Frightening Moments

Yesterday morning we got up for what was to be a busy day ahead. We were travelling to London to visit with close friends of ours and then to Grimsby to visit family. The day started off normal but around 10 o'clock I started noticing some spotting followed by worse cramping then I have experienced so far in my pregnancy. I knew both of these things are quite common in early pregnancy so we continued on with our day. Once we arrived in London the bleeding began to get heavier and cramping began to be severe. I started getting much more worried than I had been that morning. As we left London for Grimsby we were debating a trip to the ER. After a full two hour drive to Grimsby full of worrying and praying we decided to tell our family that we were visiting about the pregnancy (it was still a secret) and we all decided that it would be best if I did go to the hospital.

We were taken in right away, which I was grateful for. We spoke to the doctor and he ordered blood work, and a transvaginal ultrasound. The blood work was completed first, I am terrified of needles and after the traumatic experience of my prenatal blood work being done on Tuesday- only 4 days ago I was quite nervous this time around. The nurse that took my blood was very nice and they took a lot less blood which was nice (still 6 vials!). After waiting what seemed to be an eternity the doctor came in to do the ultrasound. He first did an exam and found a "specimen" to send away for tests (could be part of the baby if I am miscarrying). Following that he did the ultrasound and was not able to find a heartbeat, but he wasn't able to get a clear view of my uterus.

He told us that I am having what they call a "threatened miscarriage". This term is really given to most early pregnancies that experience bleeding but about 50% result in miscarriage. My HCG level (pregnancy hormone) was on the low end of normal for a six week and two days pregnancy. He ordered a shot of RhoGAM as I am B- and my husband is A+. This is more to protect my future pregnancies as it won't affect this pregnancy. The shot was sore, it is a thick solution that gets injected and it takes a while for it to be absorbed so this morning I was tender as well, but thankful that I was able to receive the it.

The next step for us is to get another set of blood work done, along with a second ultrasound at a bigger hospital with better weekend equipment. If my HCG levels are down from last night and they still are unable to find a tiny heartbeat then it will be clear that I am experiencing a miscarriage.

We are still hopeful and praying that God has kept our sweet baby safe and sound, but if not we know that it is the way this was all supposed to happen and we will be thankful for the precious gift of life we received for six short weeks.

We will be going to a bigger hospital tomorrow so we can receive a diagnostic ultrasound and get a clear picture as to what is happening with our baby.

Jessica & Paul