Pregnant again and terrified

Pregnant After Ectopic Pregnancy
1

Hi all,

I found out 6 days ago that I am pregnant again after my Ectopic surgery in December 2019. The EPU asked me to come up right away and they scanned me and took blood. By HCG was only 20 and I’m only about 4 weeks possible 5 by the end of this week.

The EPU confirmed I am far too early for anything to show up on a scan however they did scan me anyway and said all looked ok however at the moment they can’t see anything in my uterus or my remaining tube but they did say to try and not to worry. Their advice was to take another test this week (Thursday) and ring them again to arrange a 6 week scan.

Well me being me, I have constantly tested for the past 6 days and I’m driving myself mad. My test lines are all faint however I have had confirmation on a digital. I thought my lines would be getting darker after 6 days but they aren’t and this morning I had some “niggiling” cramps and I really panicked. They soon eased with some paracetamol.

I honestly don’t know how I am going to stay calm until my next scan, I have never been so scared in my life.

Has anyone else experienced this?

x

2

Dear Xxciaraxx,

Whispered congratulations on your pregnancy,

Unfortunately we cannot rely on the colour of pregnancy test lines to check how our pregnancies are developing.

My first pregnancy had a deep coloured line and sadly was ectopic. My second pregnancy was only a faint line but was a successful pregnancy. Your following blood test will give you some idea but again these are not definitive. A scan around 6weeks should let you know what is happening.

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. It is a nerve-wracking time and you have a friend here who understands how you are feeling.

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 had tips for you to pass the time, just try to keep busy and your mind occupied.

Sending much love and positive thoughts,

Karen x

The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust

Registered Charity Number: 1071811

Ectopic pregnancy patient information suite: Highly Commended in the 2019 BMA Patient Information Awards

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.

If we have been able to help you, are you able to help us with a small donation or by volunteering or fundraising?

Further information is available at ectopic.org.uk

Email us: ept@ectopic.org.uk

We provide a call-back helpline service: 020 7733 2653

Take a look at our newsletters and subscribe to our mailing list here: https://mailchi.mp/986bdd6091ee/ectopic-matters

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

3

Hi,

I found out this morning I was pregnant again after an ectopic in December 2018 (lost left tube).

My last period was 11th May but I don’t think I ovulated until June 1st so I don’t know how many weeks I am. Maybe 4?

I rang EPU and they originally told me they’d book me in week commencing 29th June but when I told the staff nurse I ovulated late she said she’d move it to 10th July so there would be something to see. I just think that seems a bit late? I ruptured at 9 weeks last time so I’m nervous about leaving it too long but I do understand they need to be able to see something.

Any advice welcomed,

Gem x

4

Dear Gem444,

Whispered congratulations on your pregnancy,

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.

We would usually start counting weeks from the date of your last period, (the 1st day of your bleed). if you feel the date you have been given is too late, you could call the EPU and try to change it.

Sadly I do have to remind you to seek urgent medical advice with any bleeding, abdominal pain, shoulder tip pain or you feel dizzy and unwell.

Sending much love and positive thoughts,

Karen x

The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust

Registered Charity Number: 1071811

Ectopic pregnancy patient information suite: Highly Commended in the 2019 BMA Patient Information Awards

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.

If we have been able to help you, are you able to help us with a small donation or by volunteering or fundraising?

Further information is available at ectopic.org.uk

Email us: ept@ectopic.org.uk

We provide a call-back helpline service: 020 7733 2653

Take a look at our newsletters and subscribe to our mailing list here: https://mailchi.mp/986bdd6091ee/ectopic-matters

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