Understanding Irregular Cycles & Fertility Concerns: A Personal Story

Question
We have been ttc for a year. I have been using OPKs and BBT to track my cycles for the past 9 months. I have one child from a previous marriage that took one cycle to conceive. I m/c'd twins in '96 at 19.5 weeks. Then  in aug. 2005 I m/c'd at 5 weeks, then oct. 2005 at 6 weeks and went on to have a chemical pregnancy dec. 2006, but we have continued trying.  My cycle average is about 26 days.  

At the end of my last cycle, which started 2/10/07, I had a positive HPT the morning my period was due (3/8/07). Later that morning, I started spotting which by the end of the day progressed to a light flow. I alternated between dicharge, spotting and light flow for three days. I did have small clots as well, which is normal for me. However, nothing else was really normal at all. I normally follow the course of light to heavy to light for a duration of 2 to 4 days.

Anyway, I assumed it was another chemical pregnancy and chalked up to a poor genetic match.

What is very out of the norm is the fact that I am still experincing symptoms that I normally have with my period, such as mild cramps, breast tenderness (which is now really severe) and bloating. I am also having bouts of nausea and indigestion.

I did not think with the clotting and bleeding that a pregnancy would have a chance of being viable, but the symptoms I am having make me wonder. Is it worth retesting?  I wasn't too concerned as I thought I'd bring it up with my obgyn at my upcoming annual, but now I'm wondering if I should wait? And can this be just leftover hormones from a pregnancy that didn't take?  

Answer
Dear Kel,

Although a chemical pregnancy is possible, it is also possible that what you experienced was implantation bleeding. Many women who experience implantation bleeding have it occur very near or during the time they would expect their period to begin. The difference is that it will be shorter in duration and lighter in volume than a normal period. Because of the timing though, many dismiss the possibility of pregnancy.

Because you are still experiencing symptoms and they are increasing in intensity, I would suggest that you test again. If your result remains positive, then I would make the appointment with your doctor so that a quantitative blood pregnancy test can be done to determine an actual amount of hCG in your bloodstream.

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

Brenda