Hi all, I had a pregnancy of an unknown location in 2017 an been trying for a baby ever since. Finally positive test on 3rd May but started having pains in my left side again, I’ve had my HCG levels done in 6th which was 190 an today (8th) had another lot done which was 446. The doctor has said its still very possible that I could be having another ectopic pregnancy even though they’ve gone up but the doctor I seen when I had my first lot of bloods done said if they double then I don’t need to worry… As you can imagine I’m very confused an still very worried. Has anything like this happen ed to anyone else? Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
Dear Staceyll1,
I am so sorry to hear of the worrying time you are going through,
When diagnosing an ectopic pregnancy, doctors use a combination of transvaginal ultrasound scanning and blood tests to check HCG levels. Usually scans take place at around six weeks gestation as there is a reasonable chance of seeing an embryo at around this time. If scans are inconclusive, doctors would carry out a series of blood tests to check hCG levels to see if the numbers are rising as expected. However, in isolation, hCG tests only provide a part of the picture - declining levels indicate that a pregnancy has ended and will be miscarried. It can also possibly indicate an ectopic pregnancy that is “self-resolving”. Also hCG levels rising by less than 66% over 48 hours means it is likely (but not certain) that it is ectopic. If levels rise normally, they suggest the pregnancy is implanted in the uterus. You may see from this that hCG levels only indicate certain possibilities and are not in themselves a definitive guide. A positive identification of an implanted embryo on a scan is usually needed before a final diagnosis/certainty that the pregnancy has implanted in the uterus. This is possibly the reason why your doctors are waiting until your appointment to carry out scans and tests.
Having said this, if you feel pain which seems unusual and is concerning you and, in particular, if you experience any bleeding or spotting, it is better to get checked out to be on the safe side.
Sending much love and positive thoughts,
Karen x
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