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Possibility of ectopic with negative hpt's

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Cedarwattle
Posts: 6
Joined: Tue Jun 23, 2020 2:11 am

Possibility of ectopic with negative hpt's

Post by Cedarwattle »

I just had my first cycle post tube removal. It was longer than my average so I think I ovulated late. I never got a positive hpt but possibly one very faint one early on, but it might have been a faulty test. With my last ectopic the bleed was within the time frame of a late period but I was getting strong positives. During this recent late period I thought I felt pregnant and took another test, it came back negative but there was the faintest line which disappeared before ten minutes. I'm having twinges and a little pain in the area of my previous ectopic but I know this is fairly normal after what my body has been through. I will be seeing my gp soon but while I wait, i am worried I'm having another one and it's just not showing on the tests? Is this possible?

EPT Host 22
Posts: 659
Joined: Fri Nov 20, 2015 10:26 am

Re: Possibility of ectopic with negative hpt's

Post by EPT Host 22 »

Hi Cedarwattle,

I'm so sorry to hear of your ectopic pregnancy and loss, and for this worrying time, you are going through. It's very encouraging that you will be seeing your GP shortly. As I'm not medically qualified, I cannot comment on your specific situation. Generally, the Trust and other medical professionals advise you wait for at least three months or two full menstrual cycles (periods) before trying to conceive for both physical and emotional reasons.

Physically, this timeframe is to allow your cycle to return and for there to be a clear Last Menstrual Period (LMP) date to be able to date a new pregnancy from. The LMP date is what is used to decide when to scan a pregnancy; information that is invaluable in ensuring you are not suffering from another ectopic pregnancy. The first proper period you have after an ectopic pregnancy is likely to be heavier than usual and the second more like your usual period. A normal period would suggest you are hormonally ready to be able to try to conceive. Having two periods can also give an idea of menstrual cycle length, which may be different for a few months after your ectopic before settling back into its usual rhythm.This wait allows the internal inflammation and bruising from the ectopic and any associated treatment to heal.

In addition to the physical aspects of ectopic pregnancy, many women also feel an intense emotional impact. Taking time before trying to conceive again enables the necessary process of grief to surface and be worked through. The emotional recovery that is often needed can be significant and many underestimate this aspect. Some studies suggest that women who conceive immediately after treatment for ectopic pregnancy are more at risk of suffering a subsequent ectopic and, as painful as it is to think about, the incidence of miscarriage (which is not linked to an ectopic pregnancy) is 1 in 5 pregnancies, so taking that extra bit of time enables you some emotional recovery to feel strong enough to face whatever is coming next should there be further bad news.

However, it is recommended to take folic acid for at least 12 weeks prior to conception.

We understand how nerve-wracking this all can be. We are here for you, for emotional support too, and these Boards are a safe space for you. We here for as long as you need.

With good wishes,


Michele

The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust
Registered Charity Number: 1071811
Ectopic pregnancy patient information suite: Highly Commended in the 2019 BMA Patient Information Awards

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