I’m one week on from being diagnosed with an ectopic at 7 weeks pregnant and having my right tube removed. I’m feeling pretty fragile still and emotionally up and down. I have a question about bleeding if anyone can assist please. My doctor told me I can expect to have a fairly heavy bleed and cramps after surgery as the lining of my womb comes away, and although I did have some bleeding it was not heavy and now has almost stopped. Did anyone else have minimal bleeding and can I therefore assume that my next bleed is my first menstrual cycle?
I am so sorry to hear of your ectopic pregnancy and loss,
To answer your question, the first bleed that occurs after treatment for ectopic pregnancy is not classed as a period. It is the body’s response to falling hormone levels because you are sadly no longer pregnant. The body expels the lining of the uterus that had built up in preparation for the pregnancy because it is no longer needed. This process involves vaginal bleeding - it can be clotty or like one of your usual periods and some women have bleeding/spotting for up to six weeks. I would not worry if it is lighter than expected.
Your periods can take a while to re-establish - they can re-start anything between two and ten weeks after surgery and most women find that their period arrives sometime around week six or seven after surgery.
The first period may be more painful or less so than usual, heavier or lighter, last for longer or shorter than usual – there really is no set pattern. You should be able to manage the discomfort with over-the-counter pain relief and should not be soaking a pad in less than an hour. If this is not the case, you should seek medical attention.
Sending much love,
Karen x
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