Brown discharge in early pregnancy

[cath]

I am wondering if anyone else has experienced a slight brown discharge early in their pregnancy. I am 10 weeks and 2 days and noticed when I went to the toilet early this morning that there was a small amount of brown discharge that looked like old, dried blood. I am somewhat paranoid because I had a miscarriage at 8 weeks in August last year but there was pink/red blood that time. I have spoken to someone at my Ob.'s office and she said that because the cervix is very sensitive it is possible it is an old bleed from slightly damaging the cervix in the last week or so from being contsipated (maybe?) or being too active (don't think so) or having intercourse (not an option - have been feeling too sick). I have only seen it once this morning and have not seen it the last few times I have been to the toilet but would like to know that it has happened to someone else and they have still been okay. Is there anyone out there who can reassure me?

Thanks,
Cath

[mamafelix]

Hi Cath

I haven't experienced that exactly, but when I was pregnant with Felix I did have a bit of bleeding at around 13 weeks that was apparently due to a over sensitive cervix- very scary but luckily nothing to worry about.

I think if someting was really wrong you would have more blood, and as you said, fresher stuff. From what I've read it's not uncommon to have a bit of bleeding in early pregnancy.

Make sure you're getting enough rest and don't overdo things- and TRY not to worry (though I totally understand, especially since you have already experienced the loss of another baby).

[cchinnery]

Hi
This happened to me too, I had two episodes of brown discharge at about 11 and 13 weeks, my obstetrician said he didn't know what caused it but both times listened to my baby's heartbeat for reassurance. I am now 33 weeks and have been fine ever since, no more bleeding, no issues at my 20 week scan. Hopefully it will be the same for you. I would suggest that if you get any more episodes you still ring your obstetrician each time just in case.

[meshan]

Hi,
Yes I had this too and around 12 weeks. I was also told it was to do with my cervix. I am now 30 weeks pregnant and haven't had any problems since.

Might be worth mentioning it to the Dr. when you have your first pap smear after the baby comes.

Good luck.

[xkwzit]

Hi
I also had a small amount of ? (doesn't seem right to call it "bleeding") with DD1, Just a smear, it was red/pinkish but not even half a teaspoon. I discussed with Ob and he wasn't too concerned, as it wasn't much and there was no pain. He suggested that it would be from the cervix (and as I would often have a similar staining after a pap smear - I wasn't too worried). There were no other episodes of bleeding and DD1 arrived at full term and healthy.

Hope this helps to put your mind at rest.

[cath]

Thankyou to everyone for thier reassurance - has made me feel much better (sometimes you just need to hear that it has happened to others and things still turn out okay). I haven't had any other bleeding since this morning and haven't had any pains or anything so hopefully it is just one of those one-off things. Felt nauseous this afternoon too which as much as I hate it I must say I was happy to feel it. Anyway fingers crossed and thanks to everyone who responded.

Cath

[emmalouise]

I'm at 8 weeks and have just experienced the same thing - I feel much better for reading your assurances!

e

[cath]

Hi Emma-Louise,
I'm glad you were able to see that apparently this appears to be fairly "normal". Just thought I'd let you know that I haven't had it happen again (at this stage) and am now 11 weeks and 3 days so hopefully all is well (I can't wait until my ultrasound in a week and a half to confirm this though - it is still a bit scary). Best of luck with your pregnancy and I hope it was just a one off thing for you too.

Cath

[shellbell]

hi cath,

as you can see from all of the replies, it is indeed common for a little spotting during early pregnancy, but that doesn't make it any less shocking when it happens to you. i remember my hubby and i rushing to the 24hr medical centre in tears (of course i discovered it at 11pm) when i was 8wks and the ***** receptionist ('scuse the language) telling me very coldly that if i wanting a pap smear that i'd have to wait till morning. thankfully the doc was much nicer, and all was fine.

so yes its common, but really scary. congrats on your pregnancy and best of luck with the rest of it. make sure you enjoy it :)

[pinkandblue]

Hi

Just to let you know, this happened to me in all 3 pregnancys so shouldnt be anything to worry about.

Natalie

[redbaby]

Hi Cath and EmmaLouise...

I also had the same thing,. a brown discharge - from about 4 weeks till about 12 weeks,. Scarlett is now 7.5months old!

[melsbub]

I have been experiencing the same thing too - only mine has been going for about 3 weeks now, and I'm 14 weeks pregnant! I was really worried about it at first, coz I was getting cramps like period pains at the same time. I talked to my dr and he explained that the cramps were due to growth spurts of my uterus and the discharge should be gone by the 4th month.

I'm feeling a bit better about it now after reading this thread!!

Emma Louise - if u don't mind me asking, where in the adelaide hills are you? I'm originally from Crafers :)

[p.a.m.]

Im sorry to be the first negative response, but as I have heard alot in the last few days, "these things happen"
I started getting dark brownish discharge from about 7 weeks. I lasted about 10 days. I panicked and went to the doctor who sent me for a scan, only to find a beautiful little hearbeat ticking away. She sent me back for another scan 5 days later and still going strong, baby had double in size etcc ...

The bleeding stopped for about a week, but then just last wednesday I had a spot about the size of a 10cent peice in my undies. My husband panicked, although I was calmer this time, we rang the doctor, who sent us for our 4th scan (only 9.5 weeks gone) .... and I got the bad news, my baby has gone.

So please check with your doctor and insist on a scan before you breath a sigh of relief

:(

[Lucybelle]

I hummed and haaed over weather I should have posted, but when I lost my bubba, the same happened to me.

[preggo]

Hello everyone,

i have been having the same problem for the last couple of days too. 1st day I could easily make out blood and then onwards it changed to brown discharge. Tht was the reason I was looking for threads linking my problem......
I am a little relieved reading all your replies. But have a question though...

How long did the discharge continue before it stopped?....for me its happening for 4-5 days now:-(

I called the doc, he said unless the bleeding turns red there is nothing to worry about.

-preggo

[Marilyn S]

HI Ladies,

I have to agree with some of the other ladies here, I am now 22 weeks pregnant with my 1st child, however this is my 3rd pregnancy.

Ladies, bleeding during pregnancy can be normal for some people and can also be as a result of something more.

All I can suggest that you speak to your doctor and get an early scan. My 1st pregnancy I started bleeding at 13 weeks and a scan showed the bed news, with the second pregnancy I had an early scan at 9weeks and again got some bad news.

I hate to put a downer on things, but I would strongly suggest that you ask for a scan just to put your mind at rest.

marilyn.

[cath]

Hi everyone,
Preggo - to answer your query my discharge was just the one off thing and I only saw it that one morning and not again since. I have had my first ultrasound this week and all is fine and I am now going to be 13 weeks tomorrow. I was a bit worried but just focused on the fact that I still had pregnancy symptoms - sore boobs and my belly is going hard and growing a little bit. I think if I had seen the discharge even twice in a day I would have been going for a scan (particularly in my case because I have had a previous miscarriage). If your Dr says not to worry then maybe don't but a scan is definitely reassuring. Good luck.

Cath

[lisa78]

HI Everyone,

Thanks for your commments on this. I'm 14 weeks today and have noticed the same thing on and off for the last 5-10 days but the last 2 days it seems to have disappeared, so fingers crossed it was just a passing thing. I'm still unsure whether I should go see my doctor incase something has happened and I just don't know about it. What do you think?

[cath]

Hi Lisa,
not that I would really know but I think if you are 14 weeks you should be pretty safe and if the bleeding isn't pink or red and is only on and off and has now stopped it sounds okay. Have you rung the Dr and asked - that's what I would do and see what they say. If they offer a scan and you haven't had one I would do it for the reassurance. I was still worried even though it only happened once to me and was so reassured when I had an ultrasound last week. Good luck and I hope there is no more bleeding for you.

Cath

[debbie.c]

Hi everyone! I had exactly the same thing happen with both my pregnancies around 8-10 weeks. It was only slight spotting and was a brown colour, and both times I panicked and rushed out to have a scan (once when I was at work!)Everything was fine both times and the only explanation I got from the doctor was that it was "old blood".Apparently it can occur around the time you would have had a period, or close to it.But after reading some of the stories from others, I guess it's safer having it checked out if it happens again.

[natalia]

Hi, i have a question and i hope i don't sound silly:) I dont have any children but my partner and i are now planning to. However, a few months ago before my periods were late, i began feeling tired, had a sensitive nose to smell and being repullsed by certain smells, i was urinating alot and thought i had a urine infection, etc. Well my periods were eight days late and i began to spot by my blood was light brown. I didnt do a pregnancy test as i thought i was just late. But i ended up getting my period but really heavy and bright red. I didnt contact my doctor as i was embaressed to explain this situation. I was talking to an older friend of mine and she said that i could have possibly had an early miscarriage. Can someone be able to explain my symptoms or help me understand if i may have had an early miscarriage without even knowing it?

I hope someone can help me.

Natalia :(

[emmalouise]

Melsbub - I'm in Hawthorndene. I hadn't checked this thread for a while, and just read your post..... How are you? I've reached 11 weeks and am feeling better, but anxious to see my obstetrician - my first appointment is still 3 weeks away!
e

[nervous nelly]

HI Guys .

I have the same thing i am now 10 wks and 3day along and last night i went to the toilet and found a brown discharge no very much at all though no pain but i am very paranoid and the same again this morning ?? :D I don't know where i should bother my OB with it ?

CHeers Kirsten :eek:

[cath]

Hi Kirsten,
if you're at all worried about it ring your Obstetrician just to hear what they have to say - they will probably reassure you that it is okay which is always nice to hear form people who deal with this stuff all the time. It is most likely irritation of the cervix which can apparently cause a small amount of bleeding and apparently brown blood is not as concerning as red/pink blood. Hope it goes away and everything is okay.I only had it that once at 10 weeks and have not seen it again since (now 17 weeks).

Cath

[honey18]

Im 11 weeks pregnant right now and experiencing the same brown discharge as the others described here. A lot of people said that its normal. I just wanted to ask some of you who experienced it if the brown discharge "smell". I dont know if its just because Im super sensitive to smell right now or if it really is a problem.

[Daisy]

Hi I am 5 weeks and have experienced this and been going mad with worry. i had a scan today and all appears to be well. It is reassuring to read about it happening to other people.

[madvoice]

Hi, i have a question and i hope i don't sound silly:) I dont have any children but my partner and i are now planning to. However, a few months ago before my periods were late, i began feeling tired, had a sensitive nose to smell and being repullsed by certain smells, i was urinating alot and thought i had a urine infection, etc. Well my periods were eight days late and i began to spot by my blood was light brown. I didnt do a pregnancy test as i thought i was just late. But i ended up getting my period but really heavy and bright red. I didnt contact my doctor as i was embaressed to explain this situation. I was talking to an older friend of mine and she said that i could have possibly had an early miscarriage. Can someone be able to explain my symptoms or help me understand if i may have had an early miscarriage without even knowing it?

I hope someone can help me.

Natalia :(

Natalia, It could have been a chemical pregnancy. This is where the egg is fertilised but does not implant into uterine tissue. You may have been like myself who ovulates late in the cycle. You would have pregnancy signs because the egg has fertilised but it would disappear once the egg has been flushed through the system. Because the uterus would have started growing more lining in anticipation of implantation you would expect your period to have been heavier.

[oormila_prahlad]

Hi Cath,
How are you doing now? Just wanted to tell you that i am experiencing the same symptoms- slight brown discharge on a regular basis. Am seven weeks now. Have had discharge from week 4. I really freaked out when i first saw it coz i had a miscarriage in November at 6 weeks and the first sign was a brown discharge. Then of course, there was active bleeding with fresh blood coming out. So when i saw the brown discharge this time, I rushed to hospital and took a scan. Heard my baby's heart beat and was reassured. My doctor has told me to expect discharge for the next three months. it is apparently quite common. I am on progestrone injections now and am feeling much better. You only have to worry if there is ACTIVE BRIGHT RED BLEEDING. With or without cramps. the scan is always conclusive. if the scan shows the baby alive and kicking,then one can overlook the brown discharge. it helps to get off your feet and do some positive visualisation and stay optimistic. Spoke to some friends and was amazed to find out that quite a few of them had the same symptoms. They all went on to have healthy babies! :-)

[cath]

Hi there,
I have my fingers crossed for you -I know all about freaking out at the sight of any sort of blood after a miscarriage - it is horrible. I was told to only really be concerned if there is red/pink blood and I think it is good that you are having progesterone injections (I had blood tests early on in this pregnancy to monitor everything in case I needed them too but didn't).
I am now 24 weeks pregnant and am amazed every week that I get through that it is all still going fine (I have not had any other bleeding apart from the one of epsiode at 10 weeks). Apparently the bleeding thing is quite common and lots of women definitely end up having healthy babies. Best of luck and I hope everything goes well for you.

Cath

[oormila_prahlad]

Hey Cath!
How nice to hear from you! Congrats on your recovery...
Am so glad to find someone who empathises with the fact that women who have had a miscarriage freak out if they see even a miniscule drop of blood the next time. My husband thinks I am paranoid but God! I can't help it. I keep checking my panty liner every half an hour to see if there is any streak. I was finding it very hard to relax. I realize that I can't go on for the next nine months like this. Guess it will take time...
Not been having any discharge for the past five days. The doc has told me to expect some old blood to come out and not to freak even if i see a big amount of brown blood as there had been an area of bleed inside the uterus the last time I took a scan. The good news is that the bleed area has now reduced to one fourth the original size. So, looks like it is resolving on its own and the doc is very happy with how i am coming along. Especially as my poor baby has grown well and is beating away furiously. :-D I feel so sorry for it! Hope he or she has a fighting chance...My next scan is on the 5th and i am hoping against hope that all will be well.
Thanks again for the good wishes. Will be in touch...
Cheers,
Oormi

[xLadyK]

I am 13 weeks pregnant.. in May I experienced heavy bleeding and blood clots
I went to a near by hospital and there they told me my pregnancy hormones were still high but it may be a threatened abortion. I came home and I still feel pregnant hadn't recieved a period.. but now I am experiencing brown discharge and have been for about 5 days. If anyone can help!!! please do...

thanks:(

[Tam-I-Am]

Call the maternity ward at your local hospital and explain the situation - they'll be able to advice you what to do next.

:hugs: hope everything turns out okay!

[bronny-jane]

hey xLADYK, i had a massive bleed at 11 1/2 weeks, bub is still in here, im 26 weeks.

i had some brown discharge everyfew weeks, it is scary but its amazing what they can survive, i have a subchorionic hematoma, but havent had any probs with it yet.

i hope it all goes ok for you

[mel4825]

Hi everyone. I would just like to thank everyone for sharing their stories, the good and the bad.. I too have been having this brown discharge for about a week, and I am only 6 weeks pregnant. I have to admit it is still bloody scary knowing that things could go horribly wrong... But it is nice to know that your not the only one experiencing these problems.
I had a scan last Friday and it was still in there. The only thing they could tell me was to keep an eye on it and i'll probably have to go for a fornightly scan just to make sure that everything is ok.

[humbleindulgence]

Hi everyone,
I'm new to this forum, only 3 weeks pregnant and about 2 days ago experienced a minor "gush" of discharge which had no colour, but today noticed two light brown spots on my panties. I'm also getting minor cramping and not sure if I should be worried and rushing to the doctors. Any advice?

[Mrs G]

Wow, this brown discharge thing is really common.
I am 11 1/2 wks and have just experienced the same thing, cramping and discharge.
I don't think that women really talk about the amount of discharge. Even the clear stuff in early pregnancy is a little freaky. That sense of moisture sends me running to the bathroom to check it out!
I reckon if in doubt, get to the doc.
I had an u/s today, and saw bubba with heartbeat. Ob said all fine. Still having a little discharge and can't help but hope that it is all normal and fine.
I am glad that i got it checked out. I have had 2 mc, so seeing the hearbeat and swimming babe is comforting.
Cheers
Mrs G:flowerz:

[Catica]

Hiya All,

1st of all think these posts are reassurring altough good & bad. Just wishing to share my experience(coz it's a little therapeautical if u know what I mean)
I was 9&1/2 weeks pg & I expr'cd bleeding last Thurs after a dance with my husb? We panicked as I soaked straight through my undergarments (but no pain), my husb took me straight to the closest hospt & I was in Emrgncy til the am, the nurse & docs asked me how much I bled, if I felt pain, nausea or fevery to which all I answered no except I had bled a lot, they then took blood test, blood pressure, urine sample, felt my abdomen & checked my cervix (similar to when u get pap smear), all this was done very quickly althought I was there for abut 4 hours they were consistently checking on me, they said they would ultrasound me but not until the following morning in the mean time they got my results back from my other tests & concluded, no Infection, high HCG, cervix closed & no signs of blood clots remained so far so good....the following morning I was back for my u/s continued light bleeding & baby hrtbeat & size all good & healthy, I'm now 10weeks it's been 4 days & i'm having light brown discharge,& discomfort, so far I still feel pg, but its out of my control, I just hope all is well now.....Sorry about the lengthy post won't happen again!:ecomcity:

[Bambi]

Hi Everyone,
I've read the whole tread, trying to find reassurance. I'm pregnant for the 3rd time in a year after 2 miscarriages. In both previous m/c I had brown spotting that end up becoming fresh blood. I'm 5 weeks and 5days and I've been having brown discharge again since beggining of week 5. I did a blood test and result were fine with HCG level right for 5-6 weeks. I went to see the gynecologist yesterday and she was saying big chance of miscarrying again specially if the bleeding keep going. I've read here that some women have been having this for a long while and still had a baby. I really hope it will be my case too. I'll have to go for a scan in a week if I still have this brown dischage. I'm so upset and worried and there's nothing I can do about it. It's hard. So thank you so much to the forum having all these real life experiences. I was wonmdering if Mel 4825 from aug 2007 is still around to tell us if she had her baby. My story is very similar. Thank you all for your honesty and help.

[PamelaW]

Hi Everyone,
I was 12 weeks pregnant yesterday, had been having mild cramps on and off for a couple of weeks. Saw my doctor last week and he reassured me all was ok as I had had no bleeding. In the last few days I have had intermittent brown discharge (very small amounts). I had been reading lots of internet posts on the subject and had reassured myself that all was probably ok as it seemed so common.

Had my 12 week scan today and the baby had stopped growing after 6 weeks. I am having a D&C tomorrow :(

I'm not posting this to frighten anyone - my message is this - it doesn't matter what has happened to anyone else - everyone is different. Don't be as 'sensible' and level-headed as I was. If you have any worries, go and see your GP.

I know my GP could not have done anything to prevent this happening. The only thing that might have helped is an earlier scan to diagnose this sooner. I know I'm probably just searching for answers that will never be found.

Anyway, I hope everyone else that may read this goes on to a full term pregnancy, and maybe I'll join you one day soon.

Pam

[Kirst32]

Pamela W, I'm so sorry for your loss. :hugs:
I started spotting and cramping at 12 weeks, I rang the Women's and Children's in Adelaide, and the midwife on call said not to worry as the blood was brown but to come in the next day for a scan to be on the safe side. Beano was fine, but the next day I started bleeding red, much heavier with clots - and with painful period-like cramps. I rang the hospital and went straight back in for another scan - fortunately Beano was still fine. I ended up spotting for 2 weeks, I was terrified the whole time. The bleeding stopped at 14 weeks just before my antenatal appointment the doc found a strong heartbeat (along with plenty of kicks) with the doppler. I'm now 20 weeks ad starting to feel little movements in there which is really reassuring.
I'd recommend to contact the hospital in any case of bleeding, even if everytings fine it's good to be reassured. It's so scary and happens to so many women!!
:hugs:to anyone going through this.

[Kadwil]

I am having the same thing, a brownish tinge to the mucus. I went to the doctors today and he is doing a blood test today and again on Thursday to see if my levels are still rising, but he said at this stage there's nothing to worry about. I hope he's right, but I have no other pregnancy symptoms, so I am scared out of my brain. I hope things will be OK.

[oceans]

Hi Everyone

My wife and I are expecting our first child. Her last period ended Jan 30 (2008) and she's been confirmed pregnant. Our biggest concern has been a small brown discharge each day for the last 4 weeks or so. We've seen the doctor and he says this could be signs of a miscarriage and wants to do an ultrasound in a couple weeks. You can imagine how my wife feels. Anyone have anything like this before?