Ectopic scar pregnancy.

Main Board
1

Hi,

I’m just looking for anyone else who has been through an ectopic scar pregnancy, I can’t find much about it as it’s so rare.

I have 4 children, first 2 vaginal births and last 2 emergency Caesarean. I had a natural miscarriage in November 2017 at 5 weeks and then fell pregnant again straight away, I was very nervous after just having had my first miscarriage. On Boxing Day I had a right red bleed after intercourse and had been having left and right ovary pains, the bleed soon stopped but I was spotting on and off. I was scared I was having another miscarriage and my GP referred me to the EPU on 29/12/2017 I was 5+2, i was told there were 2 sacs with yolks measuring right for dates but they were very low down and she thought I was miscarrying again and to come back in 1 week for a follow up scan. I went back on 5/1/2018, there were 2 heartbeats but I was told it looked like they had implanted in my Caesarean scar, after being scanned by different sonographers and a consultant who all agreed my images were sent off to a specialist hospital in London, who sadly confirmed my worst fears they were in my scar. I had to make the hardest decision of my life and sign that consent form, which I will never forgive myself for. I had a ultrasound guided D&C that evening. I feel very up and down and for the first time in my life I’m trying to block it all out as it just hurts too much. I’m usually very good at dealing with things and taking to those around me. The consultant said I can’t TTC again for 12 months. I’m not sure why it’s so long as I’ve read 3 months or 2 cycles in other places.

Thank you for reading. X

2

Dear Brokenpea2018,

I am so sorry to hear of your ectopic pregnancy and losses.

When we experience ectopic pregnancy we are suddenly faced with a life threatening emergency and it’s treatment, reduction in fertility, concerns about the future and the loss of our babies. Experiencing any one of these is an ordeal, putting them together is immense and your feelings are completely normal.

You are right in that caesarean section scar tissue ectopic pregnancies are rare with less than 1% are within a Caesarean section scar on the uterus and I am so sorry that you have had to go through this.

As a gentle reminder regarding conceiving again, we and many medical professionals advise waiting for two menstrual cycles. It is important to allow time for your body to recover and emotions to surface and be worked through. This is so that you have some comfort that your body is returning to its natural rhythm and you have a last menstrual period date from which to date a new pregnancy - key information in checking you are not suffering from an ectopic pregnancy in the future. The first bleed soon after surgery for ectopic pregnancy is not classed as a period as it is the body’s response to falling hormone levels. As your consultant has said to wait a year, I would contact them again to check exactly why you have been asked to wait a year. Sadly I am not medically trained and without access to your medical notes, I would not like to advise against medical advice.

There is no time frame for how long it takes us to heal emotionally and it is completely normal to feel anxious about the future. We will never forget our pregnancy or babies but we can learn to accept what has happened and crucially understand that it wasn’t our fault.

Sending much love and warm hugs,

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

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.