Can someone please help?

[sallytlc]

The last day of my lmp was 09th April 2008.  I went for a scan on May 20th 2008 and have been told that there was nothing there.  I had an abdominal scan and my bladder was not full.  Is it possible that it is just to early to tell.  The nurse has referred me to the EPU to have a second scan this Tuesday.  I have now pain or bleeding but I am really worried.  Any advice would be welcome at the moment. Thanks

[KStarr07]

I actually have not heard of an abdominal scan being performed so early on, so yes that is very possible. They usually opt for a transvaginal ultrasound to detect a fetus at such an early gestation. It's still possible that you are pregnant, but it's just as possible that you missed a period or it is just late. Have you gotten any positive home pregnancy tests or blood tests?

[sallytlc]

Hi Yes I have been testing as pregnant since 12th May which was the day my period was due.  About three days earlier I had slight spotting which lasted for four hours.  My midwife said this could be implantation bleeding.

[KStarr07]

I don't think that implantation bleeding occurs after your missed period, I could definitely be wrong though, but in my own experience and from what I figure.. However, spotting does happen early on in pregnancy.. If it was a small amount and was pinkish and not red, then I'd say it is fine.. Sometimes slightly heavier spotting happens and everything turns out to still beokay. But either way, it's possible that the abdominal scan just couldn't pick it up and they should do an internal U/S.

[sallytlc]

Thank you for your reply.  What had happened was I'm 37 and my partner is 42 we have a 10 year old son.  We had no intention of ever having anymore children.  When I found out on the 12th May the day my period was due we were devastated because he nearly lost me last year to a tumour in the brain and we were both worried sick about the health implications for me.  We decided to see the BPAS about the possibility of a termination, which is where the scan was performed on the 20th May.  However that night after much discussion we decided to give this baby our best shot and just hope and pray that nothing happens.  I received a letter from the BPAS yesterday advising me to go the the EPU because they could not detect anything on the scan.  My pregnancy tests are really dark.  I have no abdominal pain so that was my concern when she mentioned ectopic.  Do you think I should ask for an internal scan?
PS Thanks for your help.

[sallytlc]

PS The spotting happened about four days before my period was due.

[KStarr07]

Definitely ask for the internal scan. It's much more accurate when the fetus is so small. But you would want to get this done hopefully soon just in case of that small chance at an eptopic pregnancy, which is potentially life-threatening. I am sorry to hear about the brain tumor, but am curious as to how a pregnancy could effect that, or are there other health issues? I understand your initial concerns, but I must say that I am glad you decided to give this child a chance at life.

[KStarr07]

**Oh if it happened four days BEFORE your period I would almost definitely say then, that it was implantation bleeding. That's around the time that mine happened. So that is really no cause for concern in itself. ESPECIALLY if it had stopped.

[sallytlc]

Thank you I will ask for an internal scan.  The tumour is a meningioma which is OK in size at the moment I opted not to have resection because of the risks. However, it does cause seizures from time to time but I dont and wont take meds for this.  I also suffer with quite serious headaches.  One of the biggest risks when pregnant is the effect the pregnancy hormone can have on the growth rate of the tumour, so this is obviously a concern.  Whilst pregnant I am also unable to have my MRI with contrast scans to check the growth rate so it is a bit of a worry bu I suppose you just have to hope for the best.  Thank you so much for your help.

[KStarr07]

Oh okay, that makes much more sense. I am sorry you have to go through this, it is very unfortunate. :(  All I can say is to make sure your husband and/or son or someone else close is able to sort of monitor your condition and keep an eye on you. I really hope the best for you and that things go as smoothly as possible. All the best luck in the world.
If you would like to, keep us updated here on the forum if you do receive the scan and on what happens and we can help with any concerns you may have, to the best of our ability.
Good luck.

[sallytlc]

Hi,
Just got back from scan.  Apparrently I am between 5 - 6 weeks saww a 9mm gestational sac and 2mm yolk sac.  We are over the moon and it was in my uterus not ectopic.  Just thought I'd let you know and thanks again for your understanding over the weekend.