Concerned

Main Board
1

Hi,

I had an ectopic pregnancy in April this year. I had positive home pregnancy tests across 2 months, with a bleed in the middle so at first I thought I was pregnant but had an early miscarriage, so the next time I got the positive I got really excited, downloaded all the baby apps, worked out a due date… Because of the previous positive and bleed I had two blood tests at GP and I was told over the phone it looked like I’d miscarried and numbers were just ging to drop off. I took another test and it still said positive so was referred to epau. After a couple of scans and repeat low-rising hcg it was assumed ectopic with unknown location. I was hoping for surgery because I was so desperate to start again, but because it was unknown where it was I had to have methotrexate. My coping mechanism was to focus on getting to the point of being able to try again and I got fixated on the countdown. I got folic acid for when I hit zero and worked out 100 days from then. That would have been the 5th of August but my partner and I were going through major work stress so we tried a month later. I think I ovulated on 10th September and took a test on the 19th as I had started feeling a mixture of excitement and panic. It showed positive and now I’m feeling completely panicked and guilty, when I thought I’d be excited. The main reasons besides worrying it could happen again, is that I tested too early so I know it could not work out and also I didnt take the folic acid regularly enough so I’m worried I’ve messed up and really guilty for not checking levels with gp first.

I’m now avoiding calling the doctor, not sure if I should wait anyway because I’m not even due till monday and could be false negative, not sure what to do (other than ramp up folic acid)

2

Hi ButterflyAnna,

I’m so sorry to hear all you have been through, and understand how this new pregnancy can be a worrying time. Many women have concerns over trying to conceive following an ectopic pregnancy, and it’s normal to have a mix of emotions from excitement to anxiety and worry.

You’ve been through so much in a short period of time, only six months. And it’s still so important to look after yourself physically and emotionally.

If you believe you are pregnant, you can call the EPU and schedule yourself for an early scan, which can be undertaken at six weeks. With your previous ectopic, you are able to self-refer yourself to your EPU. I know it that even waiting for the early scan can feel like a long time. Certainly, should you have any concerns do reach out to your GP, and they can advise you further on taking folic acid.

Please know we are here for you for as long as you need.

With good wishes,

Michele

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 http://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.

3

Hi Michelle,

Thank you so much for your reply. I rung the epau and if I get a positive again after I’m due then I’ll be booked in, so the next wait is just till Tuesday yo test again. I’ve also booked a GP phone appt just to check out the folic acid worries too.

Hoping it will all work out

Thank you x