Dear Ezrasmama,
I am so sorry to hear of the worrying time you are going through.
Less than 1% of ectopic pregnancies are located in the caesarean scar, making them quite rare, which is why you are struggling to find information.
The treatment of caesarean scar pregnancies is potentially difficult so management has to be individualised on a ‘case by case’ basis. Despite appearing to increase in incidence, they are still relatively uncommon and so some hospital see very few of them. Accordingly, there are moves to focus care in these cases to regional units with experience of these problems both to optimise care and to collate information to make sure there is a better evidence base to inform treatment decisions in the future.
We have information on our website which I have copied for you here. Please be aware that this does talk about possible treatment options which may be difficult for you to read just now. Be kind to yourself, you can always come back to read this again, if needed.
Caesarean scar pregnancy
Caesarean scar ectopic pregnancies are when the fertilised egg implants into the gap in the muscle of the uterus caused by a previous Caesarean section. The pregnancy may then grow out of the uterus or onto the cervix and cause torrential internal or vaginal bleeding.
In some pregnancies the placenta develops so that only part of it is within the scar and these pregnancies may proceed to delivery of a live baby, but with risk of significant bleeding from the mother and hysterectomy at the time of delivery.
The treatment of caesarean scar pregnancies is potentially difficult so management has to be individualised on a ‘case by case’ basis.
Most Caesarean scar pregnancies can be treated by removing the pregnancy using suction. If the pregnancy cannot be reached using suction, then keyhole surgery, or methotrexate injection/s can be used.
Research indicates that this kind of ectopic pregnancy appears to be increasing, possibly due to the impact of elective caesarean section delivery which was much less common 10 years ago than today. However, despite appearing to increase in incidence, they are still relatively uncommon and so some hospitals see very few of them, which is why specialist advice is often sought.
Sending positive thoughts for a good outcome on your next scan, but we will be here for you for as long as you need.
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