Scared I’m having another ectopic, but have negative tests

[Emsy]

Hi All

I’m looking for a little bit of advice please…

March 2021 I got a positive pregnancy test that unfortunately was found to be an ectopic pregnancy. I had some abnormal ‘brownish’ light bleeding and what I described as a ‘fluttering feeling’ in my left side. They found the pregnancy in my right Fallopian tube and I was rushed in for surgery and had the tube removed. They found endometriosis had left scarring in the tube but my left tube looked ok.

I am lucky enough to have found I was again pregnant two months later and I now have a beautiful 18 month old son - I hope this part gives some others some much needed hope after going through the horrific experience of an ectopic!

This month my period, which is normally like clockwork, is now 4 days late. Since I have a history of ectopic pregnancy I have been taking pregnancy tests since about 3 days before my period was due and all have been extremely negative - not even an inkling of a positive line. I know it’s rare to have a negative test with an ectopic, and I’m only 4 days late, but it can happen and I’m completely swamped with panic and anxiety that I could have another ectopic in my only remaining tube and it feels like a ticking timebomb. I’m worrying I can feel the same fluttery feeling but don’t know if this is just in my head.

I don’t know what to do. How long should I wait for my period before I speak to a GP and what should I even say? Am I worrying about nothing? I’m terrified I’m about to go through the same thing again but this time end up having no tubes, and a negative pregnancy test where my concerns won’t be taken seriously.

[MNT08]

Hello!!
Having gone through this and the stress and anxiety it brings with it if I were you I would make an appointment and get an ultrasound just to be safe. One thing I learned about having mine was to definitely listen to your body and dont be scared to feel like it's in your head or you're being a bother about your health. I had that same fluttering feeling on my left side as well and my ectopic was on the right. It was an odd feeling but instead of stressing out and worrying yourself you should go get checked out. It will put yourself at ease. Hope this helps?

[ChaoticBlues]

I would try not to worry. Ectopic Pregnancies are usually diagnosed 6 weeks onwards, prior to that it's too early to tell. I told the hospital I thought I had an ectopic when I was 5 and a half weeks and they sent me away and I was then diagnosed at 8 weeks.

I think the first thing is it's best to establish that you are pregnant first. Could call your GP for a blood HCG test.

If you are, are you based in the UK? If so you could call your local hospital and make an appointment with their Early Pregnancy unit, say you are self referring as you've had an history of ectopic pregnancies. They have to monitor you then and establish if your pregnancy is OK.

Hi All

I’m looking for a little bit of advice please…

March 2021 I got a positive pregnancy test that unfortunately was found to be an ectopic pregnancy. I had some abnormal ‘brownish’ light bleeding and what I described as a ‘fluttering feeling’ in my left side. They found the pregnancy in my right Fallopian tube and I was rushed in for surgery and had the tube removed. They found endometriosis had left scarring in the tube but my left tube looked ok.

I am lucky enough to have found I was again pregnant two months later and I now have a beautiful 18 month old son - I hope this part gives some others some much needed hope after going through the horrific experience of an ectopic!

This month my period, which is normally like clockwork, is now 4 days late. Since I have a history of ectopic pregnancy I have been taking pregnancy tests since about 3 days before my period was due and all have been extremely negative - not even an inkling of a positive line. I know it’s rare to have a negative test with an ectopic, and I’m only 4 days late, but it can happen and I’m completely swamped with panic and anxiety that I could have another ectopic in my only remaining tube and it feels like a ticking timebomb. I’m worrying I can feel the same fluttery feeling but don’t know if this is just in my head.

I don’t know what to do. How long should I wait for my period before I speak to a GP and what should I even say? Am I worrying about nothing? I’m terrified I’m about to go through the same thing again but this time end up having no tubes, and a negative pregnancy test where my concerns won’t be taken seriously.

[EPT Host 20]

Dear Emsy,
I am so sorry to hear of the worrying time you are going through,
Doctors normally consider menstrual cycles of between 23-42 days to be within normal parameters. As you have not had your expected period, we would advise retesting, using an early morning urine sample in a further week. As you have been TTC, while I do not want to alarm you, if you experience any pain or unusual bleeding, please do get medical attention as soon as you can.I

Sending much love,
Karen x

The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust
Registered Charity Number: 1071811
The EPT is awarded the PIF TICK as a Trusted Information Creator, the UK-wide quality mark for healthcare information
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