No heartbeat on early ultrasound, light spotting

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November 12, 2014

Question

I am now 8.5 weeks pregnant. At 7.5 weeks I had my first ultrasound which did not show any heartbeat of the baby. I am scheduled for another test in two days.

Shortly after the ultrasound, I began very light spotting. I either see it after wiping (after waiting 15 seconds) or in toilet water. It is not heavy like a period, just very slight, where sometimes water and tissue will be fully clean most of the day and only once or twice pink or red. I do not need to wear a pad, only a thin black pantiliner which I always wear regardless. I have not considered myself a niddah, while of course abstaining for relations. Am I a niddah at this point, or unless it becomes heavy bleeding I am tahor?

Answer

We appreciate the sensitive nature of this question. Sometimes heartbeats do not show up until later ultrasounds and many women with viable pregnancies do experience staining in early pregnancy. We hope your uncertainty can be resolved soon.

Based on what you write, your spotting, though ongoing, does not make you niddah. Only if the bleeding becomes a flow will you be considered niddah.

Please write back with any further questions.