Hi so I had a bleed and it was confirmed no sign of pregnancy after I had internal scan. They said pregnancy unknown location. I was meant to be 6 weeks. They checked my HCG which was around 450. 11 days later my HCG was 140. They said it’s not come down as quick as expected, therefore they cannot rule out an ectopic pregnancy. I now have to wait another week for more bloods. This is causing me so much anxiety. Has anyone experienced anything similar? I believe HCG usually stays the same or increases with ectopic so I am confused why they are so concerned. I am so worried. My bleeding contained clots and lasted on and off for around a week. Thanks for reading
Dear R0391,
I am so sorry to hear of the worrying time you are going through.
Not knowing what is happening to our bodies can be extremely overwhelming and you have friends here who understand what you are going through.
It is important to understand that Pregnancy of unknown location - (PUL) is not a diagnosis; it is a label given until the final location of the pregnancy can be identified with certainty. In the event of a PUL, blood will be taken to measure serum progesterone and hCG and the hCG test repeated 48 hours later. The doctors would also want to repeat the scan. Until the location of the pregnancy is known definitively or the serum hormone levels have decreased to below pregnancy levels, there is a risk of complications associated with an as yet undiagnosed ectopic pregnancy. Whilst I do not wish to alarm you, for every 100 pregnancies labelled as a PUL about 10 will subsequently be found to be ectopic; but not all of these will need treatment. If treatment is required, (methotraxate injection or surgery) this will depend on the results of blood tests and scans and I would discuss this further with you Dr.
Your hCG levels are reducing naturally, so this hopefully means you won’t need any treatment. Whilst I do not wish to alarm you, I would advise you seek urgent medical advice if you experience worsening pain or bleeding or develop dizziness, feeling unwell, shoulder tip pain or rectal pressure as these are the signs of a potential rupturing ectopic pregnancy.
We would also gently remind you to not undertake any strenuous exercise or lifting or housework while your hCG levels are dropping. While I do not want to alarm you, there remains the risk of rupture even with low or declining hCG levels. You should not resume exercise until your hCG levels are falling consistently and are in the low 100s. I am sorry that I cannot provide you with more precise details but I hope all becomes much clearer over the forthcoming blood tests and scans. We are here for you for as long as you need,
Sending much love,
Karen x
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Thank you for your message, Karen. It is greatly appreciated. The nurses said I can resume exercise but I’ve chosen not to until all is resolved. It’s really difficult waiting and I have such anxiety incase it is ectopic and ruptures! I can’t wait for this to be over with and I can be back to normal. It has put me off trying again for sure!
I just pray that with the HCG decreasing and the fact I’ve bled it means it’s been a failed pregnancy which is sadly the best case scenario.