Hi all
I’ve just gotten out of hospital having been diagnosed and treated for a caesarean scar ectopic and I wanted to see if anyone else has experienced this? I had normal rising Hcg but persistent bleeding until 7 weeks where I was diagnosed.
I’ve just spent the past week in hospital where I did four rounds of methotrexate but my Hcg continued to double. They eventually decided we couldn’t wait any longer for the pregnancy to end medically so we had to do surgery where they warned me there was a high risk of hysterectomy as they tried to extract the sac from the scar tissue.
Anyway the surgery went well and my uterus wasn’t ruptured so now I am home and trying to come to terms with what’s happened as we waited for so long for this pregnancy. We wanted this baby so badly and to have to go to such an ordeal to end it was extremely traumatic.
My question is how long is the best time to wait for the body physically get pregnant again? We have to wait for six weeks post op to start counselling and I’m a mess wondering if this is now months or years away from trying again. Does anyone have any experience?
Thanks for listening.
Hi Firstecpreg,
I’m so sorry that you’ve suffered an ectopic pregnancy and loss. It can leave us with many questions and I’ll do my best to help.
Recovery from an ectopic pregnancy can take some time and is very individual. As much as I wish I could give you more certainty, as we are so unique, I am afraid there isn’t a timeframe as such. It’s important to remember that there is nothing you could have done to prevent the ectopic pregnancy. What I can say is that as the days and weeks pass, you will begin to feel more like yourself again and although the journey may be a bit of a shaky one - some days will be ok, some not so ok - please do be kind to yourself and allow yourself all the time and space that you need to heal.
In regards to trying to conceive, the Trust advises couples to wait at least two full menstrual cycles or three months before trying to conceive again. This is to allow time for your body to heal and emotions to surface and be worked through. However, you can start taking folic acid now. It is recommended to take folic acid for at least 12 weeks prior to conception. We specify this timeframe following MTX treatment because of the way the drug works. It is a folate antagonist and levels could be affected because of the way MTX works.
If a woman doesn’t take folic acid supplement for 12 weeks after MTX, it could affect the development of the embryo. However, it is important to be emotionally ready to TTC and this can take additional time.
You’ve been through an emotional and physical trauma and are still in the early days. It’s very important to look after yourself right now and to allow your body to heal. You might also consider requesting a six week follow post-op follow up to ask your healthcare professionals any specifics about your care. These boards are a safe space for you to share, ask questions or just to vent and we are here as long as you need.
With good wishes,
Michele
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Hi Michelle
Thank you so much for your kind words. My heart continues to break but I know it all takes time.
I’m hoping there is a happier healthier pregnancy in my future. I’m on weekly checkups post op but they just keep saying there is no protocol for the expected recovery as it’s all too rare. I just wish for some certainty but think I need to make peace with the fact that I won’t have any and only time will tell.
Thank you again