Does Ectopic pregnancies show with normal tests?

[Lexy1982]

I am trying for a baby and I am currently on the 38th day in my cycle. I havent done apregnancy test yet as my cycle is so up and down and never exact. Ive had quite bad low abdominal and back pain for the past week now and I was wondering if i did a test would it show up I was pregnant even if it was an ectopic pregnancy? I am taking antibiotics for a water infection and have been for 3 days now but the pain isnt getting any better. My friend recently had an ectopic pregnancy and was sent home from her doctors with antibiotics for a water infection. Then a few weeks later she was rushed into hospital where it wasnt picked up soon enough. I am worried that this could be the same case for me. I keep feeling quite light headed and dizzy and a bit sick too.
Also, Are the pains really bad when you have an ectopic pregancy? Do you get pains in your back?

[redcrx]

by the 38th day of your cycle a pregnancy should show up on a test. An ectopic pregnancy produces the same hormones in your body, which is what a test shows up.
tests arent very expensive so its worth taking one for peace of mind.
Ectopic pregnancies are not very common and so please try not to worry following your friends experience. A normal pregnancy can cause aches and pains in the abdomen and back too purely because the body is getting ready for pregnancy.

[Eve]

Hi, I answered your Q in health and fitness the other day though as if you were pregnant.

http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Body-and-Soul/H ealth-and-Fitness/Question364740.html

It depends on, if you are pregnant, how pregnant you are, as to whether a test will show up the pregnancy hormone. When was your last period?

An ectopic pregnancy may alter pregnancy tests results, a blood test can give a positive result whereas a urine test may only be weakly positive. If done by a doctor the levels of the hormones picked up can be checked and interpreted.

Probably the best way is to express your concerns to your doctor, telling him you are trying for a baby and there is a chance you could be pregnant, and ask them to test you by either a water or blood test and do any other relevant tests.

If you're concerned you're not getting the right help from your doctor then go to your local casualty unit where they will do the relevant water test and bloods if they feel necessary and should have a gynae specialist on call who can come and examine you. They can pick things up such as your uterus being smaller than it should be and any swelling on your ovaries.

The pains and other symptoms with the limited info we have could be due to pregnancy, be it normal or ectopic and/or the water infection so best to get the relevant medical help and advice asap.

I hope you get the help you need xxx

[barb1314]

Hiya Lexy,I had an ectopic pregnancy almost exactly a year ago and had NO SERIOUS pain at all and a positive pregnancy test.The only symptoms I had were a late period (a few days) a brown watery discharge (sorry if tmi) and pains in my shoulder(this is very common) the only pain I had was what they call rectal pressure,a kind of shooting pain.I was 6 weeks pregnant and had been trying for a baby for 15 years and never even realised.I diagnosed myself from the net and went and told the doctor.I was sent to casualty and then sent home,mind you I was stubborn (they wanted to admit me) After 10 days of hormone monitoring at the EPU I was sent for a vaginal ultrasound and in surgery 3 hours later.My ectopic was in my left tube.
If you are at all worried go to the EPU at your local hospital,I think you may need referral from your dr.It's a dangerous condition so just look after yourself.Take care Lexy...and I really hope everything is ok.

[redcrx]

Lexy,
Ive just seen your question on pregnancy about kidney infections when pregnant.

I cannot stress enough how important it is to find out if you are actually pregnant before you worry about affects from kidney infections, ectopics and the like. The fact that your friend suffered recently may have put such thoughts deep into your mind and got you worrying but really you need to establish facts first.

[yolande]

It sounds like you should check if you have a kidney infection as I have had this and it kills in your lower back. I would advise going to the docs and getting them to check you out.

[sair5412]

First of all, you need to do one or 2 pregnany tests. First thing in the morning is supposed to be best but I think lot's of them are much more sensitive these days anyway. Sometimes the tests can show up negative (if an ectopic is present or due to very early pregnancy) and sometimes positive even if it is ectopic. So i wouldn't rely on the test alone if you don't feel well.

I had an ectopic pregnancy in 2001. I agree with everything Barb has said. Go to your EPU if in ANY doubt. I had no shoulder pain but i had a very sensitive tummy (even to touch the skin), i had bleeding like a normal period and I had the sharp rectal pain when sitting down/standing up. Everyone's symptoms are not identical. Only you know if you don't feel right. I would urge you to get it checked out if only for your peice of mind. It can't do any harm to go.

You will most probably be fine as ectopics only occur in something like 98% of pregnancies. And, if it is an ectopic, the earlier you get it sorted the better. I was lucky because my doctor sent me straight to hospital even though she only had a positive pregnancy test, bleeding and stomach pains to go off.

I used to visit this site which i found helped, www.ectopic.org.uk
They also have a helpline number which you can ring and speak to others who have had an ectopic and will advise you on what they think you should do.

Good luck, everything will be fine I'm sure.

xx

[Lexy1982]

Ive done a pregnancy test now and it was negative! so what can it be? Ive got a pain going up my right arm aswell now.
I also had a misscarraige in July last year.

[redcrx]

lexy, get an appointment with your GP and ask them. No-one on AB can diagnose but if you give your GP all the facts they can run further tests

[sair5412]

Lexy, get an emergency appointment at your docs honey. You really must. But, please don't panic, stay calm and you will be fine whatever happens. But you mustn't ignore this. GO NOW. **hugs**

[winny]

Hi lexy I really think you should see the doc soon. Although we here on AB are all very helpful ectopic pregnancies are rare but they have to happen to someone and can be dangerous. Water infections are as common as muck and happen to most of us. Only the doc can tell you and he can only help if you go see him and tell him the whole story. Barb is right about the daily hormone blood monitering that is exactly what they did to my sister. You cant have this done unless you GO. If we dont hear back that you have been we will all be cross. Lots of love Winny.

[barb1314]

Hiya Lexy,Just wondering how you are and if you have been to see the doctor? Hoping it was all a false alarm and you just have a kidney infection (I wouldn't wish an ectopic pregnancy on anyone) Let us know? Love Barbara x