Spotting at 17 Weeks????

S.,

Sorry so short, I'll try to go into more detail tomorrow at work...I wanted to let you know that I spotted while pregnant with both of my healthy sons. I ended up carrying both pretty much to term (1st on his due date and the 2nd 2 weeks early). I won't sit here and tell you "don't worry" as I know that's not possible. But stress isn't good for the baby, so just keep a close eye on it - if you hear a strong heartbeat that's a good sign. If you are still concerned/spotting I'd call your dr and ask for an ultrasound.

Also, take it easy. If you don't have any other kids take this weekend off and REST. Even if you do have other kids, have hubby take over this weekend and you take care of you and thebaby. Don't lift anything heavy and don't (unfortuantely) have sex.

T.

Let me start off by saying that there ARE women who bleed throughout their pregnancies and they carry full term healthy babies. The reason why I know this personally is because I miscarried around this time and I remember asking my aunt who has 10 healthy adult children if it ever happened to her and she said yes. They did not (mostly) result in miscarriage and there never was a known reason why the bleeding was caused.

I know it can be very nerve wrecking and either way no matter what, I just want to share a thought for whatever its worth. When a pregnancy is terminated for whatever reason, there was something wrong with the fetus. If there is just bleeding and you carry on normally then hopefully everything is fine with the baby and its development. But if things don't work out and the pregnancy does not succeed just know in your heart of hearts that it was not meant to be and that it was better for everyone. It is hard raising children who are healthy let alone children with more than the "norm" needs. So, that being said, hang in there, trust in nature (and G-d if you are religious) and know that it all is for the best. Good luck and keep that chin up! It'll be okay.

If you are still having concerns, call your doctor and request an ultrasound be down and ask for further reasoning as to why this could be happening and what you should be on the lookout for. If she cannot provide you with this, then it may be worthwhile to obtain a second opinion. Most importantly, try and not stress about it... stress is the worse thing you can do for your baby and yourself. :)

S. ~ I have had this with my second pregnancy at about 20 weeks. They did do an ultrasound and I had a little tearing of the placenta. They said if I had incrased bleeding to go to ER. It just went away and healed so all was well. They did say to take it easy for a week or so. Good luck and try not to worry!!