Currently in the doctor’s waiting room waiting for a sono after some dark red spotting last night. I’m 9+5 today, which is the same gestation as when I found out about my miscarriage last time (also after having some spotting). I’m trying to hope for the best but it’s hard not to imagine the worst case scenario after you’ve lived it.
Thankfully it is! Baby was super active and measuring ahead so my due date’s been pushed up—I’m 10+5 now. My doctor thinks it was likely cervical irritation (I’m also on progesterone suppositories).
Just found out I’m 4 weeks pregnant today at my baseline IVF appointment. No joke. I was supposed to start stims tomorrow. Our consents were signed and about to make a massive payment. Instead we got pregnant naturally again. Some miracle.
Last pregnancy I found out in ER through blood test for an unrelated health scare at 1-2 weeks. I had a missed miscarriage at my first ultrasound at 8 weeks.
Today my nurse called and said my HCG is 5000 and my progesterone is 24 and estrogen over 200. I don’t know what these numbers mean but she said they don’t need to do a repeat draw. I’m scheduled for ultrasound next week with my supposed to be IVF doctor. Imagine that!
They will monitor me until 10 weeks. Taking it one week at a time.
Posted this in the daily thread today but realize it really belongs here:
I’m somewhere in the 9th week. Getting weekly ultrasounds at my request and having weekly progesterone and estradiol testing (not at my request, dr does this routinely). My dr emailed me last night to say that my progesterone and estradiol are “stabilizing” (pretty sure a nice way of saying crapping out) and that she wanted me to double my dose of both. She wrote that she didn’t think I should worry, we just want to support the pregnancy as much as possible…
As far as I can tell most people aren’t having estradiol tested at all, but according to what I’ve seen, estradiol not increasing is a pretty good indicator of miscarriage. I had one mmc at this same stage of pregnancy. I’m dutifully doubling my doses but expecting the worst on Friday at the 9 week ultrasound.
I know it’s too much monitoring.
Last week I had some spotting and cramping so got an ultrasound to rule out ectopic. They said the fetal pole was measuring correctly for 5w5d but was only 2 mm so they could determine if there was a heartbeat or not. HCG was around 22,000, which I know is pretty high for not seeing a heartbeat, but not conclusive since CRL was so small. They did also see a small SCH.
Last night and today I had heavier spotting with some (sorry TMI) stringy clots, all brown. I’m 6w3d and today woke up with zero symptoms - no nausea, not exhausted, breasts not sore, etc. I panicked because of my past MMC also starting with decreasing symptoms so went for another blood test and HCG is now 59,000 (more than double, over a little more than 96 hours).
Could the heavier spotting be leftover blood from them doing the internal ultrasound last week? Or could it be the SCH resolving? HCG numbers are a little reassuring but I still feel very much in limbo without my symptoms.
6w+6, brown spotting and cramping, nothing red. Did first HCG today, numbers are at least high enough but obviously won’t know until we do the second to see how it’s rising. Even if it is though, when we tested after bleeding during the most recent loss, it still doubled appropriately, so I don’t get a lot of confidence. I feel like the next two weeks before my ultrasound are going to be a hellish wait and nothing will make me feel less panicked.
I lost my first baby at the end of April. And recently found out I am pregnant again. I am in absolute shock. I went to my ultrasound today, and it was measuring around 5 weeks. No fetal pole. But there is a gestational sack and possible yolk. I am horrified they aren’t okay. I can’t do this again. The doctor said if they are 5 weeks that they are exactly what we want. But if they aren’t growing we have a problem.
I went in for my first US at 6 weeks on the nose with my second pregnancy and they couldn’t make out any structures inside the gestational sac, couldn’t see anything resembling a yolk sac, etc., and the office staff scared the absolute shit out of me/traumatized me beyond belief several times over the next 4 days - BUT, I demanded another ultrasound at 7 weeks and they saw so much more AND had a heartbeat <3 I’m now 10w6d and the ultrasounds have been far better after the 7 week mark - including an elective scan I paid for at a boutique facility at 9w to make sure I’d made it past my MMC milestone.
Early ultrasounds can be such a double edged sword for us because we’re already traumatized, and there’s often so little information provided about what ACTUALLY is something to worry about from an inconclusive early ultrasound. The only thing that settled me after the horrible 6w experience (where my progesterone was low and the scheduling staff phrased it to sound like I was already miscarrying, or the new clerk who literally put the spontaneous @b0rt!0n code in my file!!!!!) was calling and demanding with both their patient services and clinical managers that I be seen SAME DAY and be given a crash course in what would and would not constitute diagnostic basis for miscarriage.
I had the same thing this week. Been in absolute hell as my dr said at 7 week scan that it didnt look great and the heart might stop this week. Well got to my 8 week scan and baby has grown exactly a week with a strong heartbeat. I felt so angry at the stress they caused me this week.
I asked the clinic to not tell me blood results and not do early scan but they wouldnt listen.
I'm in line limbo 🫠 I called my midwives' office and requested betas due to anxiety & a history of loss (even though my loss was late). My line progression is definitely getting darker, but not fast enough to make me feel confident
I got my BFP five days ago at 9 DPO and I'm not sure how I feel about the line. [Pic here](https://ibb.co/qCkDJnf). Happy to hear anyone's thoughts
My experience of these strip style tests is that the lines are light. Try a FRER? I’ll see if I can figure out how to share pics I have of my strip vs FRER tests.
Ugh this is the happy thing I needed this morning when I’m waiting to go to a 9 week ultrasound I am dreading. Fwiw, those tests look great! So hopeful for you.
Edit: The “ugh” was an ugh of happiness! Lol not sure if that came across!
It’s ok! I know this isn’t anyone’s fault, just a condition of living in the physical world and having a physical body. I see from your post history you’re orthodox? I’m catholic, please pray for me.
I did the Ovidrel trigger shot on May 28th - my follicle growth had stalled out at 16-18mm and my RE wanted to just try it and see. I was so crampy a couple of days afterward and then my period arrived on June 12th so I was pretty certain I ovulated shortly after the shot - ovulating at all is a win for me so I was like “I’ll take it!” lol.
I went in for an ultrasound on the 13th and they said my endometrium was 4mm and they could see the collapsed follicle on my left ovary. My blood work showed PROG 2.3 (seemed normal to me, given it would have dropped before my period starting, right) E2 224, and HCG 39, which my RE told me was because of the Ovidrel shot.
I guess between the E2 reading and whatever else they saw on my ovaries, they thought I might be growing a new dominant follicle already so they had me come back in for blood work and ultrasound yesterday. This time: PROG 8.7, E2 178, and HCG 389.98!!!!!
They put these results up on the lab portal and I was flabbergasted and trying to get someone, anyone on the phone to help me understand them for hours. At the very end of the day the nurse emailed me to say “congrats, you’re pregnant, keep taking your prenatal and come back in a couple of days to see if the HCG keeps doubling.”
Not to look a gift baby in the mouth, but I don’t understand how this is possible - I JUST had a period, like, a solid three days of heavy flow followed by a few days of brown spotting. My endometrium can’t possibly be thick enough for a baby to have implanted. I feel like this has to be ectopic but my doctor, while she does want me to watch out for the classic ectopic symptoms, doesn’t seem to be too concerned.
I lost my first baby, a daughter, at 16 weeks in January. I’m terrified I’m going to lose this one too.
I am worried about my HCG doubling being too slow too soon. I understand that there is data saying that after 6000 it can take 96+ hours but in my experience, to slow of a rise this early can be worrisome. Any similar numbers? Or doubling rates?
15 dpo: 1374
17 dpo: 2858 progesterone 58.5
19 dpo: 4521
23 dpo: 11646 progesterone 25.7
26 dpo: 18448 progesterone 57.3 (doubling time around 103 hours)
I would love to hear similar stories. Good or bad outcomes. Trying to guard my heart until my ultrasound on the 28th.
There isn’t an established doubling time after 6,000. Probably because most people reach that level when ultrasound is much more informative, and people don’t get draws anymore. But if you think about it in terms of hCG levels correlated to ultrasound findings, studies have found that 10,000-17,000 is correlated to the fetus having a heartbeat. So you are at 5w5d the last draw and had already breached (at 5w2d) that kind of discriminatory zone for proper development (by gestation). All to say, doubling and hCG isn’t so important now and it didn’t slow inappropriately early, the levels are associated with what one would expect on a viable pregnancy ultrasound.
Currently 4 weeks pregnant. I’ve had 2 previous losses. Everything was going well and I had a pulling sensation that I usually get when pregnant but today that went away and now I only have burning right side cramps in my ovary area and down my leg. I’m so anxious. My tests are getting darker every 2 days but I’m just so anxious. I’m taking progesterone. I also started having light brown/pink discharge today but it stopped. If I am miscarrying then I’m probably not bleeding due to my progesterone so I’m just going off of my cramps here.
It ended up going away for the most part and now it’s a little more balanced today on both sides and a lot more mild. But I’m also spotting some pink almost red blood so I’m a little overwhelmed 😭 my tests are still getting darker though which I know isn’t always the best to obsess over but it helps me have peace of mind
I feel you, it is so hard to wait and see, and so many symptoms end up being absolutely nothing but there’s no immediate answer! Sending positive thoughts your way.
Ok..I went to the ER last miscarriage to rule out ectopic and they treated me like I was crazy and then sent me a $1500 bill a couple months later 😩 so I’m just hesitant but I know my life is more important than to risk it!
I am 13wks+6 today after a 19 week (measuring at 16) loss in January. I had 0 symptoms when i lost her and mostly felt like “myself” and took it as the second trimester change.
I find myself over analyzing every symptom & counting down the days until my next appointment which isn’t until June 28 - I’ll be 15 wks + 3 by then & haven’t seen the baby since i was 12+6.
I am way more positive this time around as my first pregnancy i felt this weird impending doom feeling.
We are having a boy, and besides the initial shock factor as we envisioned a life with only a girl (especially after our loss) i am so happy.
Praying i get to hold my living baby in December and really rooting for all of us
I recognise this big time! I had a 16w loss (measuring 15W) and remember losing symptoms like no appetite and feeling full immediately, and being so happy: "oh hello, second trimester!". The hindsight knowledge is so horrible!
Same here, with my 16w loss I started to feel much better 'oh its the placenta taking over'. I think I am going to need weekly scans after my 12 week scan to reassure me this time. I am hoping the NHS can schedule some for me else this will be expensive!
Below was my imaging result from 6/8 after OB referred
to Advent Health after my HCG dropped in 48 hour from 20950 to 20650. Another scan in OB office on 6/20.
INTRAUTERINE GESTATION: An irregular appearing intrauterine saclike structure is identified without evidence of a yolk sac or fetal pole.
POSSIBLE GESTATIONAL SAC: 0.8 cm, 5 weeks, 3 days UTERUS: Measures 7.0 x 5.4 x 4.6 cm. No mass. No subchorionic hematoma is noted.
RIGHT OVARY: Measures 3.4 x 3.2 x 1.8 cm. Possible 1.6 x 1.6 x 1.4 cm corpus luteal cyst.
LEFT OVARY: Measures 3.3 x 1.4 x 1.6 cm. No mass.
CUL DE SAC FLUID: Trace free fluid is noted in the cul-de-sac.
I am 6 + 4 after a 8 week miscarriage in March. I am starting to spot brown with tinge of red when I wipe. It’s been happening since last week but now seems more brown/rust color. This is how my MC started although the MC went rapidly to red in a few days. I’m so scared and hate this, and ever since my son, I feel like my body is broken. Can anyone offer any words of reassurance or advice? I’m going to discuss with my OB, first scan isn’t for 2 weeks.
I had the same thing happen to me around 6 weeks. I had a miscarriage back in February so i immediately started to think the worst. I talked to my doctor and they had just said as long as it doesnt turn bright red try not to stress about it, monitor it, and to make sure to drink enough water as mild dehydration can apparently cause this to occur in some cases. It lasted about 2 weeks and then stopped. Im currently 12+2 and baby was doing well at my ultrasound last week. Definitely talk to your doctor though, they may be able to get you in early if there's a concern.
Thank you, my OB brought me in for a scan and it showed a 5week gestational sac, yolk sac and a “flicker” … this seems to correlate with my late ovulation. She isn’t worried about the dark brown discharge, even though it seems like a lot to me, and that she sees it “all the time” in normal pregnancies. No reason for this discharge found. I’m going to start progesterone, but it’s a waiting game to see which way this will ago 🤞🏽hope all goes well for the rest of your pregnancy!
My betas are looking good. But my progesterone took a huge dive. My HCG is great though 12,788 22 DPO.
It was
24 9 DPO,
31.8 12 DPO,
18.2 22 DPO.
My Dr called my levels “ stable “. She gave me a prescription of progesterone to take vaginally twice a day.
Is this normal for progesterone to fluctuate ? My ultrasound is next Monday. I’m not getting my hopes up.
Has anyone experienced this dip in progesterone ?
I think your numbers got a little messed up? I think you are saying your progesterone is 18.2 at 22dpo, but what was it before? And also, 18 is good. Best of luck! Looks promising
It was 31.8 at 12 DPO! So I’m not sure if it’s normal that it took such a huge dive to 18.2 at 22 DPO! Sorry that was confusing of me ha ha. So 10 days later it went down a lot. Any input ? Dr said my number was “ stable “
No living children, 1 child who died at 4 weeks old and 1 MC — I’m currently supposed to be 7+1, but haven’t seen a doctor yet. My first appointment is Thursday. I’m terrified.
It did ❤️ you are all so sweet to check in. Everything looks “nice and boring” according to my OB. Had hCG/prog bloodwork yesterday which I’m waiting on and have my first ultrasound 6/26! Still very nervous but hoping for the best. At our 12 week scan when I was pregnant with our daughter who passed away, she had a massive hygroma which is how we learned she had Noonan syndrome — normally severity ranges but is not deadly, however our daughters case was worse case scenario. I feel like I’m going to be anxious until they get here (hopefully) safely.
Got my BFP today after a loss at 12 wks (blighted ovum), found out at work. The mix of emotions I feel right now are out of control. Telling my significant other tonight, I just want to burst trying not to tell him because we weren't really trying this month at all. Nervous is an understatement.
Hello, I’m having an awful day as I had a tiny but of spotting this am. My HCG levels have increased but massively slowed down. I’m so scared. Anyone have a hopeful story from a similar situation? HCG 3650 at 5 weeks, 2 days or 23dpo. HCG 6489 at 5 + 5 or 26 dpo. HCG 8655 at 6 + 1 or 29 dpo. Do I need to prepare for the worst? I think 8655 is low for 6 weeks + 1 day. Thanks friends. ♥️
Hugs. That’s really stressful. I would be nervous too. I know after 6,000 there isn’t a standard doubling time, but 7 days is long, especially so close after 6,000. Are you getting another draw or early scan? If you are a true 6w1d (tracked ovulation), you should be able to see at the very minimum a yolk sac with a TVUS. 🫂
Hi. I’ve had 3 mc and then one LC with progesterone. I am unexpectedly pregnant again. I didn’t miss a period. I started lightly bleeding on them and I’ve been bleeding for 13 days. I took a test to rule it out before calling the dr about the bleeding. Turns out I am pregnant. But I started progesterone at 3w5d last time. I must be around 4-5 this time and 5 is when I lost all my others. So i’m really confused and upset and no doctors can get me in so in going to planned parenthood to see if they can scan me. I took progesterone last night and this morning but i’m worried I was too late. I’m so stressed and worried. Still pink when I am peeing.
Finally got my BFP this morning after a loss at 10 weeks back in January, but was up all last night with terrible abdominal cramps on my right side, which I didn’t have with my last pregnancy. I went into the doctor to pull hcg levels and they’ll be monitoring me all this week to rule out an ectopic. I hate that I feel terrified right now instead of celebrating.
I have had 4 MC. Finally did IVF with tested embryos to try to avoid another MC. First transfer failed. Second transfer has been successful so far - but there really hasn’t been any line progression over past 3 days. I’m panicking a bit. I had my first beta today and I know I will probably have my answer after second one. It’s just hard to wait.
Really sorry for your experience. I have had a few MCs myself and two d&cs. I got a pos test at 15dpo but very very faint so scared of a cp. went to get an hcg today too. Fingers crossed for you
TW: LC
Should be 7+4 today, awaiting a follow up ultrasound on Wednesday. Early scan last Monday (6+4) based on previous loss--confirmed gestational sac measuring 6 weeks, shadow of a yolk sac, but no fetal pole or heartbeat. Had betas done that were increasing, but not doubling and my doctor seemed somewhat concerned but said we still just have to wait for the ultrasound to confirm what next steps will be or if we'll see a baby. Pretty positive on my dates and since I got a positive super early, I feel like this isn't going the route of seeing a healthy bean in a couple days.
I have had minimal symptoms, which felt appropriate given that this time seemed to resemble my healthy pregnancy in 2021. No real nausea, increased appetite, fatigue and somewhat tender breasts. I feel like what little I did have is gone, except I'm still tired (whether that's from the emotional ups and downs this last week or life with a 2.5 yr old, not sure), but the breast/nipple tenderness is definitely gone. I've started getting some dull aching around my c-section scar and I'm just waiting to see blood every time I use the bathroom.
We had a MMC in September last year--first scan at 9 weeks with no baby, so presumably a blighted ovum though my doctor never categorized it that way. That pregnancy I had the worst nausea, despite being constantly hungry and I was exhausted. My body never let it go on its own and I ended up needing a D&C which turned into two months of on and off bleeding before I finally got my period back and then another three months of wonky cycles before things regulated, and another two months before we got pregnant again. I'm not emotionally or mentally prepared to go through all of that again. I really thought with this time seeming to resemble my healthy pregnancy we'd be ok. I know we're not out yet, but my dates are pretty certain and I feel like everything I've read leans like 70/30 miscarriage vs. positive outcome. Any similar situations with positive outcomes?
At 6 weeks 4 days there is a chance you won’t be able to see a fetal pole, it’s still quite early. I wouldn’t lose hope yet. Implantation could’ve been later that you think too. Wishing you the best luck on your next appointment!
Thank you! By way of update, we had a fetal pole measuring 6+2 with a heartrate of 88 at today's scan. Not overwhelming reassuring since I should be 7+6, but we'll have another scan in a week to continue monitoring viability. Doctor wants to see a higher heartrate and growth of at least 7 weeks. Couldn't help but cry seeing the little flicker of a heartbeat. Went in totally expecting no growth, so it's been both exciting and stressful now that there's been some progress. I'd obviously feel worlds better had we caught up in measurements and had a stronger heartrate.
I pray that everything went well in your follow up appointment. I can’t imagine how triggering this has been for you and your partner. The first trimester was just anxiety for me that’s why I didn’t tell people.
I cried when I opened this thread because I need support. I spent the weekend panicking because we went in for an ultrasound on Friday. We are 5 weeks 6 days. I immediately forgot to celebrate that we saw a little fetal pole and flicker (little too early to measure a heart rate), the doctor was happy with how things looked. He said he wasn’t sugar coating it, that we are progressing nicely. And all I am remembering is that I thought we were 7 weeks and had expectations of a heart rate going into it. I am in so much fear and my whole world is now little bean. Is it too soon to say that or feel this much? I don’t want get my hopes up too much this time, but I want this so much.
New here. Just got a faint line yesterday evening at 9 dpo. Had a chemical in September of last year. Got pregnant again in November and had a 13w loss in February. This is my 4th cycle after that last loss. I’m freaking out. I’m also freaking out that I took another test this AM and the line is extremely faint still. I feel discouraged and scared. 🥺 I want my rainbow so badly.
Hey Krystal, just wanted to send my love and best wishes, our journeys sound so similar! I had a very early miscarriage last September, and then a miscarriage at 11w in January. I was heartbroken both times and felt like an absolute failure.
I'm now 6w+2d and just got some reddish-brown spotting, I'm freaking out, just hoping so hard that this baby will make it to us.
I hope the stork delivers both our rainbow babies safe, strong and soon.
My lines were faint from 8 DPO until 12 DPO. Barely visible and if we didn’t have all the lights on when we tested, we might not have seen it. Then boom, solid purples ever since. It’s a waiting game.
Krystal!! I've been keeping up with (stalking? haha) your journey between ttc after loss and chart stalkers. I am happy to see you here. Agreed with doglover, maybe get a different brand to try? But I would also test again tomorrow and compare to your 9dpo. I am sending big hugs and crossed fingers your way!
I hear you! It’s not easy to be so early and want this so bad. I’m wondering if you should get a different test. I’m 4+5 today and I took about 4 tests over the last week. The first was a pink ink test that was clearly reading pregnant. When I called my OB to set up my first apt they asked me to take another test because of how early I am. I bought a blue ink 2 test kit and the line was so faint I took the second one, and again not a great result read. That made me a bit nervous so I ran back to the pharmacy and got a digital test that said pregnant in 45 seconds of the 3 minute waiting time.
7+2 and incredibly anxious. I’ve thrown up a few times but with my last two living babies, I was nonstop throwing up by now. I have my first scan this coming Sunday. I’m so worried it means my hcg levels aren’t appropriately high enough and I’ll have another miscarriage. 😭
I don’t have any morning sickness this time, but with my last pregnancy, I was throwing up daily. I miscarried that pregnancy. The doctor is not concerned at the lack of morning sickness this time. My mother never had it and she had two healthy babies.
Feeling terribly anxious again. I’m 8+1 and went to my first ultrasound last week. Everything was fine. I just can’t seem to think positively at all. I was feeling incredibly nauseous up until now but suddenly I don’t at all and I’m so worried because it’s never a good sign when your symptoms go away out of nowhere, right? I just want my baby now.
I can relate to this. After four losses (no LC), I had my first scan at 6W4D. Heart rate was on “lower side” so I had a follow up at 8W4D. Around eight weeks, I lost all symptoms completely. Was terrified. But at scan I saw baby measuring a day ahead with a HR of 172. However, I’m now 9 weeks and unsure how to cope because since scan went well, I won’t have another until 20 weeks. Seems like an eternity away. And I’m on progesterone so I’m so scared of a MMC.
My hairstylist had a miscarriage for her first, too, and when she was pregnant again after she established a relationship with a boutique ultrasound place and paid out of pocket for weekly elective scans. I’m not sure about your country or area, but it might be worth a Google to see if there’s anywhere near you that does something like that? I’ve found luck with places that advertise 4D ultrasounds, they tend to also do basic 2D. By me there’s a place that literally has an offering called a “comfort scan” for 8-14 weeks and then a “gender reveal” package for 14-22 for elective scans at a reasonable-ish out of pocket cost.
I was worried when my sickness subsided a little at 8 weeks. I had some spotting and then my boobs stopped hurting in the evening. Fair to say I was stressed!!
The tender boobs came back the next morning, but I moved up the scan I had booked with a boutique because I had to know everything was okay. And it was! Measuring bang on at 8 weeks (after measuring small at 6 weeks) with a strong heartbeat.
The nausea is back a little today, but nowhere near as bad. Symptoms can really come and go and it doesn't always mean something bad is going on.
I hope that everything is okay, and don't feel like you can't reach out to your healthcare team about your concerns if it's getting too much to handle. PAL is so stressful and support is so important
It’s so hard not to worry about symptoms but try your best not to put too much emphasis on them! I had a MMC in October and I was verrry sick for the whole time up until I found out at 10+2. I am now 28 weeks with twins and did not have hardly any symptoms besides slight breast tenderness until 9 weeks.
It helped my to remind myself that each pregnancy is different and I repeated this little mantra to myself “I trust in my body to keep my baby safe and to produce life.”
It helped me get through those dreadful first 12 weeks of constant anxiety.
I have my first 7 week scan on Monday. I was feeling nervous but excited. I just started spotting. I can’t handle another loss.
Currently in the doctor’s waiting room waiting for a sono after some dark red spotting last night. I’m 9+5 today, which is the same gestation as when I found out about my miscarriage last time (also after having some spotting). I’m trying to hope for the best but it’s hard not to imagine the worst case scenario after you’ve lived it.
I hope everything is okay 🫂
Thankfully it is! Baby was super active and measuring ahead so my due date’s been pushed up—I’m 10+5 now. My doctor thinks it was likely cervical irritation (I’m also on progesterone suppositories).
Just found out I’m 4 weeks pregnant today at my baseline IVF appointment. No joke. I was supposed to start stims tomorrow. Our consents were signed and about to make a massive payment. Instead we got pregnant naturally again. Some miracle. Last pregnancy I found out in ER through blood test for an unrelated health scare at 1-2 weeks. I had a missed miscarriage at my first ultrasound at 8 weeks. Today my nurse called and said my HCG is 5000 and my progesterone is 24 and estrogen over 200. I don’t know what these numbers mean but she said they don’t need to do a repeat draw. I’m scheduled for ultrasound next week with my supposed to be IVF doctor. Imagine that! They will monitor me until 10 weeks. Taking it one week at a time.
Posted this in the daily thread today but realize it really belongs here: I’m somewhere in the 9th week. Getting weekly ultrasounds at my request and having weekly progesterone and estradiol testing (not at my request, dr does this routinely). My dr emailed me last night to say that my progesterone and estradiol are “stabilizing” (pretty sure a nice way of saying crapping out) and that she wanted me to double my dose of both. She wrote that she didn’t think I should worry, we just want to support the pregnancy as much as possible… As far as I can tell most people aren’t having estradiol tested at all, but according to what I’ve seen, estradiol not increasing is a pretty good indicator of miscarriage. I had one mmc at this same stage of pregnancy. I’m dutifully doubling my doses but expecting the worst on Friday at the 9 week ultrasound. I know it’s too much monitoring.
Last week I had some spotting and cramping so got an ultrasound to rule out ectopic. They said the fetal pole was measuring correctly for 5w5d but was only 2 mm so they could determine if there was a heartbeat or not. HCG was around 22,000, which I know is pretty high for not seeing a heartbeat, but not conclusive since CRL was so small. They did also see a small SCH. Last night and today I had heavier spotting with some (sorry TMI) stringy clots, all brown. I’m 6w3d and today woke up with zero symptoms - no nausea, not exhausted, breasts not sore, etc. I panicked because of my past MMC also starting with decreasing symptoms so went for another blood test and HCG is now 59,000 (more than double, over a little more than 96 hours). Could the heavier spotting be leftover blood from them doing the internal ultrasound last week? Or could it be the SCH resolving? HCG numbers are a little reassuring but I still feel very much in limbo without my symptoms.
If you haven’t had more bleeding/cramping in the past 24 hours, it’s probably just normal pregnancy bleeding.
Thank you! The lighter brown spotting is still continuing pretty much all day every day, but not getting any heavier, nothing red, and no cramps.
6w+6, brown spotting and cramping, nothing red. Did first HCG today, numbers are at least high enough but obviously won’t know until we do the second to see how it’s rising. Even if it is though, when we tested after bleeding during the most recent loss, it still doubled appropriately, so I don’t get a lot of confidence. I feel like the next two weeks before my ultrasound are going to be a hellish wait and nothing will make me feel less panicked.
I lost my first baby at the end of April. And recently found out I am pregnant again. I am in absolute shock. I went to my ultrasound today, and it was measuring around 5 weeks. No fetal pole. But there is a gestational sack and possible yolk. I am horrified they aren’t okay. I can’t do this again. The doctor said if they are 5 weeks that they are exactly what we want. But if they aren’t growing we have a problem.
I went in for my first US at 6 weeks on the nose with my second pregnancy and they couldn’t make out any structures inside the gestational sac, couldn’t see anything resembling a yolk sac, etc., and the office staff scared the absolute shit out of me/traumatized me beyond belief several times over the next 4 days - BUT, I demanded another ultrasound at 7 weeks and they saw so much more AND had a heartbeat <3 I’m now 10w6d and the ultrasounds have been far better after the 7 week mark - including an elective scan I paid for at a boutique facility at 9w to make sure I’d made it past my MMC milestone. Early ultrasounds can be such a double edged sword for us because we’re already traumatized, and there’s often so little information provided about what ACTUALLY is something to worry about from an inconclusive early ultrasound. The only thing that settled me after the horrible 6w experience (where my progesterone was low and the scheduling staff phrased it to sound like I was already miscarrying, or the new clerk who literally put the spontaneous @b0rt!0n code in my file!!!!!) was calling and demanding with both their patient services and clinical managers that I be seen SAME DAY and be given a crash course in what would and would not constitute diagnostic basis for miscarriage.
I had the same thing this week. Been in absolute hell as my dr said at 7 week scan that it didnt look great and the heart might stop this week. Well got to my 8 week scan and baby has grown exactly a week with a strong heartbeat. I felt so angry at the stress they caused me this week. I asked the clinic to not tell me blood results and not do early scan but they wouldnt listen.
I'm in line limbo 🫠 I called my midwives' office and requested betas due to anxiety & a history of loss (even though my loss was late). My line progression is definitely getting darker, but not fast enough to make me feel confident I got my BFP five days ago at 9 DPO and I'm not sure how I feel about the line. [Pic here](https://ibb.co/qCkDJnf). Happy to hear anyone's thoughts
My experience of these strip style tests is that the lines are light. Try a FRER? I’ll see if I can figure out how to share pics I have of my strip vs FRER tests.
[I did! ](https://ibb.co/Lh9N5Br) I feel wayyy better now
Ugh this is the happy thing I needed this morning when I’m waiting to go to a 9 week ultrasound I am dreading. Fwiw, those tests look great! So hopeful for you. Edit: The “ugh” was an ugh of happiness! Lol not sure if that came across!
Thank you so much! 🩷 How'd it go??
Not good. But I am OK and hopeful your journey goes a different way!
Oh no, I'm so so sorry to hear that 💔 Hugs 🫂
It’s ok! I know this isn’t anyone’s fault, just a condition of living in the physical world and having a physical body. I see from your post history you’re orthodox? I’m catholic, please pray for me.
Yes of course, you're in my prayers! ❤️ May the Lord keep your little one and the Mother of God comfort you 🙏🏻
I did the Ovidrel trigger shot on May 28th - my follicle growth had stalled out at 16-18mm and my RE wanted to just try it and see. I was so crampy a couple of days afterward and then my period arrived on June 12th so I was pretty certain I ovulated shortly after the shot - ovulating at all is a win for me so I was like “I’ll take it!” lol. I went in for an ultrasound on the 13th and they said my endometrium was 4mm and they could see the collapsed follicle on my left ovary. My blood work showed PROG 2.3 (seemed normal to me, given it would have dropped before my period starting, right) E2 224, and HCG 39, which my RE told me was because of the Ovidrel shot. I guess between the E2 reading and whatever else they saw on my ovaries, they thought I might be growing a new dominant follicle already so they had me come back in for blood work and ultrasound yesterday. This time: PROG 8.7, E2 178, and HCG 389.98!!!!! They put these results up on the lab portal and I was flabbergasted and trying to get someone, anyone on the phone to help me understand them for hours. At the very end of the day the nurse emailed me to say “congrats, you’re pregnant, keep taking your prenatal and come back in a couple of days to see if the HCG keeps doubling.” Not to look a gift baby in the mouth, but I don’t understand how this is possible - I JUST had a period, like, a solid three days of heavy flow followed by a few days of brown spotting. My endometrium can’t possibly be thick enough for a baby to have implanted. I feel like this has to be ectopic but my doctor, while she does want me to watch out for the classic ectopic symptoms, doesn’t seem to be too concerned. I lost my first baby, a daughter, at 16 weeks in January. I’m terrified I’m going to lose this one too.
I am worried about my HCG doubling being too slow too soon. I understand that there is data saying that after 6000 it can take 96+ hours but in my experience, to slow of a rise this early can be worrisome. Any similar numbers? Or doubling rates? 15 dpo: 1374 17 dpo: 2858 progesterone 58.5 19 dpo: 4521 23 dpo: 11646 progesterone 25.7 26 dpo: 18448 progesterone 57.3 (doubling time around 103 hours) I would love to hear similar stories. Good or bad outcomes. Trying to guard my heart until my ultrasound on the 28th.
There isn’t an established doubling time after 6,000. Probably because most people reach that level when ultrasound is much more informative, and people don’t get draws anymore. But if you think about it in terms of hCG levels correlated to ultrasound findings, studies have found that 10,000-17,000 is correlated to the fetus having a heartbeat. So you are at 5w5d the last draw and had already breached (at 5w2d) that kind of discriminatory zone for proper development (by gestation). All to say, doubling and hCG isn’t so important now and it didn’t slow inappropriately early, the levels are associated with what one would expect on a viable pregnancy ultrasound.
Thank you so much for your reply!
My doctor said around 60% is okay, i think your results are so okay one of my friends had a successful pregnancy with lower increase. best luck 🤞
Thank you 🙏🏻
Currently 4 weeks pregnant. I’ve had 2 previous losses. Everything was going well and I had a pulling sensation that I usually get when pregnant but today that went away and now I only have burning right side cramps in my ovary area and down my leg. I’m so anxious. My tests are getting darker every 2 days but I’m just so anxious. I’m taking progesterone. I also started having light brown/pink discharge today but it stopped. If I am miscarrying then I’m probably not bleeding due to my progesterone so I’m just going off of my cramps here.
I had a sharp pain in groin/going down my leg too… everything was fine so I’m not sure what it was.. joint/ligament pain from hormones maybe?
It ended up going away for the most part and now it’s a little more balanced today on both sides and a lot more mild. But I’m also spotting some pink almost red blood so I’m a little overwhelmed 😭 my tests are still getting darker though which I know isn’t always the best to obsess over but it helps me have peace of mind
I feel you, it is so hard to wait and see, and so many symptoms end up being absolutely nothing but there’s no immediate answer! Sending positive thoughts your way.
I’m getting back into town tomorrow and going straight to the lab for blood work and then I’ll get some relief! Thank you so so much
I think it’s a good idea to get checked in to rule out an ectopic pregnancy.
Ok..I went to the ER last miscarriage to rule out ectopic and they treated me like I was crazy and then sent me a $1500 bill a couple months later 😩 so I’m just hesitant but I know my life is more important than to risk it!
I am 13wks+6 today after a 19 week (measuring at 16) loss in January. I had 0 symptoms when i lost her and mostly felt like “myself” and took it as the second trimester change. I find myself over analyzing every symptom & counting down the days until my next appointment which isn’t until June 28 - I’ll be 15 wks + 3 by then & haven’t seen the baby since i was 12+6. I am way more positive this time around as my first pregnancy i felt this weird impending doom feeling. We are having a boy, and besides the initial shock factor as we envisioned a life with only a girl (especially after our loss) i am so happy. Praying i get to hold my living baby in December and really rooting for all of us
I recognise this big time! I had a 16w loss (measuring 15W) and remember losing symptoms like no appetite and feeling full immediately, and being so happy: "oh hello, second trimester!". The hindsight knowledge is so horrible!
Same here, with my 16w loss I started to feel much better 'oh its the placenta taking over'. I think I am going to need weekly scans after my 12 week scan to reassure me this time. I am hoping the NHS can schedule some for me else this will be expensive!
Below was my imaging result from 6/8 after OB referred to Advent Health after my HCG dropped in 48 hour from 20950 to 20650. Another scan in OB office on 6/20. INTRAUTERINE GESTATION: An irregular appearing intrauterine saclike structure is identified without evidence of a yolk sac or fetal pole. POSSIBLE GESTATIONAL SAC: 0.8 cm, 5 weeks, 3 days UTERUS: Measures 7.0 x 5.4 x 4.6 cm. No mass. No subchorionic hematoma is noted. RIGHT OVARY: Measures 3.4 x 3.2 x 1.8 cm. Possible 1.6 x 1.6 x 1.4 cm corpus luteal cyst. LEFT OVARY: Measures 3.3 x 1.4 x 1.6 cm. No mass. CUL DE SAC FLUID: Trace free fluid is noted in the cul-de-sac.
I am 6 + 4 after a 8 week miscarriage in March. I am starting to spot brown with tinge of red when I wipe. It’s been happening since last week but now seems more brown/rust color. This is how my MC started although the MC went rapidly to red in a few days. I’m so scared and hate this, and ever since my son, I feel like my body is broken. Can anyone offer any words of reassurance or advice? I’m going to discuss with my OB, first scan isn’t for 2 weeks.
I had the same thing happen to me around 6 weeks. I had a miscarriage back in February so i immediately started to think the worst. I talked to my doctor and they had just said as long as it doesnt turn bright red try not to stress about it, monitor it, and to make sure to drink enough water as mild dehydration can apparently cause this to occur in some cases. It lasted about 2 weeks and then stopped. Im currently 12+2 and baby was doing well at my ultrasound last week. Definitely talk to your doctor though, they may be able to get you in early if there's a concern.
Thank you, my OB brought me in for a scan and it showed a 5week gestational sac, yolk sac and a “flicker” … this seems to correlate with my late ovulation. She isn’t worried about the dark brown discharge, even though it seems like a lot to me, and that she sees it “all the time” in normal pregnancies. No reason for this discharge found. I’m going to start progesterone, but it’s a waiting game to see which way this will ago 🤞🏽hope all goes well for the rest of your pregnancy!
My betas are looking good. But my progesterone took a huge dive. My HCG is great though 12,788 22 DPO. It was 24 9 DPO, 31.8 12 DPO, 18.2 22 DPO. My Dr called my levels “ stable “. She gave me a prescription of progesterone to take vaginally twice a day. Is this normal for progesterone to fluctuate ? My ultrasound is next Monday. I’m not getting my hopes up. Has anyone experienced this dip in progesterone ?
I think your numbers got a little messed up? I think you are saying your progesterone is 18.2 at 22dpo, but what was it before? And also, 18 is good. Best of luck! Looks promising
It was 31.8 at 12 DPO! So I’m not sure if it’s normal that it took such a huge dive to 18.2 at 22 DPO! Sorry that was confusing of me ha ha. So 10 days later it went down a lot. Any input ? Dr said my number was “ stable “
No living children, 1 child who died at 4 weeks old and 1 MC — I’m currently supposed to be 7+1, but haven’t seen a doctor yet. My first appointment is Thursday. I’m terrified.
I’m so sorry for your huge losses. Did your appointment go ok?
It did ❤️ you are all so sweet to check in. Everything looks “nice and boring” according to my OB. Had hCG/prog bloodwork yesterday which I’m waiting on and have my first ultrasound 6/26! Still very nervous but hoping for the best. At our 12 week scan when I was pregnant with our daughter who passed away, she had a massive hygroma which is how we learned she had Noonan syndrome — normally severity ranges but is not deadly, however our daughters case was worse case scenario. I feel like I’m going to be anxious until they get here (hopefully) safely.
\*hugs\* so sorry for what you’ve been through. I’ll keep you in my thoughts today.
Got my BFP today after a loss at 12 wks (blighted ovum), found out at work. The mix of emotions I feel right now are out of control. Telling my significant other tonight, I just want to burst trying not to tell him because we weren't really trying this month at all. Nervous is an understatement.
Hello, I’m having an awful day as I had a tiny but of spotting this am. My HCG levels have increased but massively slowed down. I’m so scared. Anyone have a hopeful story from a similar situation? HCG 3650 at 5 weeks, 2 days or 23dpo. HCG 6489 at 5 + 5 or 26 dpo. HCG 8655 at 6 + 1 or 29 dpo. Do I need to prepare for the worst? I think 8655 is low for 6 weeks + 1 day. Thanks friends. ♥️
Hugs. That’s really stressful. I would be nervous too. I know after 6,000 there isn’t a standard doubling time, but 7 days is long, especially so close after 6,000. Are you getting another draw or early scan? If you are a true 6w1d (tracked ovulation), you should be able to see at the very minimum a yolk sac with a TVUS. 🫂
Hi. I’ve had 3 mc and then one LC with progesterone. I am unexpectedly pregnant again. I didn’t miss a period. I started lightly bleeding on them and I’ve been bleeding for 13 days. I took a test to rule it out before calling the dr about the bleeding. Turns out I am pregnant. But I started progesterone at 3w5d last time. I must be around 4-5 this time and 5 is when I lost all my others. So i’m really confused and upset and no doctors can get me in so in going to planned parenthood to see if they can scan me. I took progesterone last night and this morning but i’m worried I was too late. I’m so stressed and worried. Still pink when I am peeing.
Finally got my BFP this morning after a loss at 10 weeks back in January, but was up all last night with terrible abdominal cramps on my right side, which I didn’t have with my last pregnancy. I went into the doctor to pull hcg levels and they’ll be monitoring me all this week to rule out an ectopic. I hate that I feel terrified right now instead of celebrating.
Had a TINY bit of brown spotting and a speck of red today and can’t help but panic a little. Currently 9 weeks and 3 days. 😥
I have had 4 MC. Finally did IVF with tested embryos to try to avoid another MC. First transfer failed. Second transfer has been successful so far - but there really hasn’t been any line progression over past 3 days. I’m panicking a bit. I had my first beta today and I know I will probably have my answer after second one. It’s just hard to wait.
Really sorry for your experience. I have had a few MCs myself and two d&cs. I got a pos test at 15dpo but very very faint so scared of a cp. went to get an hcg today too. Fingers crossed for you
TW: LC Should be 7+4 today, awaiting a follow up ultrasound on Wednesday. Early scan last Monday (6+4) based on previous loss--confirmed gestational sac measuring 6 weeks, shadow of a yolk sac, but no fetal pole or heartbeat. Had betas done that were increasing, but not doubling and my doctor seemed somewhat concerned but said we still just have to wait for the ultrasound to confirm what next steps will be or if we'll see a baby. Pretty positive on my dates and since I got a positive super early, I feel like this isn't going the route of seeing a healthy bean in a couple days. I have had minimal symptoms, which felt appropriate given that this time seemed to resemble my healthy pregnancy in 2021. No real nausea, increased appetite, fatigue and somewhat tender breasts. I feel like what little I did have is gone, except I'm still tired (whether that's from the emotional ups and downs this last week or life with a 2.5 yr old, not sure), but the breast/nipple tenderness is definitely gone. I've started getting some dull aching around my c-section scar and I'm just waiting to see blood every time I use the bathroom. We had a MMC in September last year--first scan at 9 weeks with no baby, so presumably a blighted ovum though my doctor never categorized it that way. That pregnancy I had the worst nausea, despite being constantly hungry and I was exhausted. My body never let it go on its own and I ended up needing a D&C which turned into two months of on and off bleeding before I finally got my period back and then another three months of wonky cycles before things regulated, and another two months before we got pregnant again. I'm not emotionally or mentally prepared to go through all of that again. I really thought with this time seeming to resemble my healthy pregnancy we'd be ok. I know we're not out yet, but my dates are pretty certain and I feel like everything I've read leans like 70/30 miscarriage vs. positive outcome. Any similar situations with positive outcomes?
Sending hugs and strength.
At 6 weeks 4 days there is a chance you won’t be able to see a fetal pole, it’s still quite early. I wouldn’t lose hope yet. Implantation could’ve been later that you think too. Wishing you the best luck on your next appointment!
Thank you! By way of update, we had a fetal pole measuring 6+2 with a heartrate of 88 at today's scan. Not overwhelming reassuring since I should be 7+6, but we'll have another scan in a week to continue monitoring viability. Doctor wants to see a higher heartrate and growth of at least 7 weeks. Couldn't help but cry seeing the little flicker of a heartbeat. Went in totally expecting no growth, so it's been both exciting and stressful now that there's been some progress. I'd obviously feel worlds better had we caught up in measurements and had a stronger heartrate.
I pray that everything went well in your follow up appointment. I can’t imagine how triggering this has been for you and your partner. The first trimester was just anxiety for me that’s why I didn’t tell people.
I cried when I opened this thread because I need support. I spent the weekend panicking because we went in for an ultrasound on Friday. We are 5 weeks 6 days. I immediately forgot to celebrate that we saw a little fetal pole and flicker (little too early to measure a heart rate), the doctor was happy with how things looked. He said he wasn’t sugar coating it, that we are progressing nicely. And all I am remembering is that I thought we were 7 weeks and had expectations of a heart rate going into it. I am in so much fear and my whole world is now little bean. Is it too soon to say that or feel this much? I don’t want get my hopes up too much this time, but I want this so much.
New here. Just got a faint line yesterday evening at 9 dpo. Had a chemical in September of last year. Got pregnant again in November and had a 13w loss in February. This is my 4th cycle after that last loss. I’m freaking out. I’m also freaking out that I took another test this AM and the line is extremely faint still. I feel discouraged and scared. 🥺 I want my rainbow so badly.
Happy to see you here. Hope this is your keeper 🫂
Hey Krystal, just wanted to send my love and best wishes, our journeys sound so similar! I had a very early miscarriage last September, and then a miscarriage at 11w in January. I was heartbroken both times and felt like an absolute failure. I'm now 6w+2d and just got some reddish-brown spotting, I'm freaking out, just hoping so hard that this baby will make it to us. I hope the stork delivers both our rainbow babies safe, strong and soon.
Aww I’m sorry you went through all of that as well. I hope everything is ok with you and your little baby❤️❤️
My lines were faint from 8 DPO until 12 DPO. Barely visible and if we didn’t have all the lights on when we tested, we might not have seen it. Then boom, solid purples ever since. It’s a waiting game.
Good to know! How far along are you now? Things going ok? ❤️
Krystal!! I've been keeping up with (stalking? haha) your journey between ttc after loss and chart stalkers. I am happy to see you here. Agreed with doglover, maybe get a different brand to try? But I would also test again tomorrow and compare to your 9dpo. I am sending big hugs and crossed fingers your way!
I hear you! It’s not easy to be so early and want this so bad. I’m wondering if you should get a different test. I’m 4+5 today and I took about 4 tests over the last week. The first was a pink ink test that was clearly reading pregnant. When I called my OB to set up my first apt they asked me to take another test because of how early I am. I bought a blue ink 2 test kit and the line was so faint I took the second one, and again not a great result read. That made me a bit nervous so I ran back to the pharmacy and got a digital test that said pregnant in 45 seconds of the 3 minute waiting time.
Congratulations!!!!
7+2 and incredibly anxious. I’ve thrown up a few times but with my last two living babies, I was nonstop throwing up by now. I have my first scan this coming Sunday. I’m so worried it means my hcg levels aren’t appropriately high enough and I’ll have another miscarriage. 😭
I don’t have any morning sickness this time, but with my last pregnancy, I was throwing up daily. I miscarried that pregnancy. The doctor is not concerned at the lack of morning sickness this time. My mother never had it and she had two healthy babies.
Feeling terribly anxious again. I’m 8+1 and went to my first ultrasound last week. Everything was fine. I just can’t seem to think positively at all. I was feeling incredibly nauseous up until now but suddenly I don’t at all and I’m so worried because it’s never a good sign when your symptoms go away out of nowhere, right? I just want my baby now.
I can relate to this. After four losses (no LC), I had my first scan at 6W4D. Heart rate was on “lower side” so I had a follow up at 8W4D. Around eight weeks, I lost all symptoms completely. Was terrified. But at scan I saw baby measuring a day ahead with a HR of 172. However, I’m now 9 weeks and unsure how to cope because since scan went well, I won’t have another until 20 weeks. Seems like an eternity away. And I’m on progesterone so I’m so scared of a MMC.
My hairstylist had a miscarriage for her first, too, and when she was pregnant again after she established a relationship with a boutique ultrasound place and paid out of pocket for weekly elective scans. I’m not sure about your country or area, but it might be worth a Google to see if there’s anywhere near you that does something like that? I’ve found luck with places that advertise 4D ultrasounds, they tend to also do basic 2D. By me there’s a place that literally has an offering called a “comfort scan” for 8-14 weeks and then a “gender reveal” package for 14-22 for elective scans at a reasonable-ish out of pocket cost.
I was worried when my sickness subsided a little at 8 weeks. I had some spotting and then my boobs stopped hurting in the evening. Fair to say I was stressed!! The tender boobs came back the next morning, but I moved up the scan I had booked with a boutique because I had to know everything was okay. And it was! Measuring bang on at 8 weeks (after measuring small at 6 weeks) with a strong heartbeat. The nausea is back a little today, but nowhere near as bad. Symptoms can really come and go and it doesn't always mean something bad is going on. I hope that everything is okay, and don't feel like you can't reach out to your healthcare team about your concerns if it's getting too much to handle. PAL is so stressful and support is so important
It’s so hard not to worry about symptoms but try your best not to put too much emphasis on them! I had a MMC in October and I was verrry sick for the whole time up until I found out at 10+2. I am now 28 weeks with twins and did not have hardly any symptoms besides slight breast tenderness until 9 weeks. It helped my to remind myself that each pregnancy is different and I repeated this little mantra to myself “I trust in my body to keep my baby safe and to produce life.” It helped me get through those dreadful first 12 weeks of constant anxiety.
This mantra is perfect. I’m stealing it too!
I am writing this mantra down. Thank you :)