3 month wait after very quick expectant management?

CeriseC · 18 July 2024 13:37

Hi!

My ectopic pregnancy was discovered on 14th June, with hcg at 88. I was expectantly managed and it actually only took about 2 weeks for my hcg to drop to zero and I was very fortunate to not experience any pain or symptoms (It’s purely by chance/ovulation tracking that I even discovered I had an ectopic).

I had a ‘period’ a couple of weeks ago once my hcg hit zero, and actually weirdly didn’t miss a period during the pregnancy. Also had a follow up scan last week where the consultant confirmed there is nothing obvious left in my tube. She also confirmed that I was about to ovulate - All reassuring to hear as I’m aware that I’ve been one of the luckier ones to experience this.

My question is around the 3 month wait to conceive again. Whilst I understand this is recommended to give the body a chance to heal, I wondered if with my cycle resuming and given the small size and symptomless ectopic, could it be okay to try again sooner?

I’m actually not in a rush to conceive, but taking precautions NOT to seems counterintuitive when I feel okay to do so. I suppose I am more concerned about ‘accidents’ and how dangerous this could be?

Has anyone had a similar experience or conceived before the 3 month mark?

Thanks x

EPT_Host_22 · 19 July 2024 13:55

Hi CeriseC,

I’m so sorry that you’ve suffered an ectopic pregnancy and loss. It can leave us with many questions, and I’ll do my best to help.

Regarding trying to conceive, the Trust advises couples to wait at least two full menstrual cycles or three months before trying to conceive again. This is to allow time for your body to heal and emotions to surface and be worked through. However, you can start taking folic acid now. Folic acid should be taken at least 12 weeks before conception. 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.

As I’m not medically qualified, I can not advise on the decision to TTC before the 12-week timeframe. You may want to follow up with your medical team to be sure.

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 are here for as long as you need.

With good wishes,

Michele

The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust

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chloe_73 · 28 August 2024 20:21

Hello,

I had an ectopic discovered at 6 weeks, my HCG was already low at 125 and by 2 days later into expectant management it was already down to 16 and discharged.

I was advised I needed to wait 1 cycle before TTC again, I’m wondering why the discrepancy in the info we received. I also never received a scan to see if there was anything left in the tube?

EPT_Host_20 · 4 September 2024 20:34

Dear chloe,

I am so sorry to hear of your ectopic pregnancy loss.

Whilst there is no hard evidence to state how long we should wait before trying to conceive following expectant management, we and many medical professionals advise waiting for two menstrual cycles. It is important to allow time for your body to recover and emotions to surface and be worked through. This is so that you have some comfort that your body is returning to its natural rhythm and you have a last menstrual period date from which to date a new pregnancy - key information in checking you are not suffering from an ectopic pregnancy in the future. In the UK women and people aren’t routinely scanned following ectopic pregnancy so this time also allows time for any masses to be absorbed naturally by the body.

It is also important to have an early pregnancy scan with any future pregnancies. As soon as you know you are pregnant, contact your local EPU to inform them and book in for an early scan at around six weeks. Remind them of your previous ectopic pregnancy. This self refer route is the best route in our view. Hopefully you will have some comfort to know you are under the radar of medical professionals right away.

Sending much love,

Karen x