Advice please after positive test

Pregnant After Ectopic Pregnancy
1

Hi there,

I had a ruptured ectopic last June and had my left tube removed. I know that lots of the ladies on this forum can relate when I say it’s been a really tough year. I’m still having counselling and have really struggled with what happened.

Yesterday we finally had the positive pregnancy test we’ve both been waiting for. It’s super early and I’m so nervous and worried about whether the pregnancy will be ectopic again, or if I will miscarry as that’s so much more common.

I saw my GP today and spoke on the phone with the midwife and neither of them thought I’d need an early scan, even though after the ectopic happened I was told I’d need an early scan if we were ever lucky enough to conceive again. I’m not sure if I should push for an early scan or not? I am seeing the midwife at 8 weeks so that’s not until mid-November.

I am getting tiny twinges, almost like period pain cramps, I’m trying not to worry but it seems like that’s all I can do!!

Is this feeling normal? I want to enjoy this happy news but I can’t help fearing the worst.

Thank you for any advice.

x

2

Hi

Congrats on your news.

I guess you can request for an early scan but I was told they only do them at 7 weeks.

I had an ectopic last year and had methotrexate and after trying for a few months im pregnant again but It’s all the same pattern as my last ectopic I started bleeding thinking it’s my period only until it lasted longer than usual, I did pregnancy test and it was positive.

I rang EPAU who booked me in for scan in 2 weeks and said there isn’t anything else they can do for now and just said I need to rest and take it easy!!

I have a very strong feeling it’s an ectopic again but yet still trying to be positive but I’m finding it very difficult. I’m bleeding but it’s mostly pinky and watery and then sometimes it’s red and clotty I’m sorry for being too explicit but I need some advice :frowning:

It’s now been 8 days I’ve been bleeding and the wait is already killing me…

3

Dear Meg_89,

Whispered congratulations on your pregnancy,

After an ectopic pregnancy, finding we are pregnant again can be a mix of emotions and I can completely understand your feeling nervous. It is perfectly normal to feel scared after the ordeal you have endured. I also felt twinges and aches after my ectopic pregnancy, particularly when I next felt pregnant. My mind started racing and I was only really able to relax to some degree after my early scan. It is a nerve-wracking time and you have a friend here who understands how you are feeling.

Whilst I do not wish to alarm you, sadly I do have to remind you that if you experience any unusual bleeding, abdominal pain, shoulder tip pain, bladder or bowel problems or feel dizzy and unwell please seek urgent medical advice.

It is strongly advised to have an early scan around the 6week mark as there is a reasonable chance at six weeks of seeing an embryo around this stage.

UK NICE guidance and us at the Trust advise you 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.

NICE guidance.

Early pregnancy assessment services should accept self-referrals from women who have had recurrent miscarriage[2] or a previous ectopic or molar pregnancy. All other women with pain and/or bleeding should be assessed by a healthcare professional (such as a GP, accident and emergency [A&E] doctor, midwife or nurse) before referral to an early pregnancy assessment service.

https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/CG154/ … services-2

If you are unable to book via the self referrals route, please go back to your GP and request referral. Feel free to take the above information to show them the recommendations.

Sending much love and positive thoughts,

Karen x

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Further information is available at www.ectopic.org.uk

Email us at ept@ectopic.org.uk.

Our helpline is 020 7733 2653 (available Monday to Friday 10am - 4pm).

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.

4

Hi Karen,

Thank you so much for the reply. I will phone my local EPU on Monday and try to sort out a scan at 6 weeks. I’m trying my best to relax and not worry too much about the twinges. I really want to be able to enjoy this news and fingers crossed it will all be okay :slight_smile: x

To ‪Love20-9-16‬, I really hope your pregnancy isn’t ectopic, I’m thinking of you and hope you get some positive news x

5

Hi Meg

Thank you, I hope and pray the best for you too.

I went to see my GP yesterday who took me abit more seriously and rang EPU who called me in straight away, got my bloods done and due for scan and next lot of bloods on Monday so just hoping its good news but my gut feeling is it’s another ectopic :frowning:

6

Hi Meg

Just read your post and wondered how you got on as I’m now in a similar position?

I had a ruptured ectopic at 4.5 weeks and my left tube removed and am now 4 weeks pregnant again. They won’t see me until 8 weeks and I’m just extremely paranoid with every twinge of pain I get especially if it’s on my good side!! Xx

7

Hi MrsP87,

I’m now 18 weeks pregnant with everything going well so far :slight_smile:

I did get twinges in the beginning and my scar is sometimes sore and tender.

I have my 20 week scan soon. I am nervous but really excited.

I did go to A&E at 6 weeks because of the twinges and I just didn’t know what was normal after last time. I had an internal scan where they could tell me that the sac was definitely in the right place. They couldn’t tell anything else so had to wait for the 8 week appointment to get confirmation that there was a fetal heartbeat and that baby was doing well. If you’re very worried or have extreme pain then I would recommend going to the hospital, bearing in mind they won’t be able to tell much before 6 weeks on a scan.

Good luck with everything. I truly hope your journey is a smooth one. Enjoy it as much as you can :heart: