12 weeks feeling exhausted

[Lagoon]

Hello, I am 12 weeks with twins and 2 days ago I started bleeding. It started moderately, got heavier for an hour or so (no pain, no tissue) and since then I am spotting. I called the EPU who advised to wait and see and call them again today. They said it’s normal and not to worry (I know it’s common, but don’t know how someone can be sure over the telephone without doing an examination). I thought okay.. I felt very lightheaded and generally unwell. Since Wednesday I feel drained, weak, drowsy, I spend most of my time in bed, I make an effort to get up and go for a glass of water. I called the EPU today, as they advised, and because I am feeling unwell and they said that I should call the midwives or triage as I am just a day over 12 weeks and they cannot see me. I’ve called triage and can’t get hold of them, the line is always busy. I called the midwives and left a voicemail but haven’t heard from them yet. I just wonder if anyone else has had bleeding and has felt so unwell. Naturally I am now worried about my twins but equally it could be something simple such as low iron levels. Thank you

[DianeArnold Partner]

Hi Lagoon. So sorry to hear this. You could speak to your GP if no one else is forthcoming and see if he/she can check your blood for iron levels. Could you go to the EPU for a scan to check both are well. Sometimes, as the cervix is rich in blood vessels at this time they can become aggravated if any infection is present. Fingers crossed you can get to the EPU for reassurance. Diane

[Lagoon in reply to DianeArnold]

Thanks Diane, I just came off the phone with my midwife who advised to call the hospital ward (triage) again, hoping they may be able to see me this evening. The EPU don’t accept me anymore as I am 12 + 1 day ..

[DianeArnold Partner in reply to Lagoon]

Hi Lagoon. That's good to hear. Hopefully all is well and will eventually settle down. Thinking of you. Diane

[Fudge1980]

Am so sorry your dealing with this. It’s so worrying 💗 Insist you get seen. I had a bleed at 12wks and everything was fine. Although very worrying it’s also very common but must always be checked. Let us know how you get on xx

[Pupster83]

I had bleeding then spotting for a few days at 8, 14 and 15 weeks and all was fine but it is worrying. I was seen by my fertility clinic first time but at 14 weeks EPU told me to monitor and 15 weeks they saw me for a scan. I guess all EPUs are different but mine sees people up to 17 weeks which has been good as I also tried calling midwife’s line, general maternity line and left messages all over the place that no one replied to. At just over 12 weeks you couldn’t push for EPU to see you if you are worried? Explain you can’t get hold of anyone else. Good luck. X

[Bozo_the_pumpkin]

I am so sorry to hear this. My EPU sees people until 18 weeks so I’ve not been in such a position before. Spotting and bleeding is so worrying but most of the time it is ok. I had some spotting earlier in pregnancy and was told to expect more but luckily it did not happen. All was well but I did feel quite unwell at the time. I was put on bed rest at the time by my fertility clinic which helped. Sending you loads of hugs xx

[Lagoon]

Hello everyone and thank you very much for your responses. It’s interesting how EPUs differ across the country. I was even told that the EPU isn’t staffed with midwives so they wouldn’t know how to look after me. I found this strange. After speaking to my midwife, I called obstetrics triage and assessment and they asked me to go to hospital and have an assessment there, I wasn’t promised an ultrasound scan as it was out of hours and it was up to the registrar. I gave bloods and urine and was offered a scan instantly (so the registrar was keen for a scan ) The babies appeared happy and there was nothing to worry - the doctor was unsure as to why I bled but was quite reassured by the fact that the bleeding was settling. She hypothesised it may have been some bleeding from the placenta or the cervix. Today I have had only some brown discharge. I was also prescribed iron as there was a slight drop in my haemoglobin. I feel better, still knackered by a bit better today and on reflection the bleeding was so scary .. especially as I have had 2 MCs in the past. My dating scan is on Monday, I can’t wait to check in and say hello again.

[Bozo_the_pumpkin]

Ah what a relief.. I am so happy that you had a positive outcome. I relive the worry and panic every time I hear of someone going through this. Glad your hospital stepped up! Take care xx