Bleeding at 5 weeks and early scan didn't show anything

[Mouse1808]

Not sure how this is going to help, as have spent days searching for answers and there's simply no answer, other than 1 extreme to the other. So basically I am 5 weeks 5 days today. 4 days ago I started brown spotting, only there when wiped and increased if I went to the toilet to strain. Very mild stretching and period like cramps. Yesterday I went to the toilet and sorry if TMI but it was red and almost like a slimy consistency which then did start dripping on to a pad and very small clot when I went to the toilet. Stupidly I booked a private scan and there was nothing there but a dark patch which she said could indicate an ectopic pregnancy. She said the fact there was nothing could be because it's simply too early or a miscarriage. I got sent to the EPU and they have taken my bloods and repeating in 48 hours to see if HCG has doubled. The doctor said I had no other symptoms, looked fine and well and literally didn't know what was going on. Over night there was no blood on the pad so it has eased and today again just there when I wipe. I've spent days crying and having a glimmer of hope to what if it has gone and can't believe I have to wait until Thursday for my bloods to have an indication. Has anyone had anything similar at all and it turned out ok?

How sure are you on your dates? Could you have ovulated later? At 5w5 they should be able to see something on a scan. Even if it’s just a sac. But was the scan internal or external? It is very hard to see anything on an external scan. Unfortunately all you can do is wait at this point. EPU should scan you after 6 weeks (they don’t like doing it before then as it’s very small and results can be inconclusive). Once you have your HCG blood levels back you should have a slightly better idea.

It was internal, the hospital said it is completely normal to not see anything at this stage too so just no way of telling. Totally right I am just in limbo until I get my second lot of bloods done tomorrow :( Today there is only blood when I wipe and nothing at all on a pad. My cycle was anywhere from 24 to 28 days so there could be a few days in it. Thanks for replying :)

I’m so sorry you are going through this. It is so stressful. To be honest bleeding doesn’t mean that much. A full period might be more indicative but some level of bleeding is very normal in early pregnancy as are cramps. Tbh it’s just as normal NOT to bleed during a miscarriage. You are very very early. So yes you might have seen a sac but as the EPU and scanner said you may not have. My earliest heartbeat was 6w but that was totally accurate dates and every day really does count. It is agonising I know but there is literally nothing you can do but wait. I have been there. It is awful.

With my DS I had so much blood that it was like that first bit when your period really gets going…really heavy. The times I was most anxious were the two that stuck…if that helps.

You just have to make yourself as comfy as you can while you ride out these next few weeks. Best of luck xxx

Thank you, it really is the worst being in limbo. At least tomorrow when I go for my bloods by midnight I will have an idea as they said I can ring any time even during night for the results. It is reassuring when people have had similar experiences and continued to have healthy pregnancies but totally understand there's so many that don't. Thank you xx

Hope you’re doing ok @Mouse1808

I’ve had an ectopic. Diagnosed after not seeing anything on scan, on and off bleeding and mainly the hcg bloods. I got 3 bloods to see the pattern - it went up, down, up. Ectopic is usually a pattern that fluctuates like that. So until you get your 3 bloods to see the pattern, you won’t be able to know much more. You may just be super early and ovulated late!