What is PUL?
The term “pregnancy of unknown” or “PUL” is when you have a positive urine or blood pregnancy test, and the pregnancy cannot be seen on ultrasound. When you have a PUL, we must find where it is and if it will grow safely.
Why we cannot see it on ultrasound?
- It is too early for us to see.
- A person is having a miscarriage.
- There is an ectopic pregnancy.
What is an ectopic pregnancy?
It is a pregnancy that has started outside the uterus.
- This can be life threatening.
- It is always abnormal.
- You will need close follow up with:
- Ultrasounds
- Blood work
- Visits with your care team
Ectopic pregnancies happen most often inside the fallopian tube. It can also be called a “tubal pregnancy.”
Other places they can be found are:
- The cervix
- A C-section scar
- An ovary
- The abdomen
2 out of 100 pregnancies will be outside of the uterus.
Why the pregnancy cannot carry on
- They can be life threatening.
- Cannot be a viable pregnancy
- Cannot be moved to the uterus
When found early, some can be treated with a medicine called methotrexate. You may need a minor surgery to remove the pregnancy or your fallopian tube.
Caring for yourself at home
Until we can find the pregnancy, you should:
- Get pelvic rest (Do not douche, use tampons, or have sex).
- Not take ibuprofen, Motrin®, aspirin, or other NSAID medicines.
- Take acetaminophen (Tylenol®) as needed.
- Drink lots of water.
- Take your medicine unless told by your care team.
Call right away if you have:
- Heavy vaginal bleeding (soaking through a pad in less than 1 hour)
- Abdominal pain that is severe or gets worse
- Lightheadedness or fainting
- Do not wait until the clinic is open if after hours or on the weekend
- Be seen in your local emergency room
Follow-up
You may need:
- A blood test. This test is known as a serum beta human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG). It may be called a q
- Return to get your second HCG 48 hours from now.
- Your HCG level should go up by about 66% in that time if:
- the pregnancy is normal
- it is growing in your uterus
- An ultrasound in 7 to14 days
Call:
The Women’s Health Clinic at 1-319-356-2294 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
For urgent questions or concerns
- Call the Hospital Operator at 1-319-356-1616 on nights, weekends, and holidays
- Ask for the gynecology resident on call.
Toll-free at 1-800-777-8442, 24 hours a day
- Ask for the gynecology resident on call.
Send a MyChart message for non-urgent questions or concerns.