Dear Sav99,
Whispered congratulations on your pregnancy,
The problem with ectopic pregnancy is that the symptoms can be completely different for everyone. I never mind sharing my story, but my first pregnancy, I had a very dark line on my home pregnancy test and no symptoms until I started bleeding heavily with severe pain and was diagnosed with an ectopic. My second pregnancy, I had a very faint line and felt lots of twinges and was convinced I was having an ectopic but in fact it was a successful pregnancy.
After an ectopic pregnancy, finding we are pregnant again can be a mix of emotions and I can completely understand your feeling nervous. It is perfectly normal to feel scared after the ordeal you have endured. When I next fell pregnant, my mind started racing and I was only really able to relax to some degree after my early scan. It is a nerve-wracking time and you have friends here who understands how you are feeling.
It maybe comforting to know that 10% of pregnancies are ectopic The second time so that’s a 90% chance of it being in the right place this time.
Don’t forget to book in for your early pregnancy scan. Speaking from UK medical practice and standards, usually doctors carry out an internal transvaginal scan at around six weeks with subsequent pregnancies after an ectopic. This is because there is a reasonable chance of seeing an embryo around this six week mark.
We advise contacting your local EPU, reminding them of your ectopic pregnancy and booking an appointment. If you are unable to self refer, contact your GP who will be able to do this for you.
Whilst I do not wish to alarm you, I sadly have to remind you that if you experience any unusual bleeding, abdominal pain, shoulder tip pain, bladder or bowel problems or feel dizzy and unwell to seek urgent medical advice.
Sending much love and positive thoughts,
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.
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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