So I didn’t look pregnant, I was 12 weeks ectopic without knowing. I have been swollen around my hips since my ectopic rupture removal and had a haemotoma however that seems to have mostly if not all gone now. So why do I now look 6 months pregnant, is my body playing with me? I have literally woke with what looks like a baby belly I was this big at 8 months with my son. My stomach is hard and very much pertruding at the front, my breasts also appear to have come back despite 2 weeks ago looking empty. Did this happen to anyone else? I’m wondering if this is the new norm for my monthly as I’m yet to see that so far, but maybe it is imminent.
I think the hormones and everything from what we have been through sometimes take a while to settle down. I am only 4 days post surgery but after all the IVF drugs, pregnancy hormones, surgery and not being able to go about my normal routine, I hate how I look now too. I feel like a bloated sack but with absolutely nothing to show for it.
I don’t know but I am sure the changes aren’t permanent and that we’ll eventually be able to regain more control over our bodies again and feel better, I guess healing often just takes longer than we expect. Sending you lots of love xx
Dear Stacey louise88,
I am sorry to hear of your recent ectopic pregnancy, it can take some time for the body to fully recover after the trauma you have been through, especially as you also suffered from a haematoma following the surgery to remove your Fallopian tube. Please be gentle with yourself and give yourself the time you need to heal, your body has been through a demanding process and many people report side effects that can take some weeks and even months to subside.
I know it can feel very cruel and unfair to still look and feel pregnant after your loss. Some people report still feeling pregnant a few weeks after their treatment and this is due to the hormones still circulating in the body. These physicals sensations usually subside when the hCG in the body drops back to normal levels. Bloating is a common side effect following surgical treatment for an ectopic pregnancy, this is due to inflammation that should settle approximately within six weeks. If this continues for longer than this time period, it may be worth making an appointment with your GP, as it can be a sign of infection.
Our website has lots of detailed information regarding the physical recovery from an ectopic pregnancy you may find reassuring to read: https://ectopic.org.uk/physical-recovery/other-symptoms
I know you mentioned you are yet to have your first period, which usually occurs around six weeks after surgery for an ectopic pregnancy. Your first period may differ from what you consider normal: it may be heavier, longer, more painful, or even lighter and shorter, there is no normal here and each person reports this differently. Some also report sore breasts after their surgery as the hCG levels in the body drop and that this can continue in the lead up to their first period so depending on how long it has been since your surgery you could be right in assuming your first period is imminent.
I hope this information helps, but if you have any growing concerns, or the bloating you are experiencing does not improve in the timeframe outlined above, I would advise seeking a review with your GP.
Sending love and good wishes,
Sophie
The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust
Registered Charity Number: 1071811
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