Rising HCG, ectopic

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Hi everyone,

I would just like to share my experience of my ectopic pregnancy- I am 3 weeks laparoscopy, and left tube removal . I found out I was pregnant the 4th July following what I thought was my period (5 days early) but I continued to have some spotting, only when I wiped and bellyache so luckily I did multiple pregnancy tests which all came back positive. I rang the early pregnancy unit local to where I live, as with the spotting and pain I had a feeling something just wasn’t right. I had my hormones levels checked which would have been 5 weeks since my previous proper period and they were 2600- a scan revealed pregnancy of unknown location, two days later my hormones had increased to 7200 (5 week, 2 days) then three days later when I was scanned and the pregnancy seen in my tube my hormones were 18,500- the doctors and nurses seemed puzzled/shocked that they had been increasing like a normal pregnancy, the doctor saying he expected them to be 9,000 & I was scanned again before having surgery.

This is my first pregnancy, me and my partner had been TTC for only two months so we was so happy and excited to now feel shocked, upset, anxious about the future what if we was to get pregnant again and not get scanned until 6 weeks like they usually do post-ectopic if my hormones were to increase like that again, the only treatment would be to take my one remaining tube. Physically and emotionally it is such a challenging time, at times I have felt very bitter- which isn’t like me at all. Reading positive stories on here of couples going on to have successful pregnancies following surgery are keeping me hopeful, although we will definitely wait the recommended 2 periods/3 months before we try again for our little rainbow baby.

Best wishes everyone x

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Dear Tara2,

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

When we experience ectopic pregnancy we are suddenly faced with a life threatening emergency and it’s treatment, reduction in fertility, concerns about the future and the loss of our babies. Experiencing any one of these is an ordeal, putting them together is immense and your feelings are completely normal.

It is normal to feel anxious about the future. We generally feel a mix of emotions from wanting to try again to being petrified of what may lie ahead. We never forget, but we learn to accept what happened. It is a slow process that might be weeks or months ahead.

In time, we can get to a place where we feel comfortable trying again. When this is, is individual for each person. There is no timeframe for recovery, take each day as it comes.

Importantly early scans avail. As soon as you know you are pregnant, contact your local EPU to inform them and book in for an early scan at around six weeks. Remind them of your previous ectopic pregnancy. This self refer route is the best route in our view. Hopefully you will have some comfort to know you are under the radar of medical professionals right away. As you have mentioned, this can feel like a long wait but this is so there is a reasonable chance of seeing an embryo at this stage.

Sadly now we are more aware of the symptoms of ectopic pregnancy and if you experience pain or bleeding or feel dizzy and unwell to seek urgent medical attention

We are here too. TTC is an emotional rollercoaster compounded by our sad loss. You are not alone, we here emotional support whenever you need us and there is a specific Preparing for your next pregnancy board can look at too whenever feel ready.

Sending much love and warm hugs,

Karen x

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Thank you very much for your reply Karen, it’s reassuring to speak to women who have unfortunately experienced this awful, uncertain time.

What really scares me for the future is EPU will scan us from 6 weeks but at 5 weeks 2 my hormones was 7200 and at 5,5 my hormones was 18,500 so far too late to be able to have Methatrexate, really want to protect my remaining tube .

Thanks again Karen

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Hi there,

I had exactly the same in January this year. Thought my bleeding was my period but it was far too light and long so took a test and it was positive. I also had tummy pain and blood when I wiped. Went to the EPU which prompted a scan but they couldn’t see anything (I was 5 weeks at this point). Had my bloods done and went from 831 to 1703 in hours. After that I was booked in for another scan but the nurse said it should be fine as my levels were rising as they should. 5 days later my bloods were over 8000. The scariest thing was that my bloods were rising normally which the doctors said was quite uncommon.

We started trying again after 2 cycles and that was 6 months ago now. We never struggled to fall pregnant before so this is very hard for me to deal with atm.

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Hi Carlene,

Yeah sounds very similar to me as they said pregnancy of unknown location firstly when HCG was 2600, then could be seen in the tube at 18,500 but with the hormones increasing the consultant was still puzzled as she said , makes it scary when they’re saying they’re puzzled and intrigued !

How long did it take you to conceive firstly if you don’t mind me asking ? Have you been using ovulation strips or anything? We cannot try yet but that’s also an anxiety of mine as we got pregnant after 2 Months with the ectopic pregnancy. Is that your first child also?

Fingers crossed and praying you you shall soon see the two lines! Hope you’ve had a good recovery also x