My HCG levels were normal my last couple of draws, but I went into the ER this past week with cramping and spotting. The doctor confirmed I had a missed miscarriage and that the baby stopped growing over a month ago. It still doesn't quite seem real.
I haven’t been super active on the board, but I want to wish you all amazing pregnancies, and am sad that I won't get to know you all better.
Hello, all, it's been a hectic past few weeks, and I haven't been checking the board too often; I do want to share today's kerfuffle in case it helps reassure someone else. I have had five early pregnancy losses with no live births, so I'm thrilled to have made it past 13 weeks this time. This morning, however, I had a decent gush of bright red blood with my first time up to the bathroom and pretty much melted down immediately--this is the first bleeding I've had with this pregnancy, and it took me right back to the heartache of earlier losses. Since today is Sunday, the midwife on call at my practice offered to have me wait a day for a scan in the office, or head to the emergency department. I opted for the latter. I was unwilling to try to use the bathroom again and didn't want to see any more bleeding; I used a panty liner out of ostrich-with-her-head-in-the-sand-optimism, and this ended up being adequate for the amount that I actually bled.
The emergency department was blissfully empty at 8am on Sunday morning; the nurses were kind, sympathetic, and efficient. The physician saw me within minutes of getting settled; after reviewing my history, she performed a pelvic exam. She reported that my cervix was closed and that there was minimal blood with no obvious source in my vagina. She ordered some bloodwork and sent me for an ultrasound. While the ultrasound tech advised me that she would not reveal any results, after 5 agonizing minutes of silent scanning, she turned the screen my way and showed me that the fetus still had a beating heart and was moving around normally. I'm very grateful for that kind gesture, especially since my mother (who was allowed to accompany me in the ED) was not allowed back in radiology.
Ultimately, the bloodwork was normal (HCG around 70,000), and the radiology report described a placental lake which may have been the source of the bleeding (SCH could not be ruled out though). The fetus is on track for growth with a normal heart rate. All in all, extremely reassuring after the seeing such fresh blood with no recent reason (my husband is deployed=no sex, no recent pelvic exam, no strenuous lifting, no nothing). Without a history of losses, it might have been reasonable to wait and see if the bleeding was consistent or heavy; as of now, I have not had further bleeding. I know I made the right choice for myself in the moment, as otherwise I would still be weeping in bed waiting for tomorrow to come. Hoping for fewer moments like these! And hoping that you all are doing well.
I'd forgotten to update here as I haven't been on much since my ER trip Friday nite (more like Sat morn) but prior to that I had spotted while I was battling an over full bladder after not drinking enough during the day (shopping) and being too tired to go to thru bathroom for the umpteenth time upon rehydration. It was pink and stopped after two swipes (sorry if TMI!!) but still worrying because I was having Braxton-Hicks and have had a m/c before... Doc is able to see me tomorrow morning and I'm trying to repeat the mantra Google is evil, google is evil. (I know it's likely from dehyration-I hope but emotionally I'm *extremely* anxious). Really POed Hosp didn't do an u/s. ...
@animommy I was discussing dehydration with my ob at my last appointment since I struggle to remember to drink water. She said that dehydration commonly causes contractions and spotting. I bet that you're right, and dehydration is what caused yours. But I'm glad you've got an appointment tomorrow. Getting an US or even hearing a heartbeat will be really reassuring.
Well I'm posting here again (this time hopefully just being over cautious) this morning when I woke, I had this time a bright red spot (I just turned 15wks yesterday) when I had my first morning potty trip. Again, I had a full bladder(obviously, but last time was pink sooo a bit psyched). It wasn't much, but still scary given history & am high risk. I called the OB and they really weren't worried since it was just *knock wood* once so far today. I see them tomorrow & am repeating "eff Google, eff Google, eff Google...stay away!" (I know better)!
Re: Spotting/Cramping Support Thread
My HCG levels were normal my last couple of draws, but I went into the ER this past week with cramping and spotting. The doctor confirmed I had a missed miscarriage and that the baby stopped growing over a month ago. It still doesn't quite seem real.
I haven’t been super active on the board, but I want to wish you all amazing pregnancies, and am sad that I won't get to know you all better.
I'm so sorry to hear this news. Please be kind to yourself as you heal. My thoughts are with you.
SD: 21 & SS: 17
BFP #2 6/3/2020
*Trigger Warning*
The emergency department was blissfully empty at 8am on Sunday morning; the nurses were kind, sympathetic, and efficient. The physician saw me within minutes of getting settled; after reviewing my history, she performed a pelvic exam. She reported that my cervix was closed and that there was minimal blood with no obvious source in my vagina. She ordered some bloodwork and sent me for an ultrasound. While the ultrasound tech advised me that she would not reveal any results, after 5 agonizing minutes of silent scanning, she turned the screen my way and showed me that the fetus still had a beating heart and was moving around normally. I'm very grateful for that kind gesture, especially since my mother (who was allowed to accompany me in the ED) was not allowed back in radiology.
Ultimately, the bloodwork was normal (HCG around 70,000), and the radiology report described a placental lake which may have been the source of the bleeding (SCH could not be ruled out though). The fetus is on track for growth with a normal heart rate. All in all, extremely reassuring after the seeing such fresh blood with no recent reason (my husband is deployed=no sex, no recent pelvic exam, no strenuous lifting, no nothing). Without a history of losses, it might have been reasonable to wait and see if the bleeding was consistent or heavy; as of now, I have not had further bleeding. I know I made the right choice for myself in the moment, as otherwise I would still be weeping in bed waiting for tomorrow to come. Hoping for fewer moments like these! And hoping that you all are doing well.