How can you tell the difference between menstrual clotting and uterine lining tissue?

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When a woman gets her period, how can we be sure if it's clotting or uterine lining? I've read that it's pretty much the same thing. The reason I ask is because recently had to take Plan B for an emergency on May 18th; I got my period on June 2nd till June 7th; I did have clotting (sorry TMI!!) and I took a prego test yesterday morn tha's came back nego. The reason for concern about being prego is I'm having some light cramping, I broke out, it feels as if I'm ready to have another period, but I just had the one. Doc told me it's prob just side effects of Plan B, which is why I'm concerned. When I asked him he couldn't really tell me how I was supposed to tell the diff other than to look at it (too late now obviously) but I figured if I'm having that much clotting that it's prob tissue.

Any answers / info would be much appreciated!!
Thank you for your answers so far! I'm having a lot of PMS symptoms right now; bloating, acne, lots of abdominal pain and cramping. It feels like my period is about to start; normally when I ovulate I have some pain but not this much. I'm gathering as you mentioned it's side effects from Plan B.

As in clotting and tissue, I meant is there any real way to tell which is which? I've heard clotting is possible in pregnancy, but the actual tissue (uterine lining) of course isn't there when pregnant.

Thanks again. :)
Well, a period is the shedding of the uterine lining so I'm not sure what you mean by a difference. Now if you mean the difference between the normal bleeding of a period and what you might find say with a miscarriage you would have actual clots that you would have no difficulty recognizing as such. If you did plan B as you say you wouldn't have had time to develop a pregnancy and therefore wouldn't have any miscarriage material just a normal period. It may take a couple months for you hormones to to return to normal after taking that pill so be patient and see how things look in 2 to 3 months.  (+ info)

Why is cervical cancer called cervical cancer, if the cervical area is the neck?

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I'm taking an anatomy class, and we learned that the medical term for the topmost part of the spine is the cervical area. Isn't cervical cancer cancer of the cervix, though?
In anatomy, 'cervical' is an adjective that has two meanings:

1 of or pertaining to any neck.
2 of or pertaining to the female cervix: i.e., the neck of the uterus.

Don't skip any of your anatomy classes.  (+ info)

What kind of cervical infections are common during pregnancy?

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I had an emergency doctor's visit today to figure out why I'd been spotting off and on and he mentioned that he thinks it is a cervical infection. I was just wondering what kind of cervical infections there are and how dangerous they are.
Here's an article for more information about the various cervical infections during pregnancy and what to do:
Bleeding during pregnancy: Why it happens, what to do
Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy has many causes. Some are serious, and some aren't. Know when to contact your health care provider.
Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy can be scary. It's not always a sign of trouble, however. In fact, most women who experience vaginal bleeding during pregnancy — particularly during the first trimester — go on to deliver healthy babies. By understanding the most common causes of vaginal bleeding during pregnancy, you'll know what to look for and when to contact your health care provider.
Bleeding during the first trimester
Many women experience light vaginal bleeding during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Possible causes of vaginal bleeding during early pregnancy include:
Implantation. You may notice a small amount of vaginal bleeding very early in pregnancy, about 10 to 14 days after fertilization. This "implantation bleeding" happens when the fertilized egg attaches to the lining of your uterus. It's usually earlier, spottier and lighter in color than a normal menstrual period, and it doesn't last long. Some women mistake this light bleeding for a period and don't realize they're pregnant.
Cervical changes. When you're pregnant, more blood flows to your cervix. You may experience harmless vaginal bleeding after contact to your cervix, such as after sex or a pelvic exam.
Miscarriage. Up to 15 percent of known pregnancies end in miscarriage, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Vaginal bleeding is the primary sign of miscarriage. But bleeding doesn't necessarily mean you're having a miscarriage. Remember, most women who experience vaginal bleeding during pregnancy go on to deliver healthy babies.
Ectopic pregnancy. Sometimes an embryo implants somewhere outside the uterus, usually in a fallopian tube. This is known as an ectopic pregnancy. An embryo implanted outside the uterus can't survive. And without treatment, life-threatening blood loss is possible. In addition to vaginal bleeding, an ectopic pregnancy may cause abdominal or pelvic pain.
Molar pregnancy. Rarely, an abnormal mass — instead of a baby — forms inside the uterus after fertilization. Vaginal bleeding is the most common sign of a molar pregnancy.
Infection. Some cervical infections cause bleeding in early pregnancy.
When to contact your health care provider
During the first trimester, if you have slight vaginal bleeding that goes away within a day, tell your health care provider at your next visit. If you have any vaginal bleeding that lasts more than a day, contact your health care provider within the next 24 hours. Contact him or her immediately if you:
Experience moderate to heavy vaginal bleeding
Experience any amount of vaginal bleeding accompanied by abdominal pain, cramping, fever or chills
Pass tissue from your vagina
What to expect next
Your health care provider will likely ask questions about the bleeding and do a physical exam, including a pelvic exam. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, your health care provider may do lab tests or an ultrasound to assess your baby's well-being.
Typically, vaginal bleeding during the first trimester doesn't require treatment. Sometimes, however, your health care provider may recommend resting until the bleeding subsides. If you have a cervical infection, you may be given antibiotics.
If your health care provider diagnoses a miscarriage, you may choose to let it progress naturally or speed the process with medication or a minor surgical procedure known as dilation and curettage (D and C). During this procedure, the doctor dilates your cervix and gently suctions the tissue out of your uterus. Sometimes a long metal instrument with a loop on the end (curet) is used after the suction to scrape the uterine walls.
If you have an ectopic or molar pregnancy, you'll need prompt treatment. Sometimes an ectopic pregnancy can be treated with medication. In other cases, surgery is needed. With a molar pregnancy, a D and C is needed to remove the tumor from the uterus.
Bleeding during the second or third trimester
As the cervix begins to thin out and relax in preparation for labor, the thick plug of mucus that seals the opening of the cervix is dislodged. When this happens, you may notice a thick or stringy discharge that may be tinged with blood. This "bloody show" is a normal sign of impending labor that may occur up to a week or two before delivery.
A bloody show near the end of pregnancy isn't cause for concern. But other causes of bleeding during the second or third trimester are more worrisome, including:
Miscarriage. Vaginal bleeding is the primary sign of miscarriage. Although miscarriage is most common during the first trimester, a risk still exists in the second trimester.
Preterm labor. Light bleeding in the second or third trimester may be a sign of preterm labor, especially when accompanied by regular contractions, dull backache or pelvic pressure.
Problems with the cervix. A cervical infection, inflamed cervix or growths on the cervix may cause vaginal bleeding in the second or third trimester. Occasionally, light bleeding may be a sign that the cervix is opening prematurely (cervical incompetence). This can lead to preterm birth.
Placenta previa. Painless, bright red vaginal bleeding in the second or third trimester may indicate placenta previa — a serious problem in which the placenta partly or completely covers the opening to the birth canal. The bleeding may stop at some point, but it nearly always recurs days or weeks later.
Placental abruption. Rarely, the placenta begins to separate from the inner wall of the uterus before birth. This may cause bleeding that's scant, heavy or somewhere in between. The bleeding is usually accompanied by abdominal pain.
Uterine rupture. Rarely, the uterus tears open along the scar line from a prior C-section. This may cause vaginal bleeding, intense abdominal pain and abdominal tenderness. If your uterus ruptures — either before or during labor — an emergency C-section is needed to prevent life-threatening complications.
When to contact your health care provider
Contact your health care provider if you have any amount of vaginal bleeding in the second or third trimester. You'll likely need an exam in the doctor's office or hospital. Seek immediate care if you have vaginal bleeding accompanied by:
Pain
Cramping
Fever
Chills
Contractions
What to expect next
To determine what's causing the bleeding, your health care provider will likely do an ultrasound and a vaginal exam. Monitors may be used to detect contractions and track your baby's heart rate. If you've lost a significant amount of blood, you may need intravenous fluids or a blood transfusion. Your health care provider will closely monitor your baby for signs of distress.
Depending on the cause of the bleeding and various other factors, treatment may include bed rest or medication. If you have a cervical infection, you may be given antibiotics. In some cases, an emergency C-section may be recommended.
Details are key to diagnosis
If you experience vaginal bleeding during pregnancy, don't be shy about explaining your symptoms. Describe how much blood you passed, what it looked like, and whether it included any clots or tissue. If you use pads to soak up the blood, keep track of how many. All this information can help your health care provider determine if the bleeding is a normal part of pregnancy or something more serious — and what to do next.
If you need further information go straight to the website listed below.
Good Luck to you.
Gina
mom of 3 and 4th in 7 days at age 41  (+ info)

What should the normal cervical length during pregnancy be?

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I am 22 weeks and my cervical length is 2.2cm and I am just curious if anyone else had a cervical length around the same and how where you treated.
with this pregnancy due to complications with my first I had my cervix measured every two weeks I was told that as long as your cervix 3.0cm that it was considered normal so your are short and need to be watched. I had the same problem with my first and was put on strict bed rest until I delivered at 35 weeks. With this pregnancy I had a cerclage(cervix stitched shut) placed at 15 weeks to prevent premature opening of the cervix again   (+ info)

What ia an Umbilical Wall and Uterine Wall?and what does it have to do with a Amniocetesis?

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Im writing a paper on describing the step by step process of an Amniocetesis and I cant find the definition for an Umbilical wall and Uterine wall and what a Bilirubin does.If anyone knows how or what they are please let me know in this type of procedure.
This link will show you the steps to performing an amnio:

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/presentations/100192_1.htm

Uterine wall is the wall of the uterus (where the fetus grows). This wall is punctured with a needle in order to obtain the amniotic fluid.
Bilirubin is a byproduct of hemoglobin. Elevated levels indicate a liver or gallbladder problem. I'm not sure how this is connected with an amnio.

Info on bilirubin:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003479.htm  (+ info)

What does cervical cancer vaccination do for me?

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If I get it, what exactly does it prevent? What are the benefits?
Are there any downsides or any side effects to getting vaccinated for cervical cancer?
I am actually getting the shot. The vaccination is a dose of 3 shots, and what it does is help prevent against cervical cancer, hpv, and some other diseases. It is not a for sure thing, but at least you will be more protected than women that have not received the shot. I would recommend that you get it.

As for the side effects well...I fainted after my second shot. The first one was fine, but the second one hurt really bad. However, I didn't eat before I was injected with it, so that may be why. Some other side effects are dizziness and nausea...typical side effects that could come along with any other shot. I'm going to get my third shot at the end of January, hopefully I don't faint after that one!

I hope I helped! :)  (+ info)

What is cervical mucus in early pregnancy supposed to look like?

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It is 11 days past the day i think i ovulated, and for the past 4-5 days my cervical mucus has been thicker, white and snot-like (sorry if tmi). It has also been just slightly stretchy, but not much.

My hubby and I had unprotected sex on several days around ovulation time. Is this type of cm the type I might get if i am indeed pregnant?
oh def. yes.  (+ info)

What was your cervical mucus like right before you got a positive pregnancy test?

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Hello,
What was your cervical mucus like a day or 2 BEFORE YOUR EXPECTED PERIOD?
you shouldnt have much at all n if you do then usually spotty

if your pregnant then the mucus will be really wet and allot your body is making a mucus plug to protect baby from harmful things like infections and so on

HOPE THIS HELPED  (+ info)

When is a good time to start drinking Raspberry leaf tea as a uterine tonic during pregnancy?

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Hi there,

I was recently given some raspberry leaf tea as a gift. I understand that it is used as a uterine tonic during pregnancy and thus eases labor to some extent. However, I think there's a time frame in which you're supposed to begin drinking it that I'm unaware of. Does any one know?
It is advisable to wait until the 32nd week of pregnancy before trying raspberry leaf tea as there is a concern that consumption before this time in the more fragile, earlier stages of pregnancy could lead to problems. Once you have reached the 32nd week of your pregnancy you could begin with one cup of raspberry leaf tea a day and gradually increase up to 4 cups or tables a day (although this may vary in accordance with the strength of the blend and the manufacturers instructions).
Raspberry leaf tea does not induce labour but does contain the alkaloid 'fragine' which is said to strengthen and tone the muscles of the uterus, helping them to contract more efficiently during labour. Research has found that taking raspberry leaf during the weeks prior to delivery helps to shorten the second stage of labour by making contractions more effective. Some studies have also found that it reduces the need for an assisted delivery (i.e. an emergency cesarean or use of forceps or ventouse).

Sipping raspberry leaf tea during and after the birth is also said to help the uterus contract back down to size, reduce after birth bleeding and help initiate the let down of breastmilk.  (+ info)

How long does cervical mucus stretch at ovulation?

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Ive been trying to determine when I ovulate by checking my cervical mucus and one day my mucus stretched 1 inch. Is this when i ovulated? Does this only mean its approaching? Or is this a pretty definitive thing. Like can it stretch 1 inch and then i ovulate a week later?
There is no standard length that cervical mucus stretches, if you have mucus stretching one inch then you are fertile - that's not to say that you ovulated as you can get fertile quality cervical mucus several days either side of ovulation. If you want to know when you ovulate you would need to use a specific method to determine ovulation, either a method like fertility awareness method, or something like persona or ovulation tests.  (+ info)

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