Brown Discharge and Red Blood: Signs of Pregnancy?

Menstruation has not occurred, but there is brown discharge followed by red blood?

Hello doctor, I would like to ask about my menstrual cycle.
My last period was from August 17 to August 24.
I haven't gotten my period yet, but on September 27, I visited a doctor for a pregnancy test, which came back negative.
However, the doctor had to leave for a delivery, so I only had the pregnancy test done.
Later that day, I went to another clinic where they performed an ultrasound but didn't see anything significant.
They prescribed me progesterone to take twice.
That afternoon, I experienced a small amount of brown discharge that lasted intermittently for four days.
On the fifth day, I suddenly noticed fresh blood when I went to the bathroom, and I also had some cramping and discomfort in my abdomen for a while.
My breasts felt swollen for some time as well.
I'm wondering if this means I could be pregnant or not.
In my first pregnancy, I also had brown discharge for almost a week before testing positive the following month.
In my second pregnancy, I had early brown spotting that ended naturally.
So, I would like to know if my current situation could indicate a possible pregnancy, or if it might just be a personal condition that isn't detectable yet.
I have had sexual intercourse, but I believe there was no ejaculation inside, and I didn't use a condom.

YaYa, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/10/01

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

The last menstrual period was from August 17 to August 24.
Currently, the period has not arrived, but on September 27, I saw a doctor for a pregnancy test which was negative.
However, the doctor had to attend a delivery and stopped the consultation, so I only underwent the pregnancy test.
Later that day, I went to another clinic where they performed an ultrasound but did not see anything significant.
They prescribed me progesterone to take twice.
That afternoon, I experienced a small amount of brown discharge intermittently for four days.
On the fifth day, I suddenly noticed fresh blood when using the restroom, accompanied by abdominal cramping and breast tenderness for a period of time.
I am wondering if this indicates pregnancy or not.
In my first pregnancy, I also had brown discharge for nearly a week before testing positive, and in my second pregnancy, I experienced early brown spotting that ended naturally.
Therefore, I would like to ask if my current situation could indicate pregnancy, or if it is just a personal condition that cannot be detected yet.
I had sexual intercourse, but there was no ejaculation inside, and I did not use a condom.

Answer: On September 27, I saw a doctor for a pregnancy test which was negative.
After taking progesterone, I had a small amount of brown discharge for four days, followed by fresh blood on the fifth day.
Based on this information, it is unlikely that I am pregnant.

Reply Date: 2017/10/01

More Info

Based on your description, it seems you are experiencing some concerning symptoms that could be related to early pregnancy or other reproductive health issues. Let's break down your situation and clarify the potential implications.

1. Brown Discharge: The presence of brown discharge, especially in early pregnancy, can often be attributed to implantation bleeding. This occurs when a fertilized egg attaches itself to the lining of the uterus, which can cause light spotting. However, brown discharge can also indicate old blood, which may not be a cause for concern if it is minimal and not accompanied by other symptoms. In your case, since you mentioned that the brown discharge lasted for four days, it could be related to implantation, but it is essential to monitor the situation closely.

2. Red Blood: The sudden appearance of fresh red blood, especially if it is accompanied by abdominal pain, is more concerning. This could indicate a variety of issues, including a potential miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, or other complications. Given your history of previous pregnancies and the symptoms you are experiencing, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly. Fresh red blood, particularly if it is heavier than spotting, warrants an evaluation by a healthcare professional.

3. Pregnancy Testing: You mentioned that you had a pregnancy test that came back negative, and an ultrasound that did not show anything significant. It's important to note that pregnancy tests can sometimes yield false negatives, especially if taken too early. If your menstrual cycle is irregular or if you ovulated later than expected, it could lead to a negative result despite being pregnant. Additionally, an ultrasound may not detect a pregnancy until a certain point, typically around 5-6 weeks gestation, depending on the sensitivity of the ultrasound equipment and the technician's skill.

4. Symptoms of Early Pregnancy: The symptoms you described, such as breast tenderness and abdominal discomfort, can be indicative of early pregnancy. However, they can also be associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or other hormonal changes. The key is to monitor these symptoms and any changes in your discharge or bleeding patterns.

5. Next Steps: Given your symptoms and the uncertainty surrounding your pregnancy status, I strongly recommend that you seek medical attention as soon as possible. A healthcare provider can perform a more sensitive pregnancy test, conduct a thorough examination, and possibly repeat the ultrasound to check for any signs of pregnancy or other issues. If you are indeed pregnant, they can provide guidance on what to expect and how to manage any potential complications.

In summary, while brown discharge can sometimes be normal, the presence of fresh red blood, especially with abdominal pain, is a sign that you should seek immediate medical care. Your health and the health of a potential pregnancy are paramount, and timely intervention can make a significant difference. Please do not hesitate to reach out to a healthcare provider for further evaluation and support.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Brown Discharge: Is It a Sign of Pregnancy or Something Else?

After having intercourse, I took a morning urine pregnancy test on days 14 and 17, both of which were negative. A few days later, I noticed dark brown discharge, which then turned into bright red blood the following day (this occurred a week earlier than my usual menstrual cycle,...

Dr. Lin Manying reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello Ms. Jenny: Regarding your mention of a negative pregnancy test 12-14 days after your last sexual intercourse, this rules out pregnancy. The bleeding you described seems more like a menstrual irregularity. Please visit a gynecologist for an examination. The Hualien Hospital ...

Could Brown and Red Discharge Indicate Pregnancy? Expert Insights

I am the girl who asked the question yesterday. I want to know that she is not only experiencing brown discharge now, but has also started to bleed, and the blood is bright red. The amount is similar to what one would have around the third day of menstruation. Is it still possibl...

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
I am the girl who asked the question yesterday. I want to know that she is not only experiencing brown discharge now, but also has fresh red bleeding, about the amount typically seen on the third day of menstruation. Is it still possible that she is pregnant? Answer: Take a pregn...

Understanding Brown Discharge: Signs of Pregnancy or Something Else?

Doctor, I have a question. Sometimes my girlfriend and I engage in sexual activity, and we use condoms. Last month, her menstrual period was unusual; it was brown discharge and very light, less than what she normally has in a day. At first, we didn't think much of it, but th...

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, it is possible that you are pregnant. It is recommended to continue monitoring with your obstetrician-gynecologist. Wishing you good health.

Brown Discharge: Pregnancy or Infection? What You Need to Know

Hello, 1. If there are very small amounts of brown discharge for three consecutive days, without itching or odor, it could be related to either early pregnancy or a possible inflammation. It is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation. 2. In the ca...

Dr. Yang Wangjun reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello: (1) Brown vaginal discharge usually indicates slight bleeding. This could be caused by a miscarriage due to pregnancy, bleeding resulting from endometrial dysfunction, endometrial hyperplasia, or bleeding from endometrial polyps or cervical polyps. (2) Regardless of whethe...