Ectopic Confusion

Hello,

I would like to share my experience and perhaps to hear from other women who have had a similar experience.

I went to the EPU as I had (and I am still having) some quite light bleeding. Initially no pregnancy could be found in my womb or anywhere else so my bloods were taken to monitor the HCG levels and progesterone levels. These came back quite low initially (around 130) and dropped 2 days later to 96. On the third repeat testing, the HCG levels had very slightly increased again so I was called back in for another scan.

On the scan, after some time searching, they managed to find a small ectopic pregnancy near my ovary. After discussing the options with the team, I decided to opt for expectant management and see if it would resolve on its own and was advised to come back in just over a week for bloods to be taken again to make sure they were not increasing.

It has 4 days since my bloods were last taken and I decided to take a home pregnancy test. The line is stronger than it has been previously (I have taken some since I was bleeding to see if it is getting fainter). I called the EPU as I am worried the levels are increasing further and wondered if I could have my bloods done again today or tomorrow but they advised to stick with the plan and wait for my repeat tests in 4 days. They advised it is natural for it to increase while the mass is still there but surely if it was self resolving, the tests would be staying the same or getting lighter? Has anyone had an ectopic self resolve which started with tests becoming stronger before then becoming fainter?

I can’t help but worry. I do not want to have methotrexate as I am keen to try again as soon as possible but of course will have it if its the best option for me.

Thank you.

Dear Fingerscrossed,

I am so sorry to hear of your ectopic pregnancy and loss,

Unfortunately home pregnancy tests are not accurate or reliable enough to detect small changes in hCG can even change floor depending upon what time of day you test.

With expectant management, doctors want to test your blood repeatedly to ensure that your hCG levels are dropping, usually twice in the first week and then weekly thereafter until the levels have dropped to below 5<mIU/mL.

Although this method of treatment doesn’t require medication with its side effects and is less invasive than surgery, it can be very worrying not knowing what is going on with our bodies. I would therefore also advise you to be mindful of symptoms and if you develop any worsening bleeding or abdominal pain or feel dizzy and unwell to not hesitate to seek urgent medical advice.

Sending much love for more reassurance over the next test

Karen x

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