MTX, HSG and TTC

Preparing For Your Next Pregnancy
1

When I first started on my journey the first thing I had to learn were all the darned acronyms! heh

My story is similar to all of yours, but I need some advice.

In October I had a tubal reversal and was cleared shortly after to TTC. In November my husband and I found out we were pregnant after only one month of TTC! From the beginning I knew there was something wrong. Even though my doctor says this is impossible…the night the baby implanted I was up for three hours with terrible pain on my right side. Shortly after we found out it was indeed ectopic. I went through two ultrasounds and three opinions before I took the MTX shot (x2) on December 7th. Two days after I had a bleed very similar to AF and then 28 days later AF arrived again (today Jan. 9th).

After searching through many boards, I came across very sound advice to have an HSG test. I phoned my fertility doctor and they agreed and said that I should have it within the next 7-10 days. Next Thursday I am scheduled for that test. My HCG levels fell to zero almost two weeks ago and since then I have been taking prenatal vitamins, a b-12 and fish oil. On top, I have been doing caster oil packs to help heal and two separate enzymes.

My question is controversial >.>

Because I have a greater change to conceive directly after an HSG should I try this next cycle? It’s only one true AF since my ectopic and MTX…

Any thoughts are greatly appreciated!!

2

In a word No. MTX works by depleting folate - which is necessary for the placenta amongst many other things. The reason people take folic acid is to avoid birth defect associated with low folate (i.e.’ spina bifida , cleft lip/palate). Your body needs time to build up the folate again & not only support a pregnancy, but create a perfectly formed baby.

The general rule is 3 months after MTX before TTC as your body needs the time to build up the folate. In addition, there is some evidence that the risk of a second ep is slightly higher if you don’t give your body enough time to heal after the first. And finally, you need to be emotionally recovered to deal with a possible second ep, mc & other terrible scenarios. I have heard more than one woman who conceived fairly quickly after ep say that the new pregnancy interfered with their grieving process, which came out later.