Is It Menstruation or Pregnancy? Post-Miscarriage Symptoms

Is it menstruation or pregnancy?

Hello, I had a natural miscarriage about a month ago (around 6 weeks gestation), and I had intercourse at the end of the month.
It has been about 8-9 days since then.
For the past few days, I have been experiencing lower abdominal pain, but no other symptoms.
Yesterday, I felt a bit nauseous, and in the afternoon, I had a small amount of brown discharge that stopped.
When I woke up this morning (about 4-5 hours later), I noticed blood in the toilet.
Over the past few hours, the blood on my pad has been small brown spots, and the amount is very minimal.
Since my period and the time for a pregnancy test are about the same, I would like to ask the doctor if this is my menstrual period, pre-pregnancy bleeding, or if I have miscarried again? I have taken pregnancy tests in the past two days, and they have all been negative, but I am unsure if it is too early to test since it has only been 8-9 days.
However, the amount of blood does not seem like my usual menstrual flow, which is typically brighter in color.
This time, it has been accompanied by menstrual cramps.
Could this be due to the miscarriage affecting my menstrual cycle?

KIKI LAM, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/12/07

Dr. Lin Wenbin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

1.
After a miscarriage, the first menstrual period may be delayed and can be irregular.
You should consult a physician for an examination.
2.
A urine pregnancy test can only provide preliminary information.
A definitive diagnosis requires additional ultrasound examination and blood HCG testing.

Reply Date: 2015/12/07

More Info

It sounds like you're going through a challenging time, especially after experiencing a miscarriage. Understanding whether your symptoms are related to menstruation or a new pregnancy can be quite complex, particularly after a recent miscarriage.
After a miscarriage, it is common for the menstrual cycle to take some time to regulate. The body needs to adjust hormonally, and this can lead to irregularities in your subsequent menstrual cycles. The symptoms you are experiencing, such as lower abdominal pain and changes in bleeding patterns, can be attributed to several factors, including hormonal fluctuations, the healing process after the miscarriage, or even the onset of a new menstrual cycle.

The fact that you experienced some light brown discharge followed by a heavier bleeding episode could indicate that your body is still adjusting post-miscarriage. Brown discharge often signifies older blood that is taking longer to exit the body, which can be normal in the days leading up to a period. However, the presence of fresh blood, especially if it is accompanied by cramping, can also suggest the onset of your menstrual cycle.

Regarding the possibility of pregnancy, it is important to note that if you had unprotected intercourse shortly after your miscarriage, there is a chance of conception. However, since you mentioned that you have taken pregnancy tests that returned negative results, it is possible that it is too early to detect pregnancy, especially if you are only 8-9 days post-ovulation. Pregnancy tests measure the hormone hCG, which may not be detectable until a few days after a missed period.
Given your symptoms and the recent history of miscarriage, it is crucial to monitor your condition closely. If the bleeding becomes heavier, or if you experience severe pain, it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly. Additionally, if you continue to have negative pregnancy tests but your symptoms persist, a follow-up with your healthcare provider is essential. They may recommend a blood test to measure hCG levels, which can provide more definitive information regarding your pregnancy status.

In summary, your symptoms could be related to either the normalization of your menstrual cycle post-miscarriage or a potential new pregnancy. The best course of action is to keep track of your symptoms, take note of any changes, and consult with your healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance. They can provide you with the necessary support and care during this time, ensuring that you receive the appropriate follow-up and treatment as needed. Remember, it is always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your health.

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