Possible ectopic

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1

Hi, I have not posted on a board before. I’m been reading so many throughout my experience that I thought I should contribute although my case is unresolved right now. I feel so unemotional about the whole ordeal at this point because I’m tired of feeling, it’s been quite depressing.

1/11 – LMP

2/7 – first faint positive test

I continued testing for several days and it never did “turn” dark although it did get a little darker. Because of this I felt like something was “off” about this pregnancy.

2/19 – heavy bleeding began (ended on 2/24) Called my doctor, we both assumed miscarriage so we determined to do bloodwork to confirm

2/20 – bloodwork beta hcg of 43

2/22 – bloodwork beta hcg of 52

2/28 – doctor told me I had definitely miscarried but wanted to continue testing betas

3/3 – bloodwork beta hcg of 295

3/4 – severe cramping and contraction like pain

3/6 – bloodwork beta hcg of 535; doctor thought maybe this is a viable pregnancy

3/8 - ultrasound showed early gestational sac (empty). Doctor does not know if it is an ectopic, miscarriage (incomplete) or a normal pregnancy

Doctor suggested we scan again on the 22nd to see if any progress was made in the sac.

3/11 - began bleeding again, no clots just bright red. Still bleeding right now. :frowning:

I would love to hear thoughts and opinions as this wait is torture.

Thanks in advance!

Natalie

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Dear Natalie219,

Apologies as I am not medically trained so cannot give you specific advice on your situation and queries. I can however advise what is usual practice in the UK,

As your last scan showed a small gestation sac without a yolk sac or embryo, this is known as a Pregnancy of Unknown Location or PUL. This is not a diagnosis but a label until the final location can be identified with certainty. I cannot be sure, but it could be the case that it may be too early to see a pregnancy on the scan and this is why your medical professional has advised a repeat scan.

If scans are inconclusive, doctors would carry out a series of blood tests to check hCG levels to see if the numbers are rising as expected. However, in isolation, hCG tests only provide a part of the picture - declining levels indicate that a pregnancy has ended and will be miscarried. It can also possibly indicate an ectopic pregnancy that is “self-resolving”. Also hCG levels rising by less than 66% over 48 hours means it is likely (but not certain) that it is ectopic. If levels rise normally, they suggest the pregnancy is implanted in the uterus. You may see from this that hCG levels only indicate certain possibilities and are not in themselves a definitive guide. A positive identification of an implanted embryo on a scan is usually needed before a final diagnosis/certainty that the pregnancy has implanted in the uterus. This is possibly the reason why your doctors are waiting until your appointment to carry out scans and tests.

Having said this, if you feel pain which seems unusual and is concerning you and, in particular, if you experience any further bleeding or spotting, it is better to get checked out to be on the safe side. Visiting the hospital would give you peace of mind and they would be able to check your symptoms and assist you.

I remember the agonising wait for scans and definitive information, it is such a difficult time and you have a friend here who understands.

Sending much love and positive thoughts,

Karen x

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