Pain and pregnancy

Pregnant After Ectopic Pregnancy
1

Hi, I had an ectopic pregnancy in May this year on my left side. I was at work a week before even being due on my period and had intense pain on one side and spotting. I attended ED and was told it was probably implantation pain but to come back to the early pregnancy unit in 48 hours for more bloods. The intense pain subsided to more of a dull ache but as my hcg levels were rising very slowly they scanned me and saw the ectopic. I was treated successfully with one dose methotrexate and waited the 3 months to try again.

Since then I’ve had pain in the same place I felt it when I went to ED but just the full ache. My GP referred me for a TV scan but the day before I had a positive pregnancy test! I’m now back under the EPU and having bloods every 48 hours but the stress and anxiety of thinking it’s ectopic again because I’ve got pain, even if it’s not the same as last time is just overwhelming. I don’t know if I’ll cope going through it all again. Has anyone else had residual pain after medical management for months later? And did anyone have pain in early pregnancy but it was okay??

2

Hi CERxx,

I am so sorry that you are going through this worrying time. Early pregnancy is an anxious time, especially after suffering an ectopic pregnancy previously. It is very good that you are being seen and monitored by the EPU. This is exactly the right thing to do.

MTX affects women very differently. It is possible to have lingering sensations following an ectopic pregnancy, or even heightened awareness of how our bodies feel (even having ovulation pains when we might not have done so before). In early pregnancy, our body is already rapidly changing and new sensations can appear as well. Every woman is different in how she feels.

I know this time can be very anxious. I have experienced it myself, both suffering another ectopic, miscarriage, and pregnancy. As much as you can do, rest and relax. You are taking the right steps and are being looked after by medical providers. Certainly, if your pain increases with heavy bleeding and shoulder tip pain, it is important to be seen by A&E or by dialling 111.

We are here for you throughout these experiences.

With good wishes

Michele

During the coronavirus outbreak, The EPT team is still working hard to provide crucial information and support to women and families experiencing ectopic pregnancy as quickly and efficiently as we can.

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3

I also had an ectopic around the same time as you on the right side treated with methotrexate. I have had pain since and an ultrasound showed a cyst on my ovary but this should shrink in time. Since my ectopic pregnancy I get really bad ovulation pain on both sides as well as bad period pain which I never had before. I’m now 5 weeks pregnant and having twinges both sides and terrified it’s an ectopic again. I have a scan weds so hoping it will be in the right place! Best of luck with your pregnancy x

4

Yes that’s exactly how mine feel, I didn’t have any cysts at the time of my ectopic as I asked the radiographer at the time but maybe have one now then?

So pleased you are pregnant again, my scan is on Friday next week too. Trying to put it to the back of my mind but I feel sick with anxiety. Please let me know how you get on on Wednesdays I’ll be crossing my fingers for you :crossed_fingers:t3: X

5

Hey,

I also had an ectopic treated with MTX and had all of these new pains on the ectopic side after it was resolved. I’m pregnant now and had loads of twinges and pain in my ovaries and was convinced and terrified it was ectopic again. Had a scan at 4.5 weeks which confirmed it was in the right place.

All the best, both of you, with your scans. Keeping everything crossed x

6

Just to offer some shed of hope as I know I scanned these pages looking for some, I was scanned and all was in the right place this time despite the pains. The pains continue so I’m getting scanned weekly but it’s definitely not ectopic.

Will be thinking of you all!