Dear E89,
Whispered congratulations on your pregnancy,
Unfortunately I am not medically trained and with limited information I am unable to comment specifically on your case.
To provide an overview - with a healthy pregnancy, hCG levels typically double every 48-72 hours. If levels rise normally, they can suggest (but not give a certain answer) that the pregnancy is implanted in the uterus. HCG levels that rise by less than 66 per cent over 48 hours can mean the pregnancy MAY be ectopic. So while hCG levels can rise with an ectopic pregnancy this isn’t necessarily at the “normal” rate. Declining levels can indicate that the pregnancy has ended - possibly a miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy that is “self resolving”.
However we are all different and levels can rise at differing rates, especially when trying to date your pregnancy. I’ll share my personal experience with you, my first pregnancy after my ectopic pregnancy, I was admitted with abdominal pain. By my dates I was over 5weeks. The ultrasound scan didn’t show anything and I was told my hCG level was low for the dates. I was informed this would probably be an ectopic pregnancy and had to wait a further week for a scan. On the scan was a heartbeat and baby was in the right place.
This is why it is so difficult to comment on hCG tests alone, but it is reassuring to see yours are rising. The transvaginal ultrasound scan is important in determining whether the pregnancy is located in the right place. I know how the days seem to drag before we can have the scan and waiting feels like forever!
Sadly I do have to remind you that if you experience and abdominal pain, shoulder tip pain, bleeding or start feeling dizzy or unwell to seek urgent medical advice.
Having said that, the chances of a further ectopic after a first in UK is 10%. So thats 90% chance of the embryo being in right place this time. I truly understand how you feel. when I became pregnant after my ectopic pregnancy, my mind started racing and I was only really able to relax to some degree after my early scan. It is a nerve-wracking time and you have a friend here who understands how you are feeling.
Sending much love,
Karen x
If we have been able to help you, are you able to help us with a small donation or by volunteering?
Further information is available at www.ectopic.org.uk
Email us at ept@ectopic.org.uk.
Our helpline is 020 7733 2653 (available Monday to Friday 10am - 4pm).
Detailed medical information can be found on our website. Please remember online medical information is NO SUBSTITUTE for expert medical advice from your own health care team.
also cramping