Conservative or expectant management experiences

Main Board
1

Hi my EP was confirmed last Wednesday- feels a lot longer than that!

Im lucky that it was found early - 6.5 weeks - is small - 22mm - and my hCG levels were low -c700.

So they are “treating” me by conservative or expectant management. Basically they do nothing and instead watch and wait for my body to sort itself out.

I have not found much information about what to expect while my hormones drop naturally. I’ve found Lots of info for women who’ve taken the injection but I’ve no idea if my experience will be similar or not.

I’ve been given a list of symptoms that I’m supposed to go straight to A&E for, however my doctor said the only two I really need to go for is fainting or shoulder tip pain.

My last blood test finally showed my hCG levels dropping so my next check up isn’t until Wednesday now.

However I feel exhausted all the time, am bleeding loads with clots with stomach cramps - all on the A&E list but my doctors don’t seem concerned so staying home.

Anyone else gone through this? How was it for you? How long did it last?

Any shared experiences gratefully received.

As a PS I’m 41 and this is my first EP after a miscarriage this time last year, although thankfully we already have an amazing daughter. I really feel for those of you going through this for your first child x

2

Dear Rahimi,

I am so sorry to hear of your ectopic pregnancy and loss, it can be a a very confusing time and I am sorry you are having to go through this.

We have more information on medical management of ectopic pregnancy on our website here.

https://www.ectopic.org.uk/patients/treatment/

This may be a little difficult to read, but may answer your questions about what to expect. When treating for ectopic pregnancy through expectant management, when the pregnancy is ended, the whole pregnancy sac including any cells that might have grown into a baby is usually reabsorbed by the body. This is normal and happens in many cases of miscarriage, this process can take weeks and sometimes months.

Sometimes the tissue can separate and be passed through the vaginal bleeding that occurs. The bleeding that follows an ectopic pregnancy can be very heavy and clotty and result in the passing of what we call a decidual cast. This decidual cast is the lining of the uterus when we are pregnant. The sudden drop in hormones can cause the material inside the uterus to be shed in layers and the material that is passed can be grey, pink or white as well as appear like a clot or dark or frank red blood. Women can often mistake it for the tissue of their baby which can cause worry but it is important to remember that it is a normal process for the uterus lining to be shed.

I know it can be a long drawn out process but it is less invasive than the injection or surgery.

You have had alot to process in a very short space of time, diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy, concerns about the future and the loss of your baby. Experiencing any one of these is an ordeal, putting them together is immense and your feelings of exhaustion are completely normal.

We are here for you for as long as you need,

Sending much love and warm hugs,

Karen x

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 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

Thanks - you’re right; hard to read but also good to know x

4

Thanks for creating this forum. I’ve also been struggling to find information on expectant management. I’ve had my final bloods taken this week and my hcg was at 5. I have a scan in 6 weeks time but until then I was wondering if I sound restart taking my pregnacare vitamins as we want to start trying again in 3 months. Also, when my period starts again, is it ok to start using tampons again?

5

Hi

So glad expectant management worked for you - unfortunately my tube ruptured so I had to have emergency surgery.

My doctor advised starting multi vitamins ASAP to help the healing and that using tampons would be ok for my second cycle - I think she said not for the first period but not sure sorry! I’ve read the recommendation is to wait at least one cycle if not two before trying again.

Hope this helps but suggest you speak to your doctor to get proper advice

Sending big hugs x