Anxiety after ectopic pregnancy

Hi all,

Has anyone suffered from anxiety since their ectopic?

I have been unable to sleep properly for a while but I’m starting to get really nervous over silly things… today was an ordinary day yet driving to work I’ve never felt so nervous and hot with panicking. I’ve felt awful all day and just really worried in general but no idea why. It’s getting a lot more frequent and I don’t know what the trigger is.

I don’t think it’s due to my ectopic a month and half ago or whether this is underlying but any advice would be appreciated. My boyfriend webt to see his works councillor and hes asked to see me too which i am absolutely dreading, could this be making it worse? xx

I have suffered with terrible anxiety since my ectopic. I was a bit of an anxious person beforehand but this has really made it unbearable.

I keep thinking I should go to the doctors but then I don’t want to be put on medication. I have tried to help it by going for some walks. I’ve been putting lavender oil on my pillow at night to try and help relax me.

I have found opening up to people about it all really helps put things in perspective xxx

Dear Lorna93,

The feelings you describe are very understandable. You have had so much to process in a very small timeframe - the ordeal of diagnosis, surgical treatment, losing a pregnancy and concerns about the future. Any one of these is hard to contend with and putting it all together is immense. After a frightening ordeal like ectopic pregnancy, some women find that they suffer from Post Traumatic Stress and symptoms can include anxiety and not being able to focus on everyday things like work. There are a number of avenues that you could look into to get the help that you need.

We at the Trust believe that talking through what happened and your emotions as and when you can helps the healing process. We operate a helpline service and there’s no pressure whatsoever but if you would ever like the opportunity to speak over the phone to someone who has been through a similar experience, do feel free to call, details are below. We can take things at your pace entirely and you are free to ask any questions that are on your mind. You can talk about the ordeal you have been through and express your feelings to vent and let off some steam. We can exchange emails too, if you prefer that route. We’ll simply be here for you, however you wish and for as long as you wish.

In addition, you can ask to see a GP at your practice and ask them to explore ways in which you can get help and this can include referrals for “talking therapies” or counselling. We have information on our website about finding counselling services.

The charity Mind may also be of assistance. They have local centres and support groups and can offer services on a means-tested basis or sometimes free. You can find your local centre following this link if that may be useful too: http://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/local-minds/

This information also applies to jennamarshall88,

Sending you both much love and warm hugs,

Karen x


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

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.


I’ve experienced anxiety since the surgery 3/4 weeks ago. In the first week or two post op I was having quite bad nightmares and was very worried about going back to work, although so far that hasn’t been as bad as I thought it would be. I also suffer from anxiety in general, so this experience hasn’t helped. I’ve found that telling my friends and family about what happened and being honest about how I feel has really helped me. I’ve taken up pilates to focus my mind and strengthen my body, I’ve only been twice so far but feel it’s helping reduce tension in my body. Don’t get me wrong, I have a long way to go, but I feel like things are going in the right direction. I really hope you start to feel better soon. x