Could I feel symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy before it registers as pregnant on a test?
This is my first month of trying since my surgery and I feel like I’m going mad! I’m a week before my period is due and I feel like I can feel all those familiar twinges. I hate not knowing!
Dear Emsy
I am sorry to hear of your previous ectopic pregnancy and worrying time you are going through now. After an ectopic pregnancy, we can have a heightened awareness of our bodies and worries can be understandable when feeling sensations and discomfort.
I am afraid that as the feelings of discomfort can be individual it is impossible for me to say exactly why you are experiencing them with certainty. We do hear from women who report pain/sensations after an ectopic pregnancy and some consider that it may be due to adhesions or scar tissue. It may also be because your period is about to start in the days ahead or the awareness of your body as it approaches.
Symptoms of ectopic pregnancy can be from 4 weeks gestation up to 12 weeks and beyond. I would suggest taking a pregnancy test on the day that your period is expected and, if it is positive, getting in touch with your local early pregnancy unit. If it is negative and you are still having sensations, it would be worth speaking to a healthcare professional for peace of mind. You can of course contact your doctor sooner if you wish.
I hope that this can help and sending you good wishes
Munira
The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust
Registered Charity Number: 1071811
Ectopic pregnancy patient information suite: Highly Commended in the 2019 BMA Patient Information Awards
During the coronavirus outbreak, The EPT team is still working hard to provide crucial information and support to women and families experiencing ectopic pregnancy as quickly and efficiently as we can.
If we have been able to help you, are you able to help us with a small donation or by volunteering or fundraising?
Further information is available at ectopic.org.uk
Email us: ept@ectopic.org.uk
We provide a call-back helpline service: 020 7733 2653
Take a look at our newsletters and subscribe to our mailing list here: https://mailchi.mp/986bdd6091ee/ectopic-matters
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