Has anyone here experienced bleeding during the first trimester? Does any bleeding automatically mean a miscarriage is coming?

This morning I woke up to a quarter sized blood stain in my undies. I have no cramping, and no history of miscarriage, however I desperately need to talk about it with someone. I am currently seven weeks pregnant with an ultrasound scheduled for Tuesday. Currently there is no blood on tissue when I wipe.

What is your experience with bleeding? Please help!

Julie, don't panic. Bleeding does not necessarily mean a miscarriage. I forget the exact statistics, but I think that a good amount of women bleed during pregnancy and it does not cause a miscarriage.

I don't mean to pry, but did you have sex or do something else that might have irritated your cervix?

Honestly, it can't hurt to call your doctor and see if you can go in for an earlier scan.

My fingers are crossed for you.

I agree, don't panic. I bled quite frequently with my first pregnancy. It was never a whole lot, just enough to freak me out. My doc said I had an irritable cervix. If you are not cramping that is a good sign, hang in there.

Well, I'm not the poster child for success or anything, but the bleeding I did have early on was in no way contributory to my loss with either Chickadee or Gabriel.

There are SO many things that can cause bleeding that don't mean miscarriage, even though that is certainly the first place we jump.

The cervix is really sensitive and engorged with extra blood right now, so any disturbance can cause bleeding (sex - even orgasm without sex, believe it or not; polyps; if you've had an u/s or it has been manually checked for any reason - I ALWAYS spot after a transvag u/s).

Infection can cause bleeding or spotting.

Even implantation - a lot of people think implantation spotting only happens around the time your period is due, but that's not actually the case. The placenta is still growing and attaching at this point, and if it's especially aggressive, that can rupture think blood lines and cause bleeding.

Other possible causes include a sub-chorionic hemorrhage, which is a pocket of bleeding behind the placenta (can be small or large - can affect the pregnancy or not - often they are harmless but scary).

Basically, it could be a miscarriage and I won't lie about that to you. And in fact, if you go see anyone about this (your OB or the ER) they will use the hideous term 'threatened abortion' or 'threatened miscarriage' - don't be freaked out by it.

That stats work out like this: 50% of pregnancies with bleeding in the first tri go on to miscarry, 50% will go on to be perfectly healthy. The fact that you aren't cramping is good - that is a positive sign. The fact there is no subsequent spotting or bleeding is a positive sign. The fact that you are on blood thinners could mean that even minor bleeding can appear worse than it really is may bring some small comfort.

If I were you, I would call the OB and let them know and see what they want to do. If you feel you can wait until Tuesday for your u/s - that's fine! If you are feeling nervous now, or worried, then you should move it up.

I'm sitting here, hoping so hard for the best news possible. Please don't hesitate to email me if you need anything, ok?

Julie, I know many women who have had that experience and gone on to have perfectly healthy babies. I have only bled later in pregnancy with my first after sex, and it scared me alot, but I can imagine your fears. The mantra thread made me think hard and realize that we know the truth of these situations -- that we truly have no control and that worrying and wondering and googling make no difference to the outcome, it only makes us miserable. Sending you good vibes and happy thoughts and praying your cervix stops scaring you!

I'm holding your hand right now, as this is I'm sure quite terrifying for you. I had a subchorionic hematoma (or hemmhorage) at 8.5 weeks pregnant. It started out with bright pinkish spotting for two days and then I had a very heavy bleeding episode, that scared the heck out of me...it was a very runny 'gush' that required several nighttime pads to contain on my way to the ER. SCH's are very common and usually heal, though there is some risk with them. I would suggest seeing if you can get an u/s ASAP. I was on 6 weeks of bedrest wtih my SCH. Feel free to email me if you want to talk more about it (eve_62025@yahoo.com).

KUP

I'm holding your hand right now, as this is I'm sure quite terrifying for you. I had a subchorionic hematoma (or hemmhorage) at 8.5 weeks pregnant. It started out with bright pinkish spotting for two days and then I had a very heavy bleeding episode, that scared the heck out of me...it was a very runny 'gush' that required several nighttime pads to contain on my way to the ER. SCH's are very common and usually heal, though there is some risk with them. I would suggest seeing if you can get an u/s ASAP. I was on 6 weeks of bedrest wtih my SCH. Feel free to email me if you want to talk more about it (eve_62025@yahoo.com).

KUP

thank you guys so much for all the help. so far no bleeding/cramping since i found the spot.

as for relations, it was almost three days ago now. the only other thing i wonder about is the fact i am on heparin (blood thinner) and have had a nasty cold for the past four days. i have the death rattle cough going on and wonder if all my coughing just expelled some blood? who knows though.

thanks again, i will certainly keep an eye on it and am so fortunate to have you guys here for help and advice. you are lifesavers!

j:

Just a quick followup note. I'm so sorry you were having bleeding. It can be so scary. I haven't used this product personally, but some women have had success with an herbal tincture called "welcome womb." It is designed to be taken during spotting and can supposedly help stabilize the uterus. It's probably best taken under the advice of an herbalist or naturopath, and I have no idea what the interactions with blood thinners would be. But I thought you might like to know this product is out there and sometimes helps. Hugs!

well guys, things aren't looking good over here. my bleeding came back today enough to prompt me to call my doctor. they ordered an ultrasound and from the measurements they are estimating me at six weeks when i should actually be more like eight (i charted my pregnancy cycle and know everything down to ovulation day.) i go in tomorrow for blood work along with a pelvic exam.

i feel dead.

I'm so sorry, Julie. My thoughts are with you tonight. Please be gentle with yourself and just remember to breath in...breath out...we're here with you. Sitting and being.

Julie, I know you are taking a break from the www, but I'm sitting here too. x

I'm so pissed off right now, Julie. This sucks so much. And I know it sucks 1,000 x worse for you, experiencing this now. And I'm just so angry at the universe that you are being put through this and I am so fucking sorry this is happening.

Oh no. I came here to check on you. I'm so sorry that you are having to deal with another potential loss. It is so incredibly unfair that I can't even find decent words to describe it without sounding like a sailor. We are all here for you, let us know how you are when you get a chance.

Julie has updated her blog - things aren't good.

Julie - thinking of you and wishing it was different. It's so unfair that you have to go through this after everything else.

Maddie x

Julie, you are in my thoughts, I'm so very sorry. x

we suffered a miscarriage yesterday afternoon.

the numbness is very much here, but after the loss of my son, somehow this pain doesn't come close to it.

thank you all for checking in with me and reading our story. you are amazing women. thank you.

Julie,

I'm so sorry to hear this news. My thoughts are with you.

Oh no, Julie. I am so very sorry. How totally unfair.

Please take good care of yourself.

I am so sorry, Julie. This is really sad and unfair. Many hugs,