Early Pregnancy Unit Follow Up

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Hi everyone

I’ve been told I will need to visit the EPU in a few weeks after my surgery for a follow up and to do a pregnancy test. Sorry if this is a stupid question but nobody really explained to me what this is for? The doctor said it is possible that I could still be pregnant and they may not have removed all of the pregnancy which is why you have to follow up? Should I be worried about this? I feel so anxious.

Thanks

Sarah.

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Dear Sarah,

I am so sorry to hear of your ectopic pregnancy and loss,

Different hospitals have different follow up procedures and it also depends upon the type of surgery you had.

If you had a salpingotomy (fallopian tube left in place), or if there was any doubt that all of the pregnancy tissue was removed, your doctors will usually test your hCG levels to ensure that they are dropping. In this instance, it may be necessary to check your blood hCG levels again after a week, and possibly beyond. If you had a salpingectomy (fallopian tube removed) no follow-up is needed although some hospitals ask you to return for an outpatient appointment about 6 weeks after surgery.

I hope this helps answer your question,

Sending much love,

Karen x

The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust

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