QuestionQUESTION: I am writing from Florida. In November 2009, I found out I was pregnant but I had a chemical pregnancy. The bleeding/spotting lasted for six weeks. I had my blood checked each week to make sure my levels went down. After the bleeding stopped, things were normal for a week, and then on Dec. 25th I started bleeding again. I talked to my doctor, and because my blood levels were so low (14), he said that the latest bleeding was probably just my period. It last about 5 days, which is the normal for me.
My doctor told me to wait about 2 cycles before trying again. We are following that instruction, except for one time of unprotected sex on January 1st. After that, I was worried, so I took an ovulation predictor test and it was negative. I took one again the next day, and it was positive.
On January 3rd, I started having occasional brown spotting, which continued for a few days and was sometimes pink. Then, on January 9th, I started having more red spotting, and twice there was a clot, but it is still only really spotting. I do also have some cramps.
Basically, I was just wondering...is there any chance that some of this was ovulation/implantation bleeding, or are ovulation predictor kits thrown off after a miscarriage? Also, if it is not that, is it just a really early period because my cycle is trying to get back to normal? Thanks!
ANSWER: Hello Susan from the U.S.,
I think the last explanation you gave is probably the correct one. I do not suspect this to be implantation bleeding, which is not that common and the amount you had is too large.
Sincerely,
Edward J. Ramirez, M.D., FACOG
Executive Medical Director
The Fertility and Gynecology Center
Monterey Bay IVF Program
www.montereybayivf.com
Monterey, California, U.S.A.
for additional information check out my blog at http://womenshealthandfertility.blogspot.com check me out on facebook and twitter with me at @montereybayivf
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: I just had a quick follow-up. I have since had another regular period (which started on January 14th). My question is, what is the reasoning behind waiting two cycles? I've heard that many other people were only told to wait one cycle. Does it make a difference? Am I more likely to miscarry again if I only wait one cycle? I'm just curious because I was only about 4-5 weeks when I miscarried, and it was natural (although the bleeding did last 6 weeks). Thanks!
AnswerHello Again,
There is no logic to waiting two cycles after a miscarriage. That is something you doctor has made up. The minimum requirement is to what one cycle, or until you have a normal period. It will take 6-8 weeks for your ovary to reset and then four weeks from that point you will have a period if you don't get pregnant during that time.
Sincerely,
Edward J. Ramirez, M.D., FACOG
Executive Medical Director
The Fertility and Gynecology Center
Monterey Bay IVF Program
www.montereybayivf.com
Monterey, California, U.S.A.
for additional information check out my blog at http://womenshealthandfertility.blogspot.com check me out on facebook and twitter with me at @montereybayivf
