Brownish Spotting in Early Pregnancy (16 Weeks) - What to Watch For?

Question
My daughter went through Invetro in August.  She is just
about 16 weeks pregnant with twins.  As of last week both
babies were during well.  Today she had a small amount of
a brownish discharge.  Her Doctor's office didn't seem concerned because it was brown.  She had some issues for about the first 5 weeks from hyperstimulation and had approximately 38 liters of fluid drained.  Should we be concerned?  She goes for her next ultrasound next week.

Answer
Dear Yvette,

I agree with your daughter's doctor in this situation. Many women have a discharge, even bleeding, during pregnancy - usually early on. The fact that this is brown in color indicates that this is old blood. It is not fresh or active bleeding making it's way down into the vagina.

With this being an in vitro pregnancy, I'm sure that everyone is understandably a bit more on edge than usual. I think your daughter's mind (and yours!) will be put more at ease after the ultrasound next week. But for now I would say there is nothing to be alarmed about regarding this discharge as the only "unexpected" symptom she is having.

I'll have a good thought for you! Please don't hesitate to write again with any further questions. And I wish you and your family a merry Christmas! :-)

Brenda