Found out I was pregnant 3 weeks ago, had pain and small bleeding from my IUD (mirena) once it was taken out, it all went away and I’ve been fine since. I’ve been getting blood draws every 48 hours and my hcg levels went up 30%. Got an emergency ultrasound to find the baby is in my left tube. Was given methotrexate right then and there, 2 shots (one in each side of my lower back is one dose) came back yesterday on the 4th day for a second dose. Is it normal that my hcg levels went from 6,xxx to 8,xxx? I’m feeling cramping nausea dizziness and vomiting here and there but no bleeding just yet. I’ve spotted once, 2 days ago. I have nobody else to discuss it with and came across this site which reading into is very helpful. Thank you in advance.
Hi there, I am so sorry you are going through this. I am currently being treated for an ectopic with and IUD as well. I had a dose of Methotrexate last Wednesday. I had my hcg checked on Saturday (day 4) and my numbers did go up, which my doctor said was normal. I had another draw today (day 7) and she said she is hoping to see a drop between days 4 and 7 to indicate the the methotrexate is working. Keeping my fingers crossed that it is. I’m also experiencing cramping and nausea ever since my injection. Hope that helps.
Dana
Dear BeckaG,
I am sorry to hear of your ectopic pregnancy and the difficult time you are going through.
Following methotrexate injection, the hCG level often rises on the day four blood test because the action of Methotrexate is not instantaneous, so the cells will have continued to divide for two or three days after the injection was given, and some cells release more hCG when they start to disappear. Your doctors are looking to see a drop in your hCG value of at least 15% between days four and seven. If there has not been a 15% drop, this is when the doctors will consider a second dose of Methotrexate or surgery.
A few days after the injection, it is usual to begin to bleed and this bleeding can last between a few days and up to 6 weeks.
Every 3-7 days, beta hCG levels will continue to be monitored to ensure that they are falling appropriately. Most women only need one injection but in up to a quarter of cases a further injection may be required if serum hCG levels are not decreasing.
I am afraid it is difficult to predict how long it will take for your hormone levels reach non-pregnant levels. As we are all individual, our bodies respond differently to the drug and it depends on factors like how high levels reached and our unique physiology. What I can say is that it can take a number of weeks and, while it can take some time, it is not as invasive a procedure as surgery.
Having said this, as you have mentioned you feel dizzy and have vomited, I would advise seeking medical attention. This can be done by calling your EPU, or if any symptoms are worsening by visiting your A&E.
We will be here for you for as long as you need,
Sending much love,
Karen x
The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust
Registered Charity Number: 1071811
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
The latest EPT newsletter is out now! You can take a look at the Winter edition 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