Hi all,
I know the stats for having a healthy pregnancy within a year (65% i think) or two (85%), but I was wondering if anyone had had a healthy live birth as the next pregnancy following an ectopic. I know we will eventually get there, but I’m worried about the next one being another ectopic or miscarriage before getting a healthy pregnancy. How long did you wait before trying again? I know it’s recommended to wait as long as you can in order to give your tubes time to heal.
Thanks! xx
Dear NinjaPenguin,
We hear from many women who successfully conceive following ectopic pregnancy and I truly understand what a worrying time it is.
I was treated with methotrexate and successfully conceived 7 months later.
Regarding TTC, we and many medical professionals advise waiting for two menstrual cycles. It is important to allow time for your body to recover and emotions to surface and be worked through. This is so that you have some comfort that your body is returning to its natural rhythm and you have a last menstrual period date from which to date a new pregnancy - key information in checking you are not suffering from an ectopic pregnancy in the future. The first bleed soon after surgery for ectopic pregnancy is not classed as a period as it is the body’s response to falling hormone levels.
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 our babies 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.
Importantly early scans avail. 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.
Sending much love,
Karen x
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Hi NinjaPenguin
Stay positive I had an ectopic pregnancy last year and after waiting 2 cycles I tried again and successfully got pregnant I now have a 2 week old baby. Try to remain positive
Thank you for these questions and comments. It’s so heartening to read of success stories.
I am feeling confused because there seems lots of contradictory information out there.
I had my FT removed and was advised my the surgeon I could try again after one period, this organisation says wait for two cycles and elsewhere I have read three! Which guidelines do people follow?
Also, I am very worried about a further ectopic pregnancy and I again I have read risk factors ranging from 7% - 20% for another ectopic.
As I am already very anxious this is making things worse.
I presume the most reliable advice is from this organisation? Is that what other people have followed?
Xxx