Any scan/test needed before TTC?

Preparing For Your Next Pregnancy
1

Hello,

I had an ectopic pregnancy this past May and thankfully naturally resolved with expectant management. I had 8 days of bleeding since the day after my discharge and understood from the forum that it was my body adjusting to lower hormone. I am now having my first period, 5 weeks since I was discharged. I plan to wait for 2 cycles before trying again, as recommended. But I wonder whether there is any internal scan or test I should do before I try again, to make sure my tubes are ok and not blocked? I requested a re-scan the day I was discharged, but the nurse said the scan won’t be able to see my tube conditions. Any advice please?

Many thanks, Ling

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Dear Ling,

I am so sorry to hear of your ectopic pregnancy and loss,

To answer your question, women aren’t routinely offered scans prior to ttc following ectopic pregnancy. This is partly why we recommend waiting for two menstrual cycles to give your body time to recover.

If it’s something you wish to pursue, we have more information on our website here under testing

https://ectopic.org.uk/patients/trying-to-conceive/

It is normal to feel anxious about the future. We experience a mix of emotions from wanting to try again to being petrified of what may lie ahead. We never forget or experiences or babies, but we can learn to accept what happened. It is a slow process that might be weeks or months ahead. In time, we can get to a place where we feel comfortable trying again. When this is, is individual for each person. There is no timeframe for recovery, take each day as it comes.

Importantly early scans avail. 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

The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust

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