Early Pregnancy Concerns: Spotting, Discomfort & Possible Miscarriage?

Question
I am 24 with no children and have never been pregnant before. The fist day of my last menstrual period was 12-29-2004. My question is concerning some mild spotting that occurred: the blood was old blood, I am guessing since it was brown. Following the spotting the swelling which I had been experiencing basically disappeared and I no long felt pregnant. Except for the breast tenderness I am still experiencing that and I still have not gotten my period. I am wondering if a miscarriage could have occourred.

I appreciate any help you can give with my situation since I will not be able to see a doctor for a few weeks.
Thank you  

Answer
The only way to tell if you were pregnant or had a miscarriage is to take a pregnancy test. If your last period started on December 29, you were due for your next period around January 26. Since it is more than seven days since you were due for your next period, a pregnancy test will show whether you are pregnant or miscarried. The best method is to take two blood tests for pregnancy (Beta HCG) 48 hours apart. If there is a doubling of the results in 48 hours, it indicates a viable pregnancy. If the results halve in 48 hours, it indicates a miscarriage. If the value is less than 5 on both occasions, you were never pregnant.