QuestionI am 39 years old. My last period was on Oct. 9 and I have a 25 day cycle. On November 17th (One week after my pregnancy had been confirmed) I begun spotting. I have spotted all kinds of colors: brown, pink, and red (but very lightly)with even some clots. Then I have gone a day where I have thought it had stopped to only start up again. I have had no cramping or nausea.
I saw the Dr. on Dec. 4th. He saw the heartbeat of the baby and said I was 6 weeks through. He saw the source of the bleeding in the ultrasound and it appeared to be close to the baby's sack. He didn't say if it was a subchorionic hematoma or not. He just wants to check me again in another two weeks. He's given me progesterone just in case. What's concerning me is that he's never ordered any hcg test for me - which I would think would be necessary to be able to determine if I am miscarrying or not.
I would like to to believe I will be one of those lucky women who in spite of spotting through out their first trimester will go on to a full successful pregnancy, but instead I find myself extremely anxious. Its been three weeks of spotting. What are my chances?
In addition, since yesterday I've had some fluttery feeling in my abdomen (not intestinal). Its not painful at all but sort of like little jolts in my abdomen. Could this be one of the symptoms just before miscarriage?
Please, any information you can provide will be greatly appreciated.
AnswerHi Jackie :)
Keep in mind Jackie, that spotting during the first trimester is NOT uncommon.
However, sounds to me that you could possibly have what is called a subchronic hematoma. This is usually the result of a ruptured blood vessle, in the placenta. Often, it is found close to the baby, between the uterine lining and the sac.
Women who have this condition, can go on and have healthy, pregnancies and babies, and most often that is the case. Sometimes, a hematoma will resolve itself, and just reabsorb. Other times, it can be larger insize, and pose risks such as prem-mature labour, and in rare cases it can cause health issues with the baby.
The doctor will just monitor your condition. This very well could be absolutely nothing of concern, and if it is a hematoma, they are closely monitored, and as I said the majority of women that suffer this condition go on to have great pregnancies , resulting in healthy babies.
At this point, considering that your doctor saw the fetal hearbeat, and the pregnancy appears to be normal, HCG might not indicate that there is a possible issue. In most cases, when a miscarriage, blighted ovum, chemical or molar pregnancy is apparent, there will be a gradual decrease in HCG. Progesterone, has been given to you as a precaution, because at this point it would be more a given that your progesterone levels would drop, before the HCG, if possible miscarriage is apparent. Your doctor sounds very efficiant, and the progesterone he ordered sounds to be totally precautionary, just incase your levels are decreasing.
I am surprised however he hasnt ordered a blood test to take a look at your levels, however he did see a healthy fetus, so at this point he doesnt really have much concern, which is great news, because if there was a HUGE concern, or if he saw something wrong I am sure he would have ordered it immediately.
You have just as good a shot of carrying this pregnancy as anyone else would, at your stage of pregnancy. The risk of miscarriage for anyone in the first trimester is 20%, and your chances, are no different, even if you are diagnosed with a hematoma.
As for your jolts, I really dont know what that could be, but I really dont think its an indicator of miscarriage at all. If you were suffering a miscarriage, or a threatened miscarriage the symptoms you would look for are heavy bleeding, with clotting, and severe cramping in the abdominal area, and in the lower back. And from your description, you are not suffering the major signs of miscarriage, so try and keep calm ( I know its hard ..)
As I said, keeping calm is essential at this point. I know its easier said then done. But just be aware, that your anquish, upset, anxiety, and worry does take a toll on you, and your condition.
For now, as a precautionary measure, I would take it easy. No heavy lifting, no over exertion by excercise, or sex. Kick your feet up, and keep them elevated. Let your partner, or family member look after the house chores, and run errands. Right now, you, and your baby are the most important issue right now, so you need to look, after YOU!!
I hope this was of some help. I know my answer was a little inconclusive, but its really a hard call at this point. You very well, could have absolutely no concerns here, and you could have a hematoma issue. But I hope I gave you some insight atleast, and I hope you understand that just because you are spotting, doesnt mean your pregnancy is ending. Many women experience what you are, and continue on to have healhty, thriving babies.
Thanks for writing, and trusting me with your question. Should you have any more concerns, or questions, please dont hesitate to write back.
All the best to you Jackie, over the Holidays :)
-Kristy
