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Maternal (Expert Forum)
Could an unusual period indicate pregnancy?
Patient medical question and answer from The Maternal and Child Health Forum. Health topic area and articles about newborn care
Could an unusual period indicate pregnancy?
by Linda__0, May 06, 1999 12:00AM
Posted by Linda on May 06, 1999 at 11:54:45
I have been off the pill for 6 months now and trying to conceive. My mestrual cycle always ran 32 - 35 days, both before taking the pill and since I discontinued taking it. My last period was normal in every respect. Trying unsuccessfully to conceive for 6 months, we began to get a little concerned and I decided to test for an LH surge to verify that I was actually ovulating. On April 25, I did the test because I suspected I was ovulating and it was a DEFINITE positive. We had intercourse that day and again the next. On April 30 I began to notice a brownish discharge, and by May 1 it was pinkish as well. This continued for five days, very lightly, not even enough to make more than one tampon a day necessary. It didn't happen at night, and was usually only noticeable following urination. I am confused for several reasons: I didn't expect to ovulate until approx. 14 days prior to starting my period; April 25th was 21 - 22 days earlier (I expected my period around May 17 - 19). And if it was my period, why so early and so unusually light? I have never experienced anything like it before, and am 29 years old. Now I am experiencing mild lower back pain, almost like pressure. Could I be pregnant, or is it a sign of something wrong, like cervical cancer? When should I test for pregnancy and expect an accurate result?
Thank you!
Linda
Posted by smsk.rn.hfhs on May 12, 1999 at 15:12:55
One piece of information missing from this case history is how long you were on the pill? Patients who take the pill for extended periods of time may have a long wait to return to "normal" menses and cycles. On the other hand, slight changes in menstrual cycles may indicate pregnancy as some women have spotting or slight discharge for the first few months of pregnancy until the hormone levels are high enough to suppress menstruation. As long as you are having unprotected intercourse you have the possibility of a pregnancy. i would repeat the HPT using your first morning specimen. I would continue to track your cycles and even as much as indicate whether bleeding is "light", "moderate", or "heavy". After 3 more months if your still concerned take your graphing in with you to an appointment with your health care provider.
