BellaOnline Forums Health and Fitness Miscarriage I need answers: did I actually have a miscarriage?

Hi everyone- I'm hoping this isn't considered inappropriate on here. Ok here goes: I'm an 18 year old who has recently become sexually active with her boyfriend. I came here because I didnt know what to do. Now I wasn't sure if I actually was pregnant or not. There was a chance that I could have been, but small because we used protection. Also, I got my period a week after we had relations but it was a bit lighter than usual. Saturday I had what I thought was my period. It came 3 to 5 days late (I do not know the exact date of my last period), but I figured it was nothing to worry about. The starting flow was unusually light, and I didn't pay any attention to it. I've also had mild cramps, which got worse today, but didnt pay attention to that. And Finally I've had a continuing headache for 6 days so far (I dont know if that has anything to contribute). Then today the flow was so heavy that I have used over 10 tampons so far today. This is unusual. Also, I have extreme clotting in my menstrual fluid. THat's what alerted me to this. I had a chat with a friend who said to see a doctor or talk to my mother. I cannot talk to my mom because she is a strict catholic and would be outraged to know I might have had sex, let alone a miscarriage. I need your advice: could I have had a miscarriage? Could I have been pregnant? Could it be that I had a very very heavy period? I need your help, please! I dont know what to do. My boyfriend is in denial, and just telliing me to think positive. Should i take his advice and just move on? I just want to know.

Hi hp7grl -

It is very common to have an extra heavy period like you described after a lighter period. I've also heard that there are no statistics regarding the likelihood of very early miscarriages because most women wouldn't know that they are pregnant and the amount of extra bleeding/cramping you would have is the same as an extra heavy period. I don't think you can ever know.

About 10 years ago, my doctor referred me to a midwife to discuss birth control. We spent an hour discussing fertility, birth control options, etc - I wish I'd had the opportunity to do that earlier. I'd highly recommend going to see a midwife or going to Planned Parenthood, just to learn more about your body and fertility. If you have insurance, it likely will cover an annual gyn exam, which you can usually do with a nurse-midwife or at Planned Parenthood, either of which are likely to have more time to talk to you than an OB/GYN.

Julie