Chemical pregnancy confusion

[storytimemamma]

I am not quite sure what I hope to gain by posting this, but I am in this torturous limbo of not knowing whether I am still pregnant or not. So I guess I’m after some shared experiences and reassurance I suppose.

I am currently 4+3 weeks pregnant, so it’s very early days. I took a pregnancy test a week ago, just before my period was due, as I had felt some symptoms of my last pregnancy and had my suspicions. I got an instant positive, strong dark line. The day later I took another digital test that said ‘3+ weeks’ - which did confuse me, as I definitely wasn’t that far along (it measures post conception) - however I put that down to test inaccuracy. We were of course overjoyed that I was pregnant again.

However, the concern has arose over some bleeding I had around the time my period was due. For approximately two hours, I did have bright red, medium heavy bleeding (definitely more than spotting). No cramping or usual PMS symptoms. Then it stopped for a day or so. However, I have then had some brown light discharge since (apologies TMI!) and this has continued on/off for three days.

I have gone round in circles, having immediately presumed it was a chemical pregnancy… to having hope from the lack of pain and further bleeding. My periods are normally reasonably heavy, 4-5 days, with lots of cramping and leg pains. So I haven’t had anything like that. I have actually still had some nausea, which began very early around the time I tested. I also had that very early with my first pregnancy.

As expected, my GP has said to wait and test each week. If still pregnant in a week or two, she said she would be hopeful.

I am currently 5 days post bleeding, still with discharge, but still testing positive with lines as dark as before. I guess I was expecting to start to see the lines fade out as time goes on.

So here I am, just waiting. Not sure whether to be happy or disappointed. If I am indeed still positive in a week or two I am going to book a private scan for reassurance that all is okay.

Have others experienced this? Am I being too quick to think the worst? I had no bleeding at all in my first pregnancy, so my gut just doesn’t feel good about it.

Any advice to calm the frustration of not knowing? Thank you.

Hi lovely, this doesn’t sound like a chemical to me because your tests are still very strong. With my chemical my tests were lighter very soon with bleeding. It’s so frustrating that there’s not much you can do at this point, it’s just a waiting game isn’t it. Some bleeding in early pregnancy can be completely normal (albeit terrifying). It’s just a case of waiting although if you have pain and the bleeding gets worse you should call the EPU or go to a&e if it’s really bad. Thinking of you and hoping for the very best outcome x

It sounds positive for now. Some bleeding around the time your period is due is fairly common. I had two incidents of bleeding at 6 and 8 weeks and baby is fine so far.

It’s so hard not knowing. I’d definitely get a private scan once you are 6+ weeks.

Interesting that your test said 3+ weeks. Are you absolutely sure of your dates? HCG that high is unusual and it can be a sign of a multiples or very rarely other issues like ectopic/molar pregnancy so I do think you should get an early scan if you can.

Thank you both for your reply. It’s good to know that bleeding can at times be harmless too.

I was also completely confused by the 3+ test and the fact they have all been strong lines so early. However I had quite a heavy period last month and have been tracking those for a while, so I’m sure we can only of conceived in this last cycle. Hopefully time will tell.

Thank you for your reply - I think I do need to distract myself as best I can for now and hope for the best, it’s all we can do!