Understanding Early Pregnancy Loss & Irregular Periods

Question
My partner and I have been trying to get pregnant for about four or five months. The first couple of months were unsuccessful and then I was six days late. I then had a very painful period. This month I've had spotting for 4 days and have now started my period today three days early. I've never had this before. My periods are usually a little irregular and can be from 24 to 26 days. Could there be a problem? could I be experiencing early miscarriage?

Answer
Dear Louise,

Thank you for your question.  Based on this limited experience, I don't think that you had a miscarriage, although it is possible.  Miscarriages can occur in up to 40% of pregnancies. Many are "chemical" pregnancies whereby the period is a little late but there was an early pregnancy.  The only way to know that is to have had a blood pregnancy test.  Because you have variation in your cycles, which is normal, it is difficult to know just because your were six days late.  That is within the normal variation for menses.

Sincerely,

Edward J. Ramirez, M.D.
Executive Medical Director
The Fertility and Gynecology Center
Monterey Bay IVF Program
www.montereybayivf.com