Hi all,
I had an ectopic in July this year which was treated successfuly with one dose of Methotrexate. It took about 8 weeks for my hcg to drop to 0. I have just started my first period post ectopic.
I had an internal scan a few days after my hcg dropped to 0. My consultant said everything looked fine but she could still see a small blood clot where the ectopic was.
I’m experiencing odd twinges every now and then (especially when I am more active). Is this something normal?
Thanks. X
Dear nm2808,
I am so sorry to hear of your ectopic pregnancy and loss.
I too had methotraxate and felt pain on the side of my ectopic for some time.
Experiencing some pain after an ectopic pregnancy is normal as your body has been through a great deal over the last few months. The pain may be due to adhesions (scar tissue that binds two parts of the body together) which form and take some time to settle. Your body may be preparing to ovulate and many women experience ovulation pain when they did not before their ectopic pregnancy - including myself. You also may have a heightened perception because of the sad loss that you have had to go through. If you find you experience offensive smelling discharge or an increased temperature of more than 37°C or just want to be checked out to be on the safe side, it would be worth asking your doctors to run tests to check for infection.
If the pain persists, I suggest keeping a pain diary noting when the pain appears, the intensity on a scale of 0-10 and anything that helps the pain eg resting, hot water bottle, paracetamol etc. Visiting your doctors with this information helps them to assess how best to manage your symptoms.
Sending much love,
Karen x
If we have been able to help you, are you able to help us with a small donation or by volunteering?
Further information is available at www.ectopic.org.uk
Email us at ept@ectopic.org.uk.
Our helpline is 020 7733 2653 (available Monday to Friday 10am - 4pm).
Detailed medical information can be found on our website. Please remember online medical information is NO SUBSTITUTE for expert medical advice from your own health care team.
Thank you Karen. The pain comes and goes, especially when I am more active.
My consultant said we should wait for at least 1 cycle before trying again. I have got my first period but we don’t want to start ttc right away. What do you suggest? How long did you wait after methotrexate before trying? And did you have a healthy pregnancy afterwards? Thanks again for your kind response. 
I am so scared and terrified of this whole experience now.
I am really sorry to hear about your loss.
Dear nm2808,
Wheb we begin ttc, it is normal to feel a mix of emotions from wanting to try again to being petrified of what may lie ahead. We will never forget but we learn to accept what happened. It is slow process which 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.
It may be of some comfort to know that 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.
Regarding ttc, with Methotrexate, you should wait until your hCG levels have fallen to below 5mIU/mL (your doctor will advise you when this is through blood tests) and then take a folic acid supplement for 12 weeks before you try to conceive. This is because the Methotrexate may have reduced the level of folate in your body which is needed to ensure a baby develops healthily. The Methotrexate is metabolised quickly but it can affect the quality of your cells, including those of your eggs and the quality of your blood for up to three months after it has been given. The medicine can also affect the way your liver works and so you need to give your body time to recover properly before a new pregnancy is considered. A shortage of folate could result in a greater chance of a baby having a neural tube defect such as hare lip, cleft palate, or even spina bifida or other NT defects. This is why the “wait” and then taking folic acid for 12 weeks before trying to conceive is so important.
Sending much love,
Karen x
If we have been able to help you, are you able to help us with a small donation or by volunteering?
Further information is available at www.ectopic.org.uk
Email us at ept@ectopic.org.uk.
Our helpline is 020 7733 2653 (available Monday to Friday 10am - 4pm).
Detailed medical information can be found on our website. Please remember online medical information is NO SUBSTITUTE for expert medical advice from your own health care team.