Found out I’m pregnant again 4w 5d, had an ectopic pregnancy in June which resulted into having my right tube taken away. I’ve been told I can have a scan at 6 weeks but feel like a week is so far away! Can I get checked earlier?
Dear rhicliff,
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. My mind started racing when I next fell pregnant and I was only really able to relax to some degree after my early scan. 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 see that you have already enquired which is great. I completely understand how it feels for the wait for the scan, but scanning before this time can often lead to more worries if it is too early and the pregnancy cannot get be located and blood levels do not give a diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy. It is the scan we need.
As silly as it sounds, I would attempt to keep your mind busy. Meet up with friends and family, go for gentle walks, read, watch box sets.
Whilst I do not wish to alarm you, I sadly have to remind you that if you experience any unusual bleeding, abdominal pain, shoulder tip pain, bladder or bowel problems or feel dizzy and unwell to seek urgent medical advice.
I wish I could speed up time for you, but sending gentle hugs and positive thoughts for your scan,
Karen x
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