Possible 2nd ectopic

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It’s few years since I’ve been on these boards.

I had an ectopic in 2017, my first pregnancy and lost a tube.

Since then I’ve had a healthy boy who’s nearly 3 and sadly lost my second son at 24 weeks in December.

I just found out I’m pregnant again. I’m exactly 4 weeks as I was due on yesterday. I nearly didn’t test though, because I’ve had spotting/light bleeding all weekend. Today and yesterday it was bright red to dark red, more when I wiped than on a pad. It stopped both yesterday and today at around 5pm. So this weird bleeding is giving me serious flashbacks to 2017. Tonight I panicked and went to the emergency dr who has ordered hcg tests. But when can I definitely be diagnosed? How early can this be seen on a scan? Last time I was almost 7 weeks when it was found and I can’t bear to wait longer than I need to x

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Dear Emcano,

I am so sorry to hear of the worrying time you are going through,

When diagnosing an ectopic pregnancy in th UK, doctors use a combination of transvaginal ultrasound scanning and blood tests to check HCG levels. Usually scans take place at around six weeks gestation as there is a reasonable chance of seeing an embryo at around this time. If scans are inconclusive, doctors usually test hCG levels and a hCG level that is rising by less than 66% over 48 hours can mean it is likely, but not a certainty, that the pregnancy is ectopic.

We have more information on diagnosing ectopic pregnancy here-

https://ectopic.org.uk/patients/diagnosis/quote

Sadly I do have to remind you to again seek urgent medical advice with any worsening bleeding or you develop any abdominal pain, shoulder tip pain or feel dizzy and unwell.

I will however keep sending positive thoughts,

Much love,

Karen x

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