Due Date? Sorry This Is Long!

Updated on October 03, 2010
L.M. asks from Bellevue, WA
16 answers

Hello ladies, I need your opinion. My husband and I have been TTC for just about two months, when I had my IUD taken out. I had a period that started 8-22 and my cycles have always been 28-29 days. At the beginning to middle of this month I was feeling very off and like I was pregnant (I have a three year old), and around the 17th I took a pregnancy test which came back positive. That same night/afternoon, I started having bleeding spotting which I thought was weird because it was more like bleeding than spotting. I thought well maybe I’m miscarrying or having an early period while pregnant. The next day the bleeding progressed and was even a bit heavier and not a typical start of a period for me (IE: amount color, clots etc.) so I got concerned and took another pregnancy test which came back negative. This “period” lasted about a week which is way long for me. I thought I’ll wait another day or two and take another, which I did and it also came back negative. I did a little research and it appeared that maybe I had chemical pregnancy. Well, the last several days I have still been feeling off so this morning I took another test (digital) and it came back positive, I took another and it also came back positive. So I’m assuming I’m pregnant but I’m really confused about what the due date would be. I called the doctor to make an appt and they won’t see me until 8 weeks, the lady answering the phone wasn’t all that helpful as I tried to explain that I wasn’t sure if I should use the 8-22 period or the 9-17 “period” to calculate the due date. What do you ladies think? Should I call back and ask for an earlier appt to confirm the due date? I’m also concerned about the fact that maybe I’m not really pregnant since I got a positive test several weeks ago, then a negative and now a positive again. Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks Ladies! 

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

So What Happened?

Thank you ladies for your responses! I called yesterday and talked to a nurse who ordered a blood hcg test, which I went and took yesterday. They called today and confirmed that I am indeed pregnant and my hcg levels look good. Thanks again ladies!

Featured Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.X.

answers from Denver on

Well I would use the 8/22 date since if what you had on 9/17 was an actual period you wouldn't even be showing postiive on a pregnancy test yet since that was only 2 weeks ago.

2 moms found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.M.

answers from Seattle on

I would go to another doctor. A doctor should be willing to give you a blood pregnancy test in this case, which should be a better indicator of how long this pregnancy has been progressing and/or if you're still pregnant.

Good Luck!

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.O.

answers from Portland on

I saw someone else post that you should go to the emergency room if you start bleeding again... I wouldn't advise that. If you are having a miscarriage there isn't anything anyone can do for you besides provide moral support.

If you are unsure about whether or not you are pregnant, give it another week and take another test. To me it sounds like you were probably pregnant and miscarried between that 8/22 and 9/17 date. And hopefully you are pregnant again now! :)

Most doctors don't want to see you until at least 8 weeks because miscarriages are really very common. They aren't trying to be rude or difficult. But there is no point in a visit until the pregnancy has lasted long enough (8-10 weeks) to most likely be viable.

Try not to sweat the whole due date thing... as you get farther along it is easier for them to predict your date.

3 moms found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.C.

answers from Chicago on

I don't understand the + then - then + tests. Could you have miscarried right away, then turned around & gotten pregnant again? OR, maybe the bleeding was implantation bleeding (though it sounds kind of heavy for that). If you really want to get into the dr. sooner...and this may be "wrong" to do...but call & say you've been having cramps & you are worried about an etopic pregnancy. I had very mild cramping w/ my 1st child.,.but freaked out anyway & called the dr. They got me in almost immediately & gave me an ultrasound at 5 wks. Try this if it will ease your mind...it may be "wrong" to "lie" but added stress isn't good for the baby either. Good luck!

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.C.

answers from Lincoln on

Were both the pregnancy tests you took this time digital? Digital tests are notorious for false positives (I've lived through it myself). So try a non digital one.
If what you had was an early miscarriage (which it sounds like it was) your body may still have HCG from that miscarriage for a few weeks afterward. However, since you did get a negative test after the miscarriage, then a positive one later you very well may be pregnant. Your body is "ripe" for pregnancy following a miscarriage, so its easy to get pregnant.

Call your doctor back (or pick another one with better customer service) and ask to be seen for a pregnancy confirmation.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.S.

answers from Seattle on

Since you're anxious and you don't really know - just go with the 8-22 date and that way you'll get in to see your doctor sooner. By the way, you never get false positives from pregnancy tests, but you can have false negatives, so I understand from doctors, etc.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.N.

answers from Seattle on

I would call them back and tell them you're worried it could be ectopic.
They will have your blood drawn to see if your pregnant and what your levels are. They will monitor you a little more closely at first until you know everthing is alright.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

W.C.

answers from Seattle on

Relax and wait. At this point the due date is not that important. Just enjoy dreaming about the new baby. Congratulations.

V.B.

answers from Philadelphia on

I'm no expert on this, but that must be frustrating! If your OB won't see you for 8 weeks with kind of an emergency situation like this (long amounts of heavy bleeding, etc.) I think if possible, it's time to find a new OB! It's definitely a good idea to skip the home pregnancy tests. They are accurate, but it can't be as accurate as say a blood test. If you have anymore breakthrough bleeding, I would go to the emergency room and tell them your situation. They can't deny you care and they could order the test you've been waiting to get. It's probably too early anyway to get an ultrasound. And apparently chemical pregnancies are common - it could be that it occurred but that doesn't explain the +-+- tests. However, once you are "pregnant" your hormone levels rise - and if you had a chemical pregnancy the hormones could still be elevated, giving you false positives. Good luck and stay healthy!

L.P.

answers from Pittsburgh on

I would ask to be seen now. They can't really deny you if you are asking to be seen. Personally, with the way things happened for you, I'd want to know exactly what the deal is.

Edited...
I agree with Tracy, and was actually going to suggest that also. Just emphasizing some other problem you may legitimately be having, and not make it so much like you just want to see if you're pregnant... if it's more of a medical "problem" vs. a mere pregnancy (sarcasm, of course), then they'll be more likely to get you in now with no problem...

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.H.

answers from Honolulu on

Just make an earlier appointment....
I don't know why they can't see you for EIGHT weeks!
And if pregnant, you should be taking prenatal vitamins... even when trying to conceive....

Or, can you go to a health clinic or something.... since your Doctor won't take you for 8 weeks... and get a pregnancy test there???

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.L.

answers from Portland on

I would call your doctor's office back. You're getting positive pregnancy tests, but having very concerning bleeding. I would hope that you were getting better care and "customer service" in this kind of confusing and upsetting situation!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.Z.

answers from Eugene on

Everything I have heard is that you can have a "period" throughout your entire pregnancy...so, if you got 3 positives and only 1 negative, I would definately use the earlier date because the negative could have been because your urine was to diluted (which causes the most false neg) Your dr can give you a better idea on an actual due date, and reassure you (which is what they are supposed to be there for) :) Good luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

H.C.

answers from Salt Lake City on

I seriously think you should try to get an earlier appoinment explain to the nurse or whoever what is it going. I also agree that if you keep bleeding go to the ER you don't know what's going on with your body it might also be a side effect from removing the Birth Control i heard some effects would be similar to pregnancy...If you are pregnant which CONGRATS on that and you need a due date and since who knows when you're last period was, request an ultrasound to measure how far a long you are because they did that to me...I hope everything turns out for the best. God bless.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.M.

answers from Medford on

I would use the 8/22 date so you can get in quicker. When they do your first ultrasound they can always adjust the due date if needed. If you don't want more confirmation before then you can always go into Planned Parenthood and have them test you. Good luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.C.

answers from Anchorage on

I do not think they will be able to give you an accurate guess until your ultra sound. At my 8 week appointment they did an internal ultra sound (with the vaginal wand) and based my due date not only on my period, but on the level of growth. This sound be able to tell you much more than a guess, since periods and ovulation are often off for a while after getting off BC. There is not much they could do at an earlier appointment, so I would just wait it out (unless you start having more bleeding of course).

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions