What would you do?

[HeadFairy]

I'm 5 weeks pg, but I've had some bleeding on and off for a week now. Not heavy, and not continuous. Just the odd smear when I go to the loo. I haven't had any pain really, just the odd twinge which I've put down to my uterus stretching a bit. I still feel quite pg, feeling nauseas quite a bit and boobs are feeling full and tingly.

I've just been to see the GP and he said to go to the EPU at my local hospital next week when I'll be 6 weeks gone for an early scan to check things over. Is it worth waiting until 7 weeks? How much will I really see or find out at 6 weeks? If I'm miscarrying there's nothing I can do about it, but if I'm not miscarrying, won't they have a much better idea of what's going on at 7 weeks? I know lots of people on here have had early scans at the 6 week mark and have been told to come back a week later to check growth, but that week must be agony in between. What would you do?

The EPU have a walk in system, no appt necessary so I can go when ever....

I have had this bleeding with my last three pregnancies. First time went in at 5 weeks didn't see anything had to wait an agonising 2 weeks, then saw all was ok, ds now 2.

Then had it at 5 weeks again couldn't see anything and me hcg levels were not going up as they should, ended in miscarraige.

Now 34 weeks pregnant and had it with this pregnancy too saw a sac there at 5 weeks and little heart beat at 6 weeks. Hcg levels were checked when I started bleeding at 5 weeks and they doubled so all good.

Can you get your hcg levels checked out? I found this very reasurring. Also this can help to rule out an etopic pregnancy which they were worried about with me as I had slight pain with the bleeding. I do wish you all the best, its such a worring time. But two times out of three I was ok, I hope you are too.

headfairy im sorry you are having a worrying time right now, only you know what is best for you but personally i would wait if you can. I went for a scan for the same reasons at 6 weeks only to be told it was too early to see anything so had to wait for another 2 weeks until 8 weeks (there wasnt any appointments left for a 7 week one) at 6 weeks there really isnt much to see and the scanners are advised not to give you any information until at least 7 weeks as the scan is so inconclusive. Good luck xxx

Unless you are actually in pain I would hold out as long as you can, ideally until 8 weeks. With my first I had 2 early scans, one at 6 weeks and one at 8 weeks, and to be honest I wish I hadn't bothered. You are right in that they can't really see much at 6 weeks, and the chances are that you will have to go back again anyway. I also know from other peoples experience that if you are miscarrying they might not be able to tell you that from such an early scan anyway, you might still have to wait.
It is very stressful waiting in between scans, which doesn't help. My early scans also meant that I couldn't get a dating scan at 12 weeks, because they could do that from the earlier ones. I've had a 12 week scan this time and it was amazing to see something that looked like a baby, an image that you don't get with the early scans.
I could have had an early scan this time due to previous miscarriage but decided it wasn't worth the stress. As soon as I got the date for the 12 week scan I started to worry though.

Try to stay positive. Loads of people have bleeding in early pregnancy and it can happen for a variety of reasons.

thank you so much for your reassuring words everyone, you're all lovely and have made me feel a bit weepy - I MUST be pg ! I think I will try and hold out as long as possible. I didn't ask the doctor if I should hold out a bit longer this morning as I hadn't had any bleeding for a couple of days but right on cue, this afternoon I've had a bit again. The same as before, no clots, not heavy, but I've been bleeding for a couple of hours now. Again no pain, so I'm trying to keep positive, but blimey it's hard!!

DH said I should try another HPT to see if I'm still pg, but I've read on here you can still get a pos preg test for a while after you've miscarried, so I presume that won't help me.

headfairy dh is right, i had postive test 2 weeks after eprc so it really wouldnt help you im afraid. The sac needs to pass before you will get a negative reading but that isnt going to happen to you, hold on and remain positive! sending you hugs xx

Thanks barbie I'll save the HPT along with the OPKs I hope I don't need to use again!

hopefully not, keep posting so i know how things turn out...everything is crossed for you xxx

Headfairy, absolutely know what you are going through. Going through the same thing myself right now! I have been bleeding/spotting dark blood since wk4, some days quite bad. Had my hcg levels checked, they were fine and a scan at 6 wks. We could see a little flatter and it was very reassuring. I had to go private to get this scan done and if you have a chance to get it on NHS and by just walking in I would go for it! I had another private scan at 7 wks as bleeding increased. Was told that it is ok as long as it is dark brown in colour. Saw the heartbeat very clearly and it was very reassuring. This morning had a massive bleed (fresh blood too as due to my period) and cramps as well and went to A&E. Insisted on a scan (which they were not offering) and all is fine. Couldn't believe it as lost all hope. Just trying to say that you need to do what is best for you, I personally find the scans reassuring. Also, sounds like your bleeding is quite ok (not normal but common). I am 8 wks now and still believing all might be fine after all. Hope this helps a bit. Try to stay positive, I know how hard it is, I am in pieces every other day myself.

oh hopetobemum, what you're going through sounds terrible. I'll keep everything crossed for you. It sounds like you've had such a rollercoaster. I bleed most of yesterday, it seems to be stopping now. Or at least its much lighter, not that it's ever very heavy. I don't need to even use anything, just a pantyliner. I was a bit unsure about how wise it is to use a tampon in these circumstances, but to be honest I don't think they make one small enough for what I'm experiencing.

The thing that's reassuring me is the continuing nausea. Last night, after a lovely thai meal out with dh I was wretching all night, not great but I'm not complaining! I'm going to try and hold out as long as I can, the scanning department at the hospital is apparently one of the best in the country so when I finally decide I can't wait any longer at least I have a good chance of fining out what's going on straight away.

Thanks so much for your support, and you yoo barbie. It means a lot to me

HF: don't use a tampon, it's a bad idea. It increases the risk of introducing an infection: stick to a pantyliner if you need one.

And good luck btw: to HTBM as well.

thanks for that solidgold, I thought that might be the case. I used one on the first day (seems like ages ago now) when I thought I was getting my period, but it was so light and something niggled me so I checked to see if i was pg. Haven't used one since.