Am I Pregnant? Early Pregnancy Signs and Concerns

Could you please clarify if this situation could lead to pregnancy?

Hello! My last menstrual period started on April 18.
I confirmed my pregnancy with a test on May 9, and then experienced significant bleeding from May 14 to 16, which completely stopped by the 18th.
The bleeding occurred after I got very angry and hit my son, and I noticed the bleeding was quite severe.
I am unsure if this was due to a disturbance in the pregnancy.
Later, I went to the hospital where I was prescribed medications and given injections to support the pregnancy, which gradually stopped the bleeding.
The doctor performed a blood test and a transvaginal ultrasound.
The blood test confirmed the pregnancy, but the hormone levels were low, and the ultrasound did not show anything, leading the doctor to inform me that I had a miscarriage.

Now, my concern is that on May 24, I visited a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner who said that I was still pregnant.
Two days later, I took another home pregnancy test and also saw two lines.
I would like to ask the doctor if I have indeed had a miscarriage in my situation.
Why was the embryo not visible on the transvaginal ultrasound? If I am still pregnant, how many weeks along should I be? Thank you!

Jennifer, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2006/05/26

Dr. Xu Junzheng reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Pregnancy tests confirm that you are pregnant, but the hormone levels are low, and there is bleeding with no significant findings on the ultrasound.
This generally indicates a possible miscarriage.
If you are concerned, you can have another blood test; if the hormone levels decrease, it would confirm a miscarriage.
Thank you!

Reply Date: 2006/05/26

More Info

Based on your description, it seems you are experiencing a complex situation regarding your early pregnancy. Let's break down your concerns and provide some clarity on each aspect.

1. Understanding Early Pregnancy Signs: The first sign of pregnancy is often a missed period, which you confirmed by taking a pregnancy test on May 9. The presence of two lines on the test indicates that you are indeed pregnant. However, the bleeding you experienced from May 14 to 16 raises some concerns. Early pregnancy bleeding can occur for various reasons, including implantation bleeding, hormonal changes, or even more serious issues like a threatened miscarriage.

2. Bleeding and Its Implications: The significant bleeding you experienced after an emotional incident (in this case, an altercation with your son) could be a sign of a threatened miscarriage, especially since you mentioned that you were prescribed medication and received injections to stabilize the pregnancy. While emotional stress can impact pregnancy, it is essential to understand that physical trauma or stress does not always lead to complications. The fact that your bleeding subsided after medical intervention is a positive sign, but it does not completely rule out the possibility of a miscarriage.

3. Ultrasound and hCG Levels: The ultrasound not showing any signs of an embryo, combined with low hCG levels, suggests that there might have been a miscarriage. In early pregnancy, especially before the sixth week, it can be challenging to visualize the embryo on an ultrasound. If the hCG levels are not rising appropriately (typically, they should double every 48 hours in early pregnancy), it can indicate a non-viable pregnancy. However, the fact that you later tested positive for pregnancy at home raises questions about the accuracy of the initial assessments.

4. Current Pregnancy Status: Given that you received conflicting information from your healthcare providers and the positive home pregnancy test, it is crucial to follow up with your healthcare provider. They may recommend repeat blood tests to monitor your hCG levels and possibly another ultrasound to assess the situation more accurately. If the hCG levels are rising, it could indicate a viable pregnancy, while declining levels would suggest a miscarriage.

5. How Far Along Am I?: If you are indeed still pregnant, your estimated gestational age would be calculated from the first day of your last menstrual period (April 18). This would place you at approximately 6 weeks pregnant as of now. However, the exact dating can only be confirmed through ultrasound measurements.

6. Next Steps: It is essential to maintain open communication with your healthcare provider. If you experience any further bleeding, cramping, or other concerning symptoms, seek immediate medical attention. Additionally, consider scheduling a follow-up appointment to discuss your situation in detail, including the results of any tests and the best course of action moving forward.

In summary, while you have experienced signs of pregnancy, the bleeding and ultrasound findings complicate the situation. It is vital to monitor your hCG levels and follow up with your healthcare provider to determine the status of your pregnancy accurately. Remember, early pregnancy can be unpredictable, and seeking medical advice is the best way to ensure your health and the health of your potential baby.

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