Hi, just a little brief about me- last year in oct I had a miscarriage- I started bleeding at 9 weeks to find at the scan, the baby stopped developing at 5 weeks- this was our first- 2 months later I had a positive test, I was trying to contain my excitement was so happy but yet anxious - spoke to my doc and and a week later I started bleeding, I was sent for an early scan and at the scan there was nothing to be seen, I had my bloods done and checked 2 days later my hcg levels were increasing, I began to bleed an assumed that I had miscarried but this wasn’t the case- my bloods kept increasing, I was told that it was a pregnancy of unknown location, this was New Year’s Eve. I had bloods taken again to see if my hcg levels were dropping but they weren’t so I was informed I would have to have the methotrexate injection, I was discharged 2 weeks ago- but I am a little confused and very anxious- do I wait 3 months from the injection or do I wait 12 weeks of taking folic acid ? Also will this happen again- looking at the stats I have had a miscarriage and an ectopic- does this mean it’s more likely to happen again ?
Dear wishingonastar,
I am so sorry to hear of your ectopic pregnancy and losses. To experience one loss is difficult, dealing with multiple losses is heartbreaking and my heart truly goes out to you.
If you have been discharged from monitoring as your hCG levels are back to pre-pregnancy levels. You can start taking daily folic acid now and continue for 12 weeks before trying to concieve.
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.
Early scans are important. As soon as you know you are pregnant, contact your local EPU to inform them and book in for an early scan at around six weeks. Remind them of your previous ectopic pregnancy. This self refer route is the best route in our view. Hopefully you will have some comfort to know you are under the radar of medical professionals right away.
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. There is a specific Preparing for your Next Pregnancy board you can look at too whenever feel ready.
Above all be kind to yourself and allow time to grieve and heal both physically and emotionally.
Sending much love,
Karen x
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Thank you for your kind words Karen, it helps to know that I have a 90% chance that I could have a normal pregnancy, I think I just keep thinking I had a miscarriage and ectopic so will this lower my chances again.
It’s the feeling of it may happen again that terrifies me. On the outside I’m putting on a brave face but on the inside I’m hurting- why have I got this “bad luck” my gp did do some routine blood tests which all came back fine. But I can’t have further testing due to 2 being very common which I didn’t know. Sorry I have all these questions going through my head.
Thank you for words
After a methotrexate injection, it's typically recommended to wait at least three months before trying to conceive again. This allows the medication to leave your system and minimizes potential risks to the developing fetus[url deleted per trust policy] It's important to follow your doctor's advice regarding the timing of trying to conceive and taking folic acid.Wishingonastar12:
Hi, just a little brief about me- last year in oct I had a miscarriage- I started bleeding at 9 weeks to find at the scan, the baby stopped developing at 5 weeks- this was our first- 2 months later I had a positive test, I was trying to contain my excitement was so happy but yet anxious - spoke to my doc and and a week later I started bleeding, I was sent for an early scan and at the scan there was nothing to be seen, I had my bloods done and checked 2 days later my hcg levels were increasing, I began to bleed an assumed that I had miscarried but this wasn’t the case- my bloods kept increasing, I was told that it was a pregnancy of unknown location, this was New Year’s Eve. I had bloods taken again to see if my hcg levels were dropping but they weren’t so I was informed I would have to have the methotrexate injection, I was discharged 2 weeks ago- but I am a little confused and very anxious- do I wait 3 months from the injection or do I wait 12 weeks of taking folic acid ? Also will this happen again- looking at the stats I have had a miscarriage and an ectopic- does this mean it’s more likely to happen again ?
Regarding the risk of future miscarriages or ectopic pregnancies, having experienced one of each does not necessarily mean it will happen again. However, it’s crucial to discuss your medical history and concerns with your healthcare provider. They can provide a more personalized assessment based on your specific situation, conduct relevant tests, and offer guidance on any necessary precautions or additional steps to take.