can get pregnant, which is encouraging.
I hope you get good news, but if you don’t we are all thinking of you xXx

Thank you for sharing! ❤️

can I ask what the bleeding was like?

im trying not to get any false hope because it’s been almost 24 hours now. That can’t be good.

OP posts:

Applecrumble9 · 12/01/2025 17:40

SapphicScot · 12/01/2025 17:23

Hi Apple,

I had spotting over 7 days, with a day in the middle with nothing. It wasn’t every time i wiped. It started light pink and then brown and minimal. but for me that has progressed to heavier bleeding, dark red in colour, not covering a pad but a lot on wiping.

yeah sadly they can’t seem to tell us much at this stage, it’s a lonely time.

i tested positive at 11dpo with a faint line and all lines on my tests were getting stronger and darker, but I stopped testing about 4 days ago and haven’t bothered as the line doesnt mean much because you can test positive for a few weeks after a MC!

however, based on everything I’ve read whilst I was just spotting, yours sounds normal. I also called EPU re my spotting and they weren’t concerned at all then and said that’s completely normal, if that’s maybe reassuring to you! I really hope all goes well for you and it’s just your baby getting Cozy! Xx

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Yeah its a really lonely time, very tough not knowing
I didnt cope too well with my chemical it upset me a lot more than I expected, so to be possibly back here again is really sore difficult. We want this baby more than anything.

I just have a bad feeling because of the cramping/pains I've had on and off. My symptoms are still here and tests are dark which is confusing but at the end of the day means nothing really.

I'm just scared in a few days this spotting will progress to worse.
You should go to EPU tomorrow if you can xx
I also like to be realistic about these things but there are conflicting stories some positive and some not, so its difficult to know.
I guess it will be Wednesday/Thursday of this week before we both know anything as they'll want to test for hcg over 48 + hours xxx sending you love and well wishes and please know as lonely as this is you are not alone 💗