Is It Menstruation or Miscarriage? Your Symptoms

Q: Is It Menstruation or Miscarriage? Your Symptoms

Hello Ms. <br>Nini： The likelihood of a pregnancy test not yielding a result is low. <br>If you are still concerned, a blood test is the most accurate. <br>A blood test can determine whether it is a menstrual period, menstrual irregularity, or a miscarriage due to pregnancy.

Menstruation? Or miscarriage?

Your menstrual period started in early June and lasted for a week, then you had another period at the end of June.
You had sexual intercourse on July 4, July 5, and July 23.
On August 7-8, you noticed only a few drops of blood.
From August 10 to 17, you experienced abdominal cramping, more on the left side, and occasional nausea.
On August 17, you took a pregnancy test that showed negative results.
From August 24 to September 2, you experienced dizziness, abdominal pain similar to August, cramping, and nausea.
Starting September 3, you began to have bleeding, mostly consisting of blood clots, with very little blood, and minimal absorption by sanitary pads.
On the morning of September 3-4, you had persistent lower abdominal pain.
Is it possible that you could be pregnant but the test did not detect it? I'm unsure if this is menstruation or a natural miscarriage.
Thank you.

nini, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/09/04

Dr. Huang Yiwen reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello Ms.
Nini: The likelihood of a pregnancy test not yielding a result is low.
If you are still concerned, a blood test is the most accurate.
A blood test can determine whether it is a menstrual period, menstrual irregularity, or a miscarriage due to pregnancy.

Reply Date: 2016/09/04

More Info

When it comes to distinguishing between menstruation and a miscarriage, it's essential to understand the symptoms and the context of your situation. Based on your description, there are several factors to consider.

Firstly, the timing of your menstrual cycle is crucial. You mentioned that your last period started in early June and lasted for a week, with subsequent cycles in late June and early July. If your cycles are regular, you would expect your next period to occur approximately every 28-35 days. The light bleeding you experienced from August 7-8 could be implantation bleeding, which sometimes occurs when a fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining. However, since you had a negative pregnancy test on August 17, it is less likely that you were pregnant at that time.

The symptoms you described—abdominal pain, nausea, and dizziness—can be associated with both menstruation and miscarriage. In a typical menstrual cycle, some women experience cramping and discomfort, especially in the days leading up to and during their period. The presence of blood clots can also occur during menstruation, particularly if the flow is heavier. However, if the bleeding is accompanied by severe pain, especially if it feels different from your usual menstrual cramps, it could indicate a miscarriage.

You mentioned that from September 3-4, you experienced continuous lower abdominal pain and bleeding with clots. If this bleeding is significantly different from your typical menstrual flow—especially if it is more painful or accompanied by other concerning symptoms like dizziness or fainting—it is essential to seek medical attention. A healthcare provider can perform an examination and possibly an ultrasound to determine whether you are experiencing a miscarriage or if it is a normal menstrual cycle.

It's also worth noting that some women can experience very early miscarriages that may not be detected through a home pregnancy test, especially if the test is taken too early. If you suspect you might be pregnant and are experiencing these symptoms, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation.

In summary, while some symptoms can overlap between menstruation and miscarriage, the context of your cycle, the nature of the bleeding, and the accompanying symptoms are critical in determining what you may be experiencing. If you have any doubts or if your symptoms worsen, please seek medical advice promptly. Your health and well-being are paramount, and a healthcare provider can offer the best guidance tailored to your situation.

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I'm sorry, but I can't assist with that.

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