Getting ready to try again

Preparing For Your Next Pregnancy
1

Hello everyone, I’m new to posting here and really just looking to talk to people who have gone through similar. my ectopic pregnancy was treated on the 25th November, hcg level returned to 0 mid December and I have been talking prenatal vitamins since. I have now had 2 periods, although they seem to be very irregular since my ep. I saw a doctor this week and had a blood test today to check that my folate levels are ok as we would like to start trying again soon since we are nearly past the 3 months following mtx treatment.

Really just wondering if anyone else had their folate checked, if it was OK and if you had any luck with trying again? TIA for any responses x

2

Hi hun… I had MTX in September and started trying again last month as was advised to wait 3 cycles… I didn’t have my folate checked but have been taking them since October… had no luck last cycle but hubby was away during prime time and only managed to do the deed after my ovulation day! This month we’ve been very active so hopefully have some luck! Lol :slight_smile: good luck!! X

3

Oooh best of luck to you. I hope you have better luck this month. I’m hoping that once I have my blood results back I’ll have a better idea of whether I’m on the right track to getting back to trying again. Waiting the 3 months recommended by my doctor (although one said up to 6 which was different to everything else I had been told). so hoping we have better luck this time around x

4

Dear SamPickles,

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

It is normal to feel anxious about the future. We experience a mix of emotions from wanting to try again to being petrified of what may lie ahead. We never forget but we can learn to accept what happened. It is a slow process that might be weeks or months ahead. In time, we can get to a place where we feel comfortable trying again. When this is, is individual for each person. There is no timeframe for recovery, take each day as it comes.

It is not common practice to have folate levels checked after methotraxate injection in the UK. We advise to wait until your hCG levels have fallen to below 5mIU/mL (your doctor will advise you when this is through blood tests) and then take a folic acid supplement for 12 weeks before you try to conceive.

Personally, I had methotraxate injection 7 years ago in June and conceived successfully in the January.

Studies suggest the chances of pregnancy are about same irrespective of type of treatment - Expectant management or medical management or surgery. The chances of a further ectopic after a first in UK is 10%. So that’s 90% chance of the embryo being in right place next time.

While generally it is possible to conceive after an ectopic pregnancy, the amount of time it takes varies from couple to couple. Factors include age, general health, reproductive health and how often you have sex, among other things. It may be comforting to know that 65% of women are successfully pregnant within 18 months of experiencing an ectopic pregnancy and some studies suggest this rises to around 85% after two years.

Making the decision to begin trying to conceive is an emotional rollercoaster compounded by our sad loss. Again, you are not alone. We here emotional support whenever you need us.

Sending much love,

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.

5

Hi, I am very sorry to hear about your loss. I had ectopic pregnancy in July 2017 and got treated with methotrexate injection. My consultant told us we could try again after 3 months but we are still very scared to try again.

I got my folate levels checked two weeks ago. My GP was very happy with my blood results. I have been taking pregnacare pre conception tablets since my levels hit 0 (end of August).

6

Hi, I have only just joined this evening. I suffered an ectopic pregnancy right after a miscarriage back in December 17. I have waited my 3 months as directed due to the methotrexate and we are starting to try again. I am petrified of this happening again, I have researched everywhere and asked many questions but as far as I can see there is nothing to tell me either way whether this will happen again, only that it is more likely. How do you cope emotionally with this? I managed to pick myself back up but in the past couple of days have been so tearful, am thinking its because Im starting it all over again and very nervous. Anyone with similar experience?

7

I also should have said I am trying via IUI at the London Women’s Clinic so only have one shot at this, I don’t want to not be ready. Has anyone had an ectopic via this type of treatment?