posted 18th Feb
Did they tell you to follow up with your ob? I had spotting my entire first trimester... But any bleeding/spotting is called a threatened miscarriage... I know I really hate that term too... Good luck though, op.
quoteposted 18th Feb
1. A loss after 20 weeks is considered a stillbirth. Bleeding during the 1st trimester and rarely in the early 2nd trimester is considered a threatened miscarriage. A miscarriage is normally when there is something genetically wrong with the baby or some other major issue that makes the baby not viable. (A problem that isn't fixable)
At 20 weeks, it should be treated completely differently, because about 95% of those types of genetic issues aren't a problem anymore. Most of the issues are fixable or at least treatable. The placenta has been functioning for a while,etc. A 20 week fetus is just different developmentally than a 1st tri baby. They're like skinny mini-babies vs weird alien shaped things that don't have all of their organs yet.
That also reduced the causes of bleeding. Bleeding in the middle of the 2nd tri tends to be issues like a sensitive cervix (have you had sex recently?). An exam can also irritate bleeding more. An U/S should definitely be done at this point to rule out issues like placenta previa. Pre-term labor or cervix changes can cause bleeding. I had bleeding when I was 2 to 3 cm's dilated at 22 weeks. I was kept in the hospital until i delivered.
I would call your ob's after hours number and talk to them directly. They're the ones who should be taking care of you at this point anyway. The ER can only do so much. I'm very surprised they didn't send you to the maternity floor instead. Here and at most hospitals, after 20 weeks, they send you directly to L&D
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