Pregnant after ectopic with aches in remaining tube side

C_ELR27 · 18 April 2023 17:08

I had an ectopic pregnancy in December, my left tube removed after rupturing. I have just found out I am pregnant again, 4 weeks 4 days, and I am having an aching/ pulling feeling in my right tube side. It feels very similar to how my ectopic started last time (although i am not currently bleeding, which was the first sign last time).

I have an early scan booked at the epu for 2nd May, but I hoped they’d ask me to come in for blood work as some kind of reassurance to check my hcg.

My anxiety/ emotions are through the roof. It took two weeks of pain, blood tests and a&e trips before it was diagnosed last time and by that time I was bleeding internally. I am so so scared of going through it all again.

Has anyone had similar aches/ pains during a pregnancy after ectopic and it turned out to be in the correct place?? I have no idea if these could just be part of pregnancy as my only experience is ectopic

EPT_Host_20 · 19 April 2023 19:23

Dear C ELR,

Whispered congratulations on your pregnancy,

After an ectopic pregnancy, finding we are pregnant again can be a mix of emotions and I can completely understand your feeling nervous. It is perfectly normal to feel scared after the ordeal you have endured. I also felt twinges and aches after my ectopic pregnancy, particularly when I next felt pregnant. My mind started racing and I was only really able to relax to some degree after my early scan. I had a successful pregnancy. It is a nerve-wracking time and you have friends here who understand how you are feeling.

Speaking from UK medical practice and standards, usually doctors carry out an internal transvaginal scan at around six weeks with subsequent pregnancies after an ectopic. This is because there is a reasonable chance of seeing an embryo around this six week mark. I know the wait can seek endless and I wish I had a way to fast forward time for you. Try to keep your mind occupied, take gentle walks, read books, watch box sets, meet with friends, whatever you can do pass the time.

Whilst I do not wish to alarm you, I sadly have to remind you that if you experience any unusual bleeding, or worsening abdominal pain, shoulder tip pain, bladder or bowel problems or feel dizzy and unwell or you are concerned, please seek urgent medical advice.

Sending much love and positive thoughts,

Karen x

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C_ELR27 · 21 April 2023 14:50

Hi Karen,

Thank you for your reply and kind words.

I had an early scan at 5 weeks today and they haven’t found anything. I know it’s early but I can’t help but feel like it’s history repeating itself as my last ectopic started this way. I am still getting the dull aches on my right hand side and lower back, no bleeding though which is my only tiny glimmer of hope. I’m going in for more bloods on Sunday.

I’m finding it so hard to understand, I’ve never had any of the things that make ectopics more likely. The doctor said my remaining tube looked healthy during surgery, I feel so angry this could be happening again and can’t stop crying

EPT_Host_20 · 23 April 2023 18:04

Dear C ELR,

5 weeks certainly may have been too early to see anything on a scan, your hCG readings will give some indication, but it is only an indication. The scan with positive identification of the location of the embryo is needed.

I am still keeping fingers and toes crossed for you and we will continue to support you for as long as you need,