u/Colours_OfThe_wind

I recently found out i was pregnant following a loss in February which had slow rising hcg numbers and constant spotting that was like a light period. We haven’t been actively trying to conceive so its a super nice surprise but i’m also a complete mess. This is my 2nd pregnancy after a loss journey with the last blessing me with my 13 month old Baby boy.

Ive had spotting on and off, for 3 days then nothing for 2 then its back again for the last 2 days. Its been dark brown with spots in my underwear and not much when i wipe but it tends to always be in the morning and gone by night. So im petrified as i had bleeding with my loss. I have incompetent cervix so have to be supported with progesterone and a cervical stitch which i had in my 2 successful pregnancies.

I went into have my betas done when i found out on Tuesday at 4w2d and further betas today. Are these numbers ok?

4w2d at 15:10pm - 359 HCG / 52 PDG
4w4d at 10:20am - 927 HCG

My progesterone seems high and after a google its outside of normal range. I usually have lower progesterone so this is a shock for me and feeding my fears of another loss and problems.
I am super nauseous and my usual sweet treats are turning my stomach which is the opposite of my last pregnancies with my boys and im just so tired. Could this be the high progesterone? Seems far to early for pregnancy symptoms.

I have a scan booked for Monday and if the pregnancy is the right place then they will put me on progesterone immediately due to my history and IC. Can too much progesterone be a bad thing? Should i be worried. Im scared not to have progesterone because its the ot thing that helped me carry til my stitch placement. All my pregnancies without progesterone failed.

I just need some reassurance i guess because i am literally losing my mind with fear.

Anyone had similar?

Sorry for the long post. If you get this far thanks for reading 🫶

Hi Everyone

I'm looking for advice/suggestions for a basic skincare routine. I've just turned 35, i’m female and living in the UK.

I’ll be honest i have never been one to get into makeup or skincare. I’ve just never been good with those things and i stick with what i know which isnt much. When it comes to skincare, i know nothing I get so overwhelmed when I think about it because of all the serums, lotions, creams etc. i just dont have a clue.

But I’m starting to notice that i’m aging and in particular the lines in my forehead and I’d really like to do something about it and start looking after myself. I’ve neglected my skin for so long and it needs to be looked after now before its too late.

At the moment i literally just wash my face with soap. No moisturiser or anything. I only use sunscreen when i go on holiday.

Terrible i know.

I barely wear any makeup. Only for work and going out and its eyeliner and mascara. Especially since covid. I haven’t worn base makeup since 2018. Ive been lucky my skins not looked too bad and ive gotten away with it. Since ive had kids (2023) ive noticed Ive aged so much.

I dont know my skin type either. I would say it can be oily. I dont get many breakouts. Just one or 2 spots during TOTM or stress.

I have olive skin (its very pale at the moment because i just dont go out in the sun much and not a fan of sunbathing really at all.

I just wondered if anyone could give me advice on where to start? What products i should use as a baseline and then what to tackle my lines on top?

just need a routine. Ive heard about retinoids, tretonoin, hyaluronic acid etc but not sure whats what.

Any advice appreciated. Not sure what people would need to know about my skin so happy to answer any questions.

TIA 🫶