7-8 weeks pregnant and spotting

[notsocreepylurker]

Apologies for crashing your board.  My best friend is around 7-8 weeks pregnant and noticed some bloody discharge yesterday or Thursday.  She called her OB's office and the nurse said if it was dark red she was OK but if it was bright red to head to the ER.  It was dark red so she was OK.  It only happened once.

Today we went to a fundraiser BBQ at a friend's Ace Hardware and then she went to work for a bit. While at work she noticed bright red blood when she wiped after using the bathroom.  She called her OB's office and the answering service connected her to a nurse.  The nurse said not to go to ER unless she goes through a pad and hour or starts getting cramping.

My friend (and I) are a little freaked out.  I told her to go home and rest - take a nap. Don't do any household chores.  I said I would come over and watch TV with her but she said she is going to take a nap.  Her husband is out of town at a work function.

How normal is this?  Is this the start of a miscarriage? What can I do to help her?

[whitemerlot]

I have never had a pregnancy without bleeding. I had bleeding with my sons pregnancy from about five weeks to 11 weeks. Sometimes the bleeding was very light pink and ranged to thick and black. I had an ultrasound and they could never pinpoint a reason for the bleeding. It was the only issue I ever had with that pregnancy.

My daughter's pregnancy I also had bleeding off and on during the first trimester. It wasn't as much as with my sons. I have also had two miscarriages.

Unfortunately, there is nothing that can be done to prevent a miscarriage. Just be there to support your friend because I'm sure she is worried.

[pinotgrig]

Hard to say at this point. Some people routinely spot during pg and its nbd.

Wishing the best for your friend - I'm very glad you're there to support her.

[jr009j]

Starting at exactly 8 weeks, every time I pooped, I spotted. Sometimes it felt like a lot. My doctor checked it but the ultimate conclusion was I just had irritation on my cervix and it was no big deal. It could be something like that.

[dottyblue]

With both of my pregnancies i spotted, sometimes bright red blood, for the entire fist trimester. She needs to just take it easy. Spotting is very very common.

[statlerwaldorf]

I had bright red spotting with all 3 of my viable pregnancies.

[notsocreepylurker]

Thank you everyone. I told her to call me when she wakes up later and I can come over and we can watch movies.

[pandora]

Bleeding is common and my doc says it's OK unless it includes blood clots. I'm @ 8w and have two bleeds that are expected to absorb. I bled 1.5w and was a mess but everything is OK. She should rest, no lifting or exercise. If she's anxious, they'll do an u/s at the ER. Glad you're there for her!

[notsocreepylurker]

Thanks everyone - her husbands work thing ended and he is on his way home.

[VillainV]

It could be something or it could be nothing. Unfortunately, even if it is bad news, there isn't really anything that can be done about it. But it's VERY possible that it's normal and everything is okay.

[kategm]

I had bleeding / spotting at 8 weeks due to an irritated cervix. I was also told not to bother going in unless I was soaking through pads. Mine was bright red spots appearing on TP and on panty liners, but nothing flowing out.

[awick14]

Bleeding during pregnancy can be terrifying. I'm glad your there for her and that her H is on the way home.

[estrellita]

I spotted from about 8-15 weeks or so. Usually dark red/brown and only when I went to the bathroom. I had a low placenta, maybe that's a possibility? After 15 weeks or so it "moved" up more so it stopped. But it's true that if it is something, there isn't anything they can really do unfortunately hope it's nothing!

[redpenmama]

I spotted throughout my first trimester with both kids, everything from pink to brown to dark red. I know how unnerving it can be, but I was fortunate that both pregnancies were successful. I wish the same for her.

[Deleted]

Bleeding, all colors, is common but not "normal". It could be nothing, it could be an issue, it could be miscarriage.

Like the OB said, it's not something that needs immediate treatment unless it's a lot. Hopefully she can get into the OB this week though to have them check things out.

[sierramist03]

I've spotted at some point through my entire pregnancy. At times it was bright red but it never filled a pad. I'd recommend drinking extra water and resting for now.

[notsocreepylurker]

Wanted to give an update - she went to the OB this AM and everything looks good. Such a relief.

I might be back to ask more questions