Positive Pregnancy Test with Normal Period: What to Do?

Question
On Monday I took an at home pregnancy test and showed up positive. A few days before I took the test I've been questioning the fact of being pregnant.  Sore breast, naseous without throwing up, lower back pain and frequent urinating. So now it's Tuesday, I went to the doctors for a different situation and had to tell them I'm pregnant. She prescribed me vitamins and gave me a paper to get blood work done.  Did that, now waiting for the results which I'll get tomorrow but I'm anxious at the same time. I just got my "period", it's pretty heavy like my normal periods - the best part is my cramps arent half as bad as what they usually are but I've had a few clottings pass through so I'm nervous about having a miscarriage.  What are the possibilities here? I've had Leep surgery for HPV and was told there was a 50/50 chance of having kids.  This is my first positive ever. I'm 23, but I know nothing about this, please help me I want anything to keep this baby.

Answer
Dear Laura,

Many women experience bleeding in early pregnancy. Vaginal bleeding can occur frequently in the 1st trimester of pregnancy and may not be a sign of problems.

Bleeding can be a sign of miscarriage but does not mean that miscarriage is imminent. Studies show that anywhere from 20-30% of women experience some degree of bleeding in early pregnancy. Approximately half of pregnant women who bleed do not have miscarriages.

The part of what you describe that raises somewhat of a red flag is the fact that you mention clots contained within the bleeding. Now, this still does not necessarily mean that you've had a miscarriage, but can be a warning sign.

My advice would be to let your doctor know what you are experiencing and they will probably want to do some follow-up bloodwork to make sure that your hCG levels are rising and not falling. As long as they are rising (doubling every 48-72 hours), the pregnancy is proceeding appropriately.

I know this is nerve-racking, but try to stay calm. There is nothing you can do to change what is going on this early. Also - remember not to introduce anything into the vaginal canal while bleeding during pregnancy, such as tampons or intercourse.

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

Brenda