Decidual bleeding or period?!?!

Question

Ok so the past few months have been screwy as far as my period is concerned. Back in September I had an ectopic pregnancy which took a while for my HCG levels to come back down. Right on cue, however, in October 13 I got my period. It was right back to normal, right down to the day. Ever since I started getting my period 11 years ago, I have had a very regular 28 day cycle, down to the hour it arrives. This past month, right around the time of ovulation, I had sex. Since roughly a week or so after, I have been experiencing an increase in exhaustion, migraines, dizziness and slight upset stomache. My period was a day late, which was abnormal, being its always been so precise. However it only lasted about 4 days. I always go a full 8. Since the bleeding has stopped, I have had increasing nausea. The bleeding appeared to be like a normal period, but not nearly as heavy as I've had in the past. Nor was there any real cramping like I usually get. It was very minute pain. I am debating whether to just chalk it up as an irregular period or decidual bleeding. I've read that decidual bleeding can cause a false-negative HPT, so I'm debating whether to take one or wait it out...anyone with a similar experience or any insight, please let me know!!!

aeu28 · Answer

I had not been charting my BBT's. these temperatures were done later in the day. But after I had been lying around sleeping on and off due to nausea. So they were after rest, but weren't charted after a full cycle. I have taken an HPT and it came back negative. Although I was not trying for a baby right now, I'm slightly disappointed. But I've spent the past few days reading through posts on here, and see women with the similar experiences that test negative until later on. So..I'm hopeful! The nausea has not subsided, and i thought maybe it was the flu, but it only comes in the afternoon which I'm sure the flu isn't as precise. I've also had a lovely outbreak of acne over my face and body. Thank you for your input!

Angebelle · Answer

A woman's cycle can vary from month to month, causing cramps one month, lighter bleeding the next.  I've definately noticed this over the years with my own cycles, which range from 28 to 36 days and experience medium flow to super light/spotting.  I don't read too much into this anymore.

The only way to really know is to do another HPT or doctor's blood test to confirm whether or not you are actually pregnant.  Your hCG levels should be high enough for it to register correctly on an HPT.

You mentioned your temperatures are around 97.5 or lower and right now they're above 98.  Are these BBTs?  If so, these higher temperatures could suggest a triphasic pattern, where the higher temps are associated with pregnancy.  Again, this can be determined through charting your BBTs over the course of the cycle.

Good luck!  Baby dust to you!