Ectopic first pregnancy experience

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1

Hi there,

First time I have used a forum but really needed a little bit of advice/support from those going through a similar experience.

I was told by my doctor 2 weeks ago that I had experienced a chemical pregnancy after a very heavy 8 day bleed. However, following pain in right side and the continuation of positive pregnancy tests I returned several times to a and e to eventually be told, on Sunday, my pregnancy was ectopic in my right Fallopian tube. The doctor decided expectant management was the best course of treatment as my hcg levels are low. 33 first bloods, 38 after 48 hours, then 55 and yesterday 60. I know these levels are very low and I am lucky it was found early (6 weeks) but I’m concerned that they aren’t dropping and now I have to wait a week for my next bloods. Is this usual? Should the levels eventually drop? I was told I should start to bleed again and this would be a good sign but I haven’t had any bleeding for a week and am getting worried! Any advice/similar experiences would be much appreciated.

Thank you :slight_smile:

Nicole

2

Me again! I just wanted to say I am very sorry for anyone who is experiencing this also. This is our first pregnancy and I am very confused/emotional/scared.

Love to all xxx

3

Hi Nicole

If I were you I would ask for more regular blood tests. I had them every two days - My levels were plateauing / rising slightly over the course of four weeks. Then they left it a week before they did another test. My levels had risen just slightly to around 60! Finally they said it was more than likely ectopic and I had surgery. They said afterwards that it was about to rupture so they caught it just in time. At that point I had been in no pain and not bleeding at all so it came as a surprise when they took me to surgery. Wishing you all the best xx

4

Hi Nadine,

Thank you so much for your reply and well wishes. I’m sorry for what you went through.

I will definitely be requesting more regular blood tests from now on. Although I am not in any pain/bleeding and they said my ectopic is very small ATM I am concerned that this could all change if not monitored closely.

Wishing you the best,

Nicole x

5

Dear Nicole,

I am so sorry to hear of your ectopic pregnancy and loss, it is a very scary time and you have friends here who understand.

When we experience ectopic pregnancy we are suddenly faced with a life threatening emergency and it’s treatment, reduction in fertility, concerns about the future and the loss of our babies. Experiencing any one of these is an ordeal, putting them together is immense and your feelings are completely normal.

Unfortunately I am not medically trained so cannot comment on your specific situation. Generally 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. It is not usually necessary to do another ultrasound scan unless you present with other symptoms, in which case your doctors will undertake a reassessment.

As your levels are not yet dropping, I do not think it would be unreasonable to ask your medical team or GP about having more frequent blood tests than weekly until they see a decline in the levels.

Sadly I do have to remind you that if you experience any u usual bleeding abdominal pain shoulder tip pain or feel or unwell to seek urgent medical advice.

As a general reminder, when your levels start to decrease, how long you need to keep going for repeat tests will depend upon how long it takes for your hCG levels to drop to below 5<mIU/mL and this can vary quite considerably from woman to woman. As a general rule, as long as your hCG levels are dropping between blood tests, your doctors will continue to monitor you and manage you expectantly. It can take anything between two weeks and three months, for your hCG levels to fall back to a non-pregnant level but, for most women, hCG levels have reached a non-pregnant state within around four weeks.

Sending much love,

Karen x

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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.

6

Sending you lots of love! This is my first pregnancy too, and also ectopic. :frowning: I don’t know what to suggest (not a doctor!) but your levels are really low which is good (less chance of complications). If your levels don’t start to go down, press the issue with your doctor to see what other courses of action they can offer… I am sure they will be managing you as best as their extensive training and experience can tell them to, and as hard, frustrating, upsetting, confusing and nerve-wracking as this is for you trust them… they will look after you. I really hope this is over for you soon.

x

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Thank you Karen and espoir for your kind words and well wishes.

Espoir I am sorry to hear you are going through the same and with your first pregnancy too. I am sending my love and wishing you the best.

Nicole x

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Thank you so much, Nicole. I’m 99% sure at my blood draw this Sunday I will be below 5 and can start to move on… it’s 6 weeks ago today I found I was pregnant and 4 weeks and 5 days since I was treated for the ectopic.

It’s certainly a really traumatic thing to go through, but we will get through this in our own time, and be stronger for it. We both still have a really good chance of healthy pregnancies (if that’s what you want) after this, so stay positive. :slight_smile: I really hope it works out for you x