Scan tomorrow; 4.5 weeks

[cossmoss]

I had a pregnancy of unknown location earlier this year, and am pregnant again. Last time the EPU said if I got pregnant again to ask to be referred for an early scan, so I spoke to GP today, imagining they'd book me in for a couple of weeks time but I've got an appointment tomorrow - will be 4.5 weeks or thereabouts. I know it is very unlikely that they'll be able to see anything but I guess it will just to be make sure it's not another PUL/ectopic - can they tell at this stage?
Any advice/ experiences as to what would be positive signs that can be gleaned from such an early scan?

Hoping they'll do blood tests as well...

I didn't think they could see anything on a scan earlier than six weeks to be honest

It's very very possible it will be another PUL simply because it's too early... if hcg is less than 1000/1500 nothing can be seen, even if it's an intrauterine pregnancy and progressing as a viable pregnancy.

I had an early scan at EPU at 5 weeks, could see sac and yolk in the right place which was reassuring. Went back 2 weeks later for a repeat scan where we saw baby with a heartbeat. So I suppose they might be able to see the sac and where it is at this point, but don't be disappointed/worried if they can't. Everyone's different. Then they will likely get you back in a few weeks later. Good luck

I had a PUL in 2019 (resulting in miscarriage) and my current pregnancy was also put down as PUL as nothing could be seen when they scan red me at 5+3...I'm now 35 weeks pregnant xx

I had an early scan at 4 weeks 5 days due to previous ectopic. They saw the sac so it was re assuring that the pregnancy was in the right place! I went back two weeks later for a viability scan.

They won't be able to see much and won't be able to tell you if the pregnancy is viable but it will give you peace of mind for sure

Thank you everybody for really useful responses.
Good to know what (not) to expect at this stage!

Just a wee update: as expected they couldn't see anything apart from thickened womb lining and were surprised that the GP had referred at this stage. HCG is 57 and they've booked me in again for a 48 hr blood test. Fingers crossed it doubles.
Thanks for helping me to manage expectations today!

@cossmoss

Just a wee update: as expected they couldn't see anything apart from thickened womb lining and were surprised that the GP had referred at this stage. HCG is 57 and they've booked me in again for a 48 hr blood test. Fingers crossed it doubles. Thanks for helping me to manage expectations today!

Good they are doing bloods as that gives a really good indication of how the pregnancy is progressing 😊 Once it hits a certain number they can get you back in for a scan x

Yes, I'm glad they did bloods too HCG is at 57 which sounds low to me but is within the normal range for this stage apparently?

@cossmoss yeah it's such a wide range!! This table shows just how much 😂

It is a huge range! Crazy how much variation there is between people.

@cossmoss I had an early scan with with my Second child and they couldn’t see anything like you just a thickening of the lining- my hcg levels were 77 at 5 weeks, I was convinced they were too low at the time (this was a few years ago) but they doubled like they should and they reassured me that it was the doubling that mattered :) I hope everything goes well for you x

Oh, thank you. That is so good to know! 🙂

I'm feeling a bit rubbish today as I had some bright red bleeding this morning. Really hoping that it's just from the scan yesterday as I have a cervical ectropion and often get spotting from smears/sex etc. It makes things very confusing!

Cramping and more blood, not heavy but doesn't look good :(

@cossmoss Can you call the EPU and see what the advise. They might not be able to much due to how early on you are and the previous scan only showing a thickening lining. Did they re take your bloods?

I'm sorry you are in the unknown. It's honestly the worst not knowing what is happening but although it's not normal it's not uncommon for women to bleed.

Try rest up and get a decent sleep and speak to EPU in the morning xx

Thank you xx I've got an early appointment with them tomorrow for repeat bloods to see if HCG has doubled. So I'll see what they say. Yes, it's just the not knowing that's the worst.

HCG has gone right done, so another miscarriage. Very frustrating! But on the bright side definitely not another ectopic.

Really sorry to hear that, OP. I hope the next few days are as well as they can be and fingers crossed for the future.

Thank you 💙
Will keep trying.

So sorry OP x

So sorry OP

Thank you @WJK00 and @Ribrabrob

Does anyone know, would this be classed as a chemical pregnancy?
Is a thickened womb lining normal even if there hasn't been any implantation?

It would be yes, a chemical can describe any misscarriage before week 5. Wishing you all the best x

Thank you xx

Had the most horrendous pain last night as bleeding started properly, curled up on the bathroom floor, screaming type pain. Was quite shocked as thought at this stage it would just be heavy period pains (as the PUL was). Hopefully that was the worst of it.