Dear louisescott94,
I am so sorry to hear of your ectopic pregnancy and loss,
After an ectopic pregnancy, finding we are pregnant again, or waiting to see if we are can be a mix of emotions and I can completely understand your feeling nervous. It is perfectly normal to be concerned after the ordeal you have endured. My mind started racing when I found out I was pregnant again and I was only really able to relax to some degree after my early scan. It is a nerve-wracking time and you have a friend here who understands how you are feeling.
Unfortunately I am not medically trained so cannot give specific advice in your situation but given the fact that your previous pregnancy did not show on home pregnancy testing kits, I would suggest discussing your situation with your GP. Remind them of your previous ectopic pregnancy and the fact the home pregnancy testing kits were negative up until you were admitted into hospital with a ruptured ectopic pregnancy. Perhaps suggest they complete a series of hCG blood tests
To provide an overview - with a healthy pregnancy, hCG levels typically double every 48-72 hours. If levels rise normally, they can suggest (but not give a certain answer) that the pregnancy is implanted in the uterus. HCG levels that rise by less than 66 per cent over 48 hours can mean the pregnancy may be ectopic. So while hCG levels can rise with an ectopic pregnancy this isn’t necessarily at the “normal” rate. Declining levels can indicate that the pregnancy has ended - possibly a miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy that is “self resolving”.
Whilst I do not wish to alarm you, sadly, I do have to remind you that if you experience any abdominal pain, shoulder tip pain, feel unwell or experience any bleeding at all to seek urgent medical attention.
Sending much love and positive thoughts,
Karen x
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