Exercise during expectant management

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1

Hi everyone

I was diagnosed with an ectopic pregnancy on Tuesday after 10 days of intermittent bleeding and 6 days after first thinking I was having an early miscarriage.

My hormone levels have now stopped increasing (were going up very slowly before) so the hospital have recommended I don’t need any treatment yet and are hoping that my levels will start to decrease by my next appointment on Monday.

I feel a bit lost now on how to carry on living life normally while I’m waiting for them to drop. I’ve seen minimal advice on whether you can exercise while you have an ectopic pregnancy - I can only see guidance if you’ve had surgery or methotrexate but not if you’re following expectant management. I usually run 2-3 times a week and like leading an active lifestyle with yoga and weight lifting too, and find that being active really supports my mental health, so the idea that I can’t exercise for a few months makes me feel quite anxious and almost claustrophobic. Is anyone aware of any advice on this on what is or isn’t safe at this point? I had been exercising until I was diagnosed on Tuesday but now unsure what to do.

Thanks

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Hi thisgirlcan111,

I am so sorry to hear you are experiencing this ectopic pregnancy and loss. I know this can be a confusing time and will do my best to answer your questions.

In regards to exercise, the Trust suggests that you do not undertake any strenuous exercise or lift heavy weights while hCG levels are dropping. It is important to take things gently in the first few days after your diagnosis until it can be established that the hCG levels are dropping on their own.

There is additional guidance on expectant management here: https://ectopic.org.uk/treating-an-ecto … management

We know it can be desirable to resume our regular activities, but it is very important to look after yourself during this early period. You may want to supplement your exercise will less intense activities, but that also supports your mental health.

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

With good wishes,

Michele

The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust

Registered Charity Number: 1071811

The EPT is awarded the PIF TICK as a Trusted Information Creator, the UK-wide quality mark for healthcare information

If the information provided here or through the EPT website has helped you, you can donate towards our support services, volunteer, or fundraise to raise awareness.

Further information is available on our website.

Email us: ept@ectopic.org.uk

We provide a call-back support line: 020 7733 2653. We are able to provide support in multiple languages including British Sign Language.

Take a look at our newsletters and subscribe to our mailing list.

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 Michele,

Thanks for responding so quickly.

Do you think yoga would be safe in that case? And understand the advice that the first few days to take it easy but if my levels do start to drop steadily next week, would it be safe to start running again then? I just don’t want to feel like my regular life is on hold while I’m waiting for this to be over as I think it makes it harder to process.

I’m also supposed to be going away next weekend and wondered what the advice is regarding travelling? I’m just going to visit a friend in Europe and wouldn’t miss any blood tests but I would be leaving the country- do you know is this is not recommended?

Thank you

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Are you being seen through the early pregnancy unit or gynaecology?

Each hospital or consultant may have their own recommendations specific to your circumstances.

My experience both times is that they’re actually really helpful and always at the end of the phone for questions during treatment. They will be able to advise for sure and they should have given you a number to call at any time with worries or concerns.

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I’m being seen by the early pregnancy unit. They are helpful with answering questions when I’m there but I often think of lots of questions when I’m at home rather than just during my appointments (which are just blood tests so very quick).

I don’t have a number I can call- I’ve just been told to go to A&E if I have any pain or other more serious symptoms, definitely no one to speak to with questions like this.

6

Yoga might be good, especially since it will help with calming. Listen to your body if you experience any pain.

If you drink green tea at all it can help lower levels faster. I had surgery so I didn’t need to do it but I’ve read of women using it to help pull the levels down faster so they can get out of waiting.

7

Hi thisgirlcan,

I just wanted to check-in and see how you are getting on. As I’m not medically qualified, I can’t answer to your specific situation. However, I would definitely encourage you to check in with your GPs or Doctors on the yoga and travel options. It is likely their answers will be determined by your HCG levels and if they’ve decreased.

With very good wishes,

Michele

The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust

Registered Charity Number: 1071811

The EPT is awarded the PIF TICK as a Trusted Information Creator, the UK-wide quality mark for healthcare information

If the information provided here or through the EPT website has helped you, you can donate towards our support services, volunteer, or fundraise to raise awareness.

Further information is available on our website.

Email us: ept@ectopic.org.uk

We provide a call-back support line: 020 7733 2653. We are able to provide support in multiple languages including British Sign Language.

Take a look at our newsletters and subscribe to our mailing list.

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