Dear Members,
I’ve recently had an early (3 weeks) ectopic pregnancy confirmed. At present I’m under going expectant management. I’ve had another blood test and my HCG is still rising, although not as high as it should be if the pregnancy was on course. I’m starting to feel concerned that they haven’t given it enough time and thinking about a second opinion. Has anyone been through the same experience?
Dear Newtogroup,
I am so sorry to hear of your ectopic pregnancy and loss.
Sadly I am not medically trained so cannot give you specific advice on your pregnancy but generally, 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.
Having said this, if you are feel pain which seems unusual and is concerning you and, in particular, if you experience any bleeding or spotting, please seek urgent medical advice. EPU’s usually give you a direct contact number, if not attend A&E.
I am sending positive thoughts, please continue to lean on us for as long as you need,
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.
Didn’t want to read and not acknowledge. I’m also in expectant management. Do feel you can ask your clinicians for second opinions. Your voice should be heard. I’m in a similar situation and understand the stress and uncertainty, the endless jargon and being poked about. Hang in there x