Understanding Unexpected Bleeding & Potential Miscarriage Symptoms

Question
hi, a week ago i thought i might be pregnant because i had morning sickness symptoms (already had two children, 3yr & 1yr) with previous pregnancies i had symptoms before my period was due.  So i was sick before my period was due however i started very heavily bleeding five days before my due period with strong cramping (don't have cramping with periods) i bleed heavily for 3 days and then stopped bleeding. I then started bleeding lightly a day later and then stopped again and have started bleeding again today with cramping, the color of the blood has changed from new to old blood (sorry to include didn't know if it was relevant).  I don't know if i am being a hypochondriac however wanted to know if i should do anything about it or just pass it off as a weird woman thing? Thanks Nadine.

Answer
Dear Nadine,

There really isn't anything to actually do about it. If you had a normal period last cycle, then the likelihood of this being a miscarriage with this much heavy bleeding is fairly low. An embryo would barely have even had a chance to implant, if at all.

More than likely this is a cycle with heavy bleeding due to hormonal fluctuations or another cause. If the bleeding returns to normal with your next cycle, I would not be overly concerned. However, if you continue to have the unusually heavy periods, I would recommend that you see your doctor about it so that a cause for the heavier bleeding can be determined. Some potential causes for heavy menstrual bleeding include:
-Anovulation (failure of ovaries to produce, mature, or release eggs)
-Endometrial polyps (the endometrium is the inner lining of the uterus)
-Endometrial hyperplasia (thickening/build up of the uterine wall)
-Endometrial cancer
-Uterine fibroids
-Abnormal thyroid or pituitary function
-Pregnancy complications, like miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy (when a fertilized egg implants somewhere other than the uterus)
-Hormonal changes, such as menopause
-Changes in birth control pills or estrogens that you take
-Use of certain drugs like steroids or blood thinners (for example, warfarin or Coumadin)
-Use of an intrauterine device (IUD) for birth control
-Recent trauma, surgery, or other uterine procedure
-Pelvic inflammatory disease or other infection
-Stress, change in diet or exercise routine, recent weight loss or weight gain, travel, or illness

I hope this information has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well.

Brenda