5 weeks 5 days spotting

[DLZ321]

hello, just looking for a bit of reassurance… For those of you who have experienced spotting during early pregnancy, how often have you had it? I have been spotting on and off since exactly 5 weeks, sometimes more a one off light flow, other times minimal spotting. Today I’ve wiped and seen a bit more blood than I’d like to see… not sure if it’s still in the spotting territory.

I have had a few hcg tests (last one yesterday) which shows hcg is still going up and I’m trying to hold on to that for peace of mind. Is it normal to be spotting this often though? 😖

It was at this point last transfer where everything went wrong so I’m particularly paranoid! Thanks x

[JA-fnuk Partner]

Spotting is quite common during early pregnancy and can be caused by irritation from using pessaries or hormonal changes to the neck of the womb that increases the blood flow Will be a worrying time for - could maybe call your local early pregnancy unit for some advice/reassurance

Take care

Janet-Partner

[Kitkat10]

hi, lots of ladies experience it. I had spotting on two days at around 3 and 4 weeks. The nurse saw some little haematomas at my 7 week scan and said it was probably from those as the embryo was implanting in the lining. Another nurse said that while spotting during early pregnancy wasn’t normal it was certainly common. I feel for you because I remember how stressful it was, but most of the time it seems to be harmless.

HCG is reassuring so hang in there and I hope your scan comes soon to offer more reassurance. They may be able to see if there’s any reason for the spotting on the scan. The haematomas which were on my 7 week scan were gone by 12 weeks and I had no more bleeding x

Good luck , hope everything is smooth from now on xx

[DLZ321 in reply to Kitkat10]

thanks! That’s really reassuring. I’ve got my 7 week scan next Wednesday, so I’m literally counting down the days. The bleeding slowed by the evening, though I’ve noticed I’ve had a bit of light spotting today too but tbf it’s super light at the moment. Hope it doesn’t ramp up. I’ve also felt very soft cramp-like feelings that have come and gone 😬 hope that’s normal.

I have PTSD from my last transfer with all the bleeding around this time so I see a bit and immediately my brain goes to ‘it’s all over’ mode!

[Christianbaby]

I had spotting on and off from around 2 weeks, and it lasted until well after 12 weeks. Mine was never heavy, and my doctor reassured me that as long as it wasn’t continuous or heavy, it was okay. HCG rising sounds like a great sign! Hang in there—sending positive vibes your way! xx

[DLZ321 in reply to Christianbaby]

Oh wow until over 12 weeks 🫣 looks like I am going to be on edge for weeeeeeks 😅 though again that’s really reassuring to know!! Hcg on Friday was 6062 and repeat test on Monday was 13383.. hoping that’s adequate for now. I just know how quickly it can all change! Xx

[Christianbaby in reply to DLZ321]

Those are great numbers!!! Wishing you the best. xx

[Twiglet2]

hey- I’ve had bleeding with both my pregnancies (I have a son and I’m 21 weeks with 2nd) the bleed with my son was heavy from test day until 9 weeks with lots of spotting and then times when it was clots and heavy (I had an SCH) with this pregnancy I started bleeding about your stage sometimes spotting sometimes a bit heavier red bleeding. Like you the HCG was rising and at 5.5 weeks they did a scan to confirm the location of the sac to rule out ectopic and see if there was any case for the bleeding. The scan showed sac in the right place and no SCH could be seen this time and the bleeding stayed light this time and lasted a few weeks. Can your clinic give you a scan? I think mine could as levels were high enough (think needs to over 10k). I know how scary it is to see when you go to the loo and it’s all I could think about so I’m I am thinking of you xx

[DLZ321 in reply to Twiglet2]

Omg you must have been terrified. I’m so happy everything was/is okay!!

At the moment my scan is booked for next Wednesday - yesterday my husband and I were considering booking a scan privately but then decided against it and to just monitor the bleed, as I know last time round we got loads of reassurance from private scans for it to come crashing down when we went for our early pregnancy scan and nothing could be seen anymore. Bleed seemed to calm by the evening but is still there a little today. It’s not bright red today though so I’m remaining calm 😂 such a rollercoaster. Can’t believe this could be on and off for the first 12 weeks 🤯 xx

[Twiglet2 in reply to DLZ321]

Totally understand where you are coming from, you can’t see much in an early scan but it did rule out eptopic which was the main thing my clinic did it for really as that can be dangerous if left. Other than that defo better to wait and be in your clinic environment for early scans is my experience xx

[DLZ321 in reply to Twiglet2]

So my 7 week scan went well today, but then a few hours later started bleeding/passed a clot. Apparently I also have a SCH - just wanted to check how often you were monitored when they spotted yours? Technically I’ve been discharged today so I’m a bit confused as to whether they can monitor me further or whether I just need to book additional scans privately to see how the hematoma is progressing 😩

[Twiglet2 in reply to DLZ321]

Good news all went well today! I was monitored weekly from 5.5weeks to 8.5 weeks (which was when my actual ‘first scan’ was booked for) but by then they could see the SCH resolving so I was discharged to midwives. I would defo phone them back and ask for an additional scan but also contact midwifes for booking appointment and explain the situation to see if they want to have you having early through them now instead. I didn’t I just got the 12 weeks scan for both but best to engage them quickly xx

[DLZ321 in reply to Twiglet2]

Thank you that’s really helpful! I will defo do that. It’s honestly so reassuring to read about others experiencing the same 🩷 I hope that future scans show mine resolving itself too 😩🤞🏼xx

[Twiglet2 in reply to DLZ321]

I had a massive bleed the night before my scan at 7.5 weeks with my little boy like huge clots and loads of blood I thought for sure it would be over at the scan the next day but it wasn’t and by the next week was resolving itself!! Make sure you get plenty of rest and defo ask for scans from whenever you can get them 💜 it’s the only thing that will reassure you and tell you what’s happening. Ps the internal scans seemed to cause some extra bleeding for me the night of as well so could also be that tonight xx

[DLZ321 in reply to Twiglet2]

God it must have been so scary. I honestly have PTSD from my last big clotty bleed because of how it ended 😩 I was so sure it was the beginning of the end today. It’s such a relief to be able to associate the bleed to something specific this time. Though I’m still not 100% convinced it won’t go downhill just because it’s me! but that’s just because of last time. Your story is seriously reassuring though and I really really hope it turns out the same for me 🤞🏼 I will definitely be following in your footsteps with further scans. Has your pregnancy been okay after this initial bleed? Xx

[Twiglet2 in reply to DLZ321]

Yeah my only other experiences of clots have been miscarriages too so I was the same! That one with the big bleeds and clots was my 3 year old. I have to say while there was some pain passing the clots the cramping wasn’t like my misscariages though. It wasn’t as intense and as long before hand. Resting defo seemed to help me recover quicker and I just stayed of work in bed for a couple of weeks until about 8 weeks pregnant. After the 12 week scan it was a ‘normal’ pregnancy.

This pregnancy they didn’t see an SCH and bleeding was lighter so not sure what it was just said sometimes they never know why! Everything else has been smooth so far (hasn’t stopped me worrying about every little thing though of course!!) xx

[NemoFish]

I had period- like bleeding every day for 3 weeks with my pregnancy. She’s 5 months old now x

[DLZ321 in reply to NemoFish]

gosh it’s crazy how it’s so different for everyone, I’m so happy it was fine in the end!! Thanks for the reassurance xx

[Blahblahblahxxx]

Hi, I am currently 13 weeks pregnant after my third and final FET and have had a fair amount of bleeding so far. The first was a big bleed at 5+2 which I was convinced was me losing the baby. I called my local early pregnancy unit and they scanned me and I saw baby with a heartbeat and they found a hematoma. Since they found the hematoma I've had regular scans to monitor it and had two further bleeds. Although mine were significant bleeds rather than spotting like you describe.It's common to bleed on early pregnancy and as long as the bleeding isn't clotty and painful it's likely nothing to worry about but your EPU should be able to reassure you with a scan (and you might get to see baby!)

Hope you get some answers

[DLZ321 in reply to Blahblahblahxxx]

Thanks for your message! that sounds so scary and I’m so glad everything was okay.

I’ve actually not seen any blood for the last day and a half which is a huge relief, but yes thankfully it’s not been super heavy overall this time (although I have experienced that during my last transfer and it didn’t end well!)

[DLZ321 in reply to Blahblahblahxxx]

Hey! So my bleeding escalated today and I passed a clot. I booked at a local ultrasound place and they said they can see a small hematoma. I just wondered when you mentioned your regular scans, was that through your clinic or were those private scans you booked yourself elsewhere? Thanks!

[Blahblahblahxxx in reply to DLZ321]

Ah those pesky SCH!! Did you manage to see baby too? It was with my local early pregnancy unit. I gave them a call at the local hospital explained the situation and that it was an IVF pregnancy (so know the gestation) and they saw me as quickly as they could! Then the ongoing scans were with them too, until my 12 week scan.

The clinic were a bit useless with regards to the hematoma tbh, I had my viability scan as normal at 7 weeks with them and mentioned the hematoma but they refused to measure it as 'it was out of their remit' so just made a note that they had seen it!

[DLZ321 in reply to Blahblahblahxxx]

Yes we actually had our 7 week viability scan at 1130 this morning and it all went really well. She said she could see an area which may have been the reason why I had some spotting previously. A few hours later we skipped off to lunch all pleased but at the end of our meal I went to put in my pessary and was met with blood and then swiftly after the clot 🫣

I tried to call EPU but they said I had to be referred through GP, and as we had only just been discharged earlier I hadn’t notified the GP so it was all too complicated 😵‍💫 hence booking at a private ultrasound place.

Can you go as regularly as you want for scans at an EPU? I guess once I notify the GP tomorrow I’ll have a better idea of how it all works! Your clinic sound annoying.. I do feel like 7 weeks is probably too early to let us go when there’s so many risks with ivf pregnancies 🙄 I honestly feel it’s impossible to relax or be happy for longer than a couple days at a time 😂

[Blahblahblahxxx in reply to DLZ321]

Oh it must be different for every area. I haven't spoke to the GP once about my pregnancy. I had to self refer to the midwife online. I only did that once the clinic had signed me off too. But EPU were happy to see me every time I called them. So after the first bleed they said to expect another, which I did, rang them again and they scanned me again. On that appointment the lady said she would make me another appointment for 2 weeks time because the hematoma had grown and she saw how anxious I was. Luckily it had shrunk on that appointment. Then 12 weeks they couldn't see it. Hopefully that will be the same for you 🤞🏼

I know how you feel, it's like one thing after another isn't it. I've had bad sickness too on top of everything so that's put a real dampener on my experience this time round

[DLZ321 in reply to Blahblahblahxxx]

Argh the sickness must be exhausting, hopefully now that you’re in your second trimester it’ll subside? 🤞🏼

I managed to see the GP today and got referred to EPU - however after speaking to them they have said they will only scan me in two weeks 😩 she made out all the scans won’t be helping with the bleeding and that I should just let it be and monitor… so that’s what I shall do. I was really hoping they would offer a scan in a week. Anyway my bleeding has definitely slowed down a bit today .. hoping it doesn’t ramp up again.

I feel like I don’t want to self refer for midwife yet until I’m in the clear.. feel like I’ll get all excited about it and just don’t want that excitement to come crashing down… really hoping the scan in two weeks is okay! Do people normally choose their hospital/self refer for midwives straight away or does it not really matter when you do it? (Obv before 12 weeks tho I’d imagine)

[Blahblahblahxxx in reply to DLZ321]

Well it's true the scan won't help the bleeding but it will certainly help with your anxiety and worry! Hope the next two weeks go quickly for you, the wait is agonising! So I did my referral just after the clinic signed me off when I was just about 8 weeks and I got a call almost straight away as my midwife said they like to see you before 10 weeks for the initial booking appointment, so I wouldn't leave it too long! Obviously they might do things differently where you are though!

Hopefully if the bleeding is slowing it might stop soon. 🤞🏼

[Twiglet2 in reply to DLZ321]

Just to jump in would refer to midwives now as the 12 week scan can then be booked and there is sometimes quite a wait for those (mine ended up at almost 13 weeks as I waited until 8 weeks). They will also do your 10 week booking appointment. Just best to get you in the system for the next set of scans etc xx

[DLZ321 in reply to Twiglet2]

That’s really helpful, thanks!! Guess I’ll have to start the process soon then, because yes if I make it to 12 weeks I’ll be annoyed if the scan is delayed 😂

It just feels so risky like I’m setting myself up for disappointment, my brain hasn’t accepted I’m pregnant yet. Im also still bleeding 🙄 though it’s slowed down a bit again this evening. Sort of slowed yesterday evening but then had more red blood this morning. Back to lighter and browner - hope it bores off by tomorrow 😂 xx

[Twiglet2 in reply to DLZ321]

I know exactly how you feel 🤗 just take it one step at a time but defo di that next step with midwife sooner rather than later so you don’t have too long a wait xx

[Hidden]

Hi there, I’ve had bleeding and spotting since 5 weeks I’m now 9w 4d and am told I have a small hematoma, which is common. I had one day where I bled like a heavy period at 7 week and a scan showed the baby was fine. Had a 9 week scan on Monday and baby is measuring right and strong heartbeat even though I’ve had all this bleeding, it’s not a great experience but I think light bleeding in early pregnancy is quite common. Have you spoke with your clinic about it ? X

[DLZ321 in reply to Hidden]

I’ve been in the clear for the past 2 days which is a relief… no sign of any blood and I hope it stays that way 😅 I had mentioned to my clinic but they had said it was too early for a scan and to just monitor. Got my scan booked for Wednesday so hoping everything is ok, I’ll be 6 weeks and 6 days and the furthest I’ve ever been!

Happy to hear your baby is doing fine! I bet it was sooo amazing hearing the heartbeat 😍 x

[DLZ321 in reply to Hidden]

I am 7 weeks today and now literally have had your exact experience! I have a small hematoma - was bleeding/passed a clot earlier… so stressful!! Did you have more scans booked with your clinic after finding this or did you book your scan elsewhere at 9 weeks?

[Hidden]

Hi there I’m sorry you’re having the same experience. My clinic scan at 6 and 9 week as standard, my 7 week scan after heavy bleeding was at the early pregnancy unit. If you’re worried I would call them. My bleeding seems to have stopped now but I wouldn’t be surprised to see it again! Hope your ok xx

[DLZ321 in reply to Hidden]

We did try to call them earlier but they said I had to be referred through GP, and due to time of the day etc I wasn’t able to do it. On my to do list for tomorrow! We just ended up going to a local ultrasound place who said they could see a small hematoma. I hope it clears and doesn’t progress to anything more sinister .. as bleeding/clots was the beginning of a miscarriage for me last time. Though it was earlier last time and they also couldn’t see any reason for the bleed last time. Trying to channel all the positive stories about hematomas on this thread! Xx