5 weeks today ❤️ Reassurance needed!

Pregnant After Ectopic Pregnancy
1

Hi,

Around 10 years ago I had an ectopic, attempted methotrexate that failed and ended up having. To have a tube removed. To be fair I was you g, at uni, not ready for a baby. Since Xmas me and my husband have been trying, got my positive test I’m 5 weeks today. Spoke to doctor who referred me to EPU but then I got a call to say because of covid they don’t scan routinely previous ectopics. So I would get a date through between 10-12 weeks for my first scan. Since then I don’t know if the pain I’m having is nerves or very mild period cramps - nothing like I normally experience. The EPU have now been closed over the weekend and bank holiday. It in planning on ringing tomorrow to hopefully even for a blood test for some kind of reassurance! Please everyone have good prayers and fingers crossed for me! :heart:

2

Aren’t EPUs work on a walk in basis? I would go in, if it’s an ectopic you could have trouble before 12 weeks… I suggest though to go in after you are over 6 weeks as they would be able to see better. I don’t think they would send you away once you are there. I hope all will be fine for you, I had three early scans in early 2020 as they wanted to make sure that everything is clear. To give you some reassurance, it is about 90% chance that this one is not an ectopic! I had my rainbow baby last October. All the best!

3

I have just found out im pregnant after eptopic back in December 2019 im terrified my epu have said im too have a scan next week at 6 weeks then go from there a week pretty much to wait just worry incase it happerns again

4

I have everything crossed for you it all turns out ok xxxx

5

According to the official guidelines you should be offered early scan at around 6 weeks when you have history of ectopic regardless whether you have suspicious symptoms or not. Maybe you can try to call EPU once again and insist on early appointment? Or if you can afford it, you can try private scan. You should be able to arrange an appointment quite soon and they are pretty good. Owing to the private scan my ectopic was diagnosed before it raptured. I was (un)lucky to have almost no symptoms of ectopic pregnancy except very mild spotting and initially EPU didn’t offer me an appointment.

6

Dear Becca,

Whispered congratulations on your pregnancy and you too Sarah.

NICE (National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence) set standards to which medical professionals and clinicians should be working too.

These standards state that…

“Advise the woman that she should inform her GP as soon a possible about any future pregnancy so that an ultrasound scan can be arranged at 6–7 weeks to establish the location and viability of the pregnancy”

The link to the standards is here-

https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/ectopic- … pregnancy/

I understand that we are in the midst of a global pandemic but the hospital should still be delivering basic care per NICE guidance. I would personally be calling the EPU and gently asking why they deem it is appropriate to deviate from NICE guidance and not provide potentially life saving screening. If you do not feel confident to do this, I would suggest speaking to your GP who should be able to do this on your behalf.

If the EPU refuse, you can always speak to the Patient Advice Liaison department (PALS) within your local hospital to raise your grievances and I would strongly advise contacting the EPU at even the slightest amount of discomfort. I am so sorry you are not getting the support you deserve right now, it is a nerve wracking time at the best of times.

Please contact us again, If you are continued to be denied basic care.

Sending much love,

Karen x

The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust

Registered Charity Number: 1071811

Ectopic pregnancy patient information suite: Highly Commended in the 2019 BMA Patient Information Awards

During the coronavirus outbreak, The EPT team is still working hard to provide crucial information and support to women and families experiencing ectopic pregnancy as quickly and efficiently as we can.

If we have been able to help you, are you able to help us with a small donation or by volunteering or fundraising?

Further information is available at ectopic.org.uk

Email us: ept@ectopic.org.uk

We provide a call-back helpline service: 020 7733 2653

Take a look at our newsletters and subscribe to our mailing list here: https://mailchi.mp/986bdd6091ee/ectopic-matters

Detailed medical information can be found on our website. Please remember online medical information is NO SUBSTITUTE for expert medical advice from your own health care team

7

I’ve also just been told the same thing due to covid. Said they can only offer a scan if you’re bleeding or severe pain.

Does anyone know if private places can do internal scans at 6 weeks?

8

I’ve managed to get one for next Wednesday, spoke to the doctor and he said you can self refer to the early pregnancy unit, I have been having mild cramps so just told them that and that I didn’t know what to do and they accepted to see me :woman_shrugging: Hope you manage to get seen!!

9

Thank you! Will try and call again. We should be offered it! Let me know how it goes. Sending lots of luck :two_hearts:

10

Lauraleelee, most of the private providers offer early 6 week scans. I had two private scans at 5 and 6 weeks before. But hopefully you’ll be able to book your scan via NHS.

11

I had my scan today, measuring 6 weeks 1 day, saw it’s little heart fluttering away, sending best wishes and hopes to everyone going through similar things… xxxx

12

Dear Beccaa,

This is such great news. Thank you for keeping us updated and taking the time to post to give hope to so many.

Ladies please do push for an BUS scan at your EPU. Again ask, why they are not following NICE guidance in providing potentially life saving screening. Covid should not be an excuse for the lack of scanning.

Sending much love,

Karen x

The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust

Registered Charity Number: 1071811

Ectopic pregnancy patient information suite: Highly Commended in the 2019 BMA Patient Information Awards

During the coronavirus outbreak, The EPT team is still working hard to provide crucial information and support to women and families experiencing ectopic pregnancy as quickly and efficiently as we can.

If we have been able to help you, are you able to help us with a small donation or by volunteering or fundraising?

Further information is available at ectopic.org.uk

Email us: ept@ectopic.org.uk

We provide a call-back helpline service: 020 7733 2653

Take a look at our newsletters and subscribe to our mailing list here: https://mailchi.mp/986bdd6091ee/ectopic-matters

Detailed medical information can be found on our website. Please remember online medical information is NO SUBSTITUTE for expert medical advice from your own health care team

13

Hey, I had an early scan at 5+3 and saw the yolk sac in the right place! So relieved x

14

Amazing!!! Congratulations! I wish seeing it made all the worry go away but I don’t think it ever will :joy::see_no_evil:

15

Dear Lauraleelee,

That is such great news. Thank you for posting to update us all.

Sending much love,

Karen x

The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust

Registered Charity Number: 1071811

Ectopic pregnancy patient information suite: Highly Commended in the 2019 BMA Patient Information Awards

During the coronavirus outbreak, The EPT team is still working hard to provide crucial information and support to women and families experiencing ectopic pregnancy as quickly and efficiently as we can.

If we have been able to help you, are you able to help us with a small donation or by volunteering or fundraising?

Further information is available at ectopic.org.uk

Email us: ept@ectopic.org.uk

We provide a call-back helpline service: 020 7733 2653

Take a look at our newsletters and subscribe to our mailing list here: https://mailchi.mp/986bdd6091ee/ectopic-matters

Detailed medical information can be found on our website. Please remember online medical information is NO SUBSTITUTE for expert medical advice from your own health care team