Spotting...what to do?

[LiminalOne]

Hello ladies,

I've been reading that lots of folks spot early in pregnancy and I started spotting a tiny bit yesterday at 9 weeks and even more today (pink mucus with streaks of red) after having intercourse last night. I know that it could go either way, but I'm not clear what I want to do about it.

I haven't had an appointment yet, but I have scheduled one with a homebirth midwife for next week. I'm feeling a little on my own here. I don't understand how rest and water and avoiding sex can make a difference in whether or not I miscarry. Could someone explain that to me. It seems like either the baby is meant to be or it's not. I know that I could pay $600 for an ultrasound to confirm that the baby is alive, but that doesn't change the result, right? It just makes it so I don't have to wait a week to see if we can hear the heartbeat. And that's a lot of money.

I would love to hear how other folks have handled spotting. I'm feeling so discouraged right now. I had an unbelievable feeling of sadness yesterday morning before the spotting happened that this was just over for me. I have no morning sickness as well. I've so longed to have a third and have been trying to get pregnant for over 3 years, but at 40 I don't know whether I can try again, so this seems like my last shot.

[sarahn4639]

I'm so sorry. I do agree that getting an ultrasound can't change anything. There is really not much that can be done. There are some herbs that are supposed to help prevent a miscarriage, but I don't know details off the top of my head. I do agree that taking it easy and being well hydrated can't hurt, so I'd do that for a few days.

I really hope this is just that "normal" spotting and not a sign of a mc.

[Family4Christ]

I spotted for the first couple weeks with my dd. I took Carry On from Trilight for miscarriage prevention. I tend to spot in pregnancy. Whether the tincture worked for me or I just spotted and stopped, I have no idea. I took it for about a month.

Oh, you can rent a doppler from $20-40 a month. Just google doppler rental.

[starshine1001]

I'm of the same mind as you...either it was meant to be or it wasn't, and if the process is starting, a little hydration and rest isn't going to make a difference either way. That being said, I've spotted with ALL of my pregnancies...the first two were fine, the third I miscarried, and the 4th I'm pregnant with now and have experienced spotting as well. So for me, it really isn't a predictor of a successful pregnancy vs. impending miscarriage. My experience is that my cervix is very sensitive and in the first trimester I spot after intercourse, almost every time. I also spot if I strain AT ALL while using the bathroom. I've just told myself that, if I'm spotting, I'm just going to carry on and hope for the best. That's all we really can do, anyway. Hope things work out great for you!

[NoraFlood]

I have known lots of people to have spotting after intercourse during healthy pregnancies--it's can be caused by the inner epithelial tissue of the cervix being pushed to the outside. That tissue is highly vascular and bleeds easily with even small amounts of trauma. I really hope that's the case for you, too. Spotting is so scary. I did have an ultrasound to check for viability after I had spotting a couple of weeks ago, but not because it would have changed anything. I just needed to know for my own peace of mind. However, if I had had to pay for it out of pocket rather than have insurance pay for it, I don't know that I would have. That is a lot of money.

I really hope the spotting stops and that your appointment next week goes well.

[peaceful_mama]

I have spotted after intercourse with all of my pregnancies. Totally normal. I *hope* you're fine. s:

[LiminalOne]

Thanks so much for the responses, mamas!

I'm pretty sure I'm miscarrying. I'm still bleeding (it's getting heavier all the time), had a ton of cramping yesterday. I'm just trying to lay low and to grieve this last little baby of mine. I'm amazed that I felt his passing on Friday before the bleeding started. I'm glad that I was given the chance to say goodbye.

Good luck to you all and thanks for the short journey...

[NoraFlood]

Oh no mama, I'm so sorry.

[oakparkveggie]

Oh Angie, I am hoping for a miracle and thinking of you.

[yukookoo]

I would call the midwife ASAP or go the hospital or dr.

You could have a placenta previa or some other reason for bleeding, there can even be a lot of blood, the baby maybe just fine, but you could hemorrhage and there are also things that can be done to stop the bleeding i think.

If you were 5 weeks I would say yeah probably miscarriage but at 9 weeks i would get help or medical advice. Are you sure about your dates?

[raspberry.swirl]

Hugs to you Angie, I send vibes of strength for emotional and physical healing.

[starshine1001]

I'm so sorry, Angie!

[ema-adama]

I am so sorry.

[Adamsmama]

Originally Posted by yukookoo

I would call the midwife ASAP or go the hospital or dr.

You could have a placenta previa or some other reason for bleeding, there can even be a lot of blood, the baby maybe just fine, but you could hemorrhage and there are also things that can be done to stop the bleeding i think.

If you were 5 weeks I would say yeah probably miscarriage but at 9 weeks i would get help or medical advice. Are you sure about your dates?

I agree with this. I had bleeding and spotting during my 2nd and 3rd pg and I did go in right away for an u/s because I felt like I needed to know what was going on -- both times we saw the h/b right away. I was only 6 weeks both times, too ... they never knew the cause of the bleeding with my DD it lasted for 10 days, too. I really would call your HCP. I'm sorry you are going through this. (((HUGS)))

[splath]

I am so sorry mama

[Mama~Love]

I'm so sorry Angie .