Negative pregnancy test after expectant management followed by bleeding which could be periods

I was confirmed ectopic pregnancy on 20/07 and my levels were 980 which then dropped to 670 in 48 hours so doctors decided to tale expectant management approach. After a few weeks my levels dropped to 220 ( almost 50% from last week’s test) so I was told to not come for any more tests and do a pregnancy test in 3 weeks time. I was spotting/ having light bleeding ever since I tested positive for pregnancy and finally there was a time when my bleeding had stopped and my body felt better. I then did pregnancy test when I was told to and it was negative. Called the NHS Obgyn unit that confirmed that it means I can resume all the activities as normal. However, they did not want me to come for final blood test. Is it possible that even with negative test there could be some hcg left and there is still a risk. Only reason I am worried is because just after 4 days of test, I started bleeding which looks and feels like periods. I contacted my doctor and she said it could be my periods. But I am confused, how can I get my periods just a few days after negative test. Has anyone else experienced this? And is it okay for my doctor to not do any follow up scan. All they say is that its not needed. I am not sure if I should try private doctor but that would cost me a lot.

Dear richa,

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

It seems unusual to not follow you up completely following expectant management. Doctors would usually test your blood to ensure it is dropping, 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.

When treated without surgery, periods usually arrive at some time in the four weeks after the hCG levels have fallen to below 100 mIU/mL. I guess as you weren’t monitored fully, it’s hard to know when this was. home pregnancy test are fairly accurate these days but unfortunately I am not medically trained so cannot give you specific information but would advise you to speak once again to your medical team if you have any concerns about your symptoms of bleeding.

Sending much love,

Karen x

The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust

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