Early Pregnancy: Timeline, Symptoms & Ultrasound Information

Question
Hello, on November 26 I took a home pregnancy test And it came out positive so on december 6, I decided to go into a clinic and get tested again just incase the test was defective.  It came out positive and the nurse said I was 7 weeks and 6 days pregnant my due date is July 19, 2011. The first day of my last normal period was october 11. A few days ago I experienced some light pink spotting the day after it turned to brown spotting. Monday, December 13 I started to get weird abdominal pain and more spotting so I decided set an appointment.  Today I went in and had 2 ultrasounds done the abdominal and vaginal.  The doctor said he should see a baby if I am 9 weeks like they said I was and when he did the abdominal u/s all he saw was an egg sac so he decided to go vaginally.  When he did we saw the yolk sac and what seems to be a heartbeat so he says he thinks.  I saw it for myself it looked like a flickering light.  The doctor said I might just be an early pregnancy that I might be just 3-5 weeks pregnant.  But when I explained to him I missed my period in November he got confused and didn't know what to say to me so he decided to set me up for an ultrasound next week and draw some blood to do some blood work.  And when i got home to use the bathroom, red blood came out and not brown. I'm really worried. What I'm wondering is how far along pregnant I am if all we saw is a yolk sac, what can cause the bleeding and cramping and what do you suggest I do?. He didn't really answer any of my questions like I hoped he would I hope you can help me. I'm really scared to lose my baby and all I want are answers. Thank you for your time.

Answer
Dear Jammie

According to your words, the doctor was able to identify a yolk sac with what it seems to be heart beats. This would exclude miscarriage. On the other hand, your complaints of spotting with varing colors would suggest a case of threatened miscarriage.

Therefore, the optimal thing to do is to repeat the ultrasound exam in 1-2 weeks. Meanwhile, you should have complete bed rest, avoid any sexual activity, excercise and household activities. This should, in case no miscarriage have already occured, stop the bleeding and maintain the integrity of the pregnancy and a closer follow up with your obstetrician will be needed for the rest of your pregnancy.

Best of Luck.