Pregnant and worried - temperature drop on BBT Chart

Hi everyone,

I found out I am pregnant on Thursday and my period was due today and am feeling very worried about having another ectopic, or a miscarriage, due to some symptoms I have been having (plus that I would naturally be anyway!). We have been trying to conceive for 3 months.

I had an ectopic 3 years ago and had my right tube removed. I suspected this due to sharp knife like pains on my right hand side at about 3-4 weeks. I was origianally told it was an incomplete miscarriage, but was dubious of this diagnosis, but after bleeding I had a positive test and booked for a scan but ended up in A&E with sharp abdominal pains on right side (about 7/10 pain level) - I just knew it was an ectopic! I knew before they diagnosed incomplete miscarriage. Then they diagnosed me with pregnancy of unknown location and then surgery to find out where it was.

Regarding this pregnancy, On Monday last week I had a pain on my left side that felt like a ball exploding. Then on Wednesday I had about 5-6 sharp pains on my left side (about 4/10 pain level). I don’t usually get pains in my left side so this is alarming me. Since my ectopic I can experience pains on my right hand side. It is also how the last ectopic pregnancy started. I called EPAC and they said it would be too early to be feeling ectopic symptoms so very unlikely. They also told me to ask the GP to refer me as I was seeing them that afternoon, even though I asked to book a scan myself, as I was previously told I could do so. Feel fobbed off! Doctor was not that concerned either and has referred me for a 6 week scan, but am worried as it it Easter and the lady at EPAC said’ 6-7 week scan’, (but I know 7 weeks could be leaving it too late) that it may end up being more like 7 weeks and not 6! I don’t want to loose my last tube!! Yesterday I had left sided cramps all night and day (About 3/10 discomfort level). Have woken today with no cramps and my Basal Body Temperature has dipped from 37.00 to 36.83 after having been high for 4 days. My breasts, I think, also feel a bit less tender. I am worried these are more signs that it is an ectopic, along with the pains. Last time my breasts were going up and down as the baby was not developing properly…

However I don’t feel that EPAC will take me seriously if I call them back or show up as I have basically been told that its too early. I knew before they did last time so I am feeling very worried by how I am going to be treated by them.

Has anyone else been charting their temperatures and do they know what the dip could mean?

I can’t wait to get my date for a scan and feel angry that they did not let me book in myself. Wondering whether to call again on Monday and try again to book myself in. but if they know the GP has referred me they probably won’t now…

Dear starfish12,

Whispered congratulations on your pregnancy but I am sorry to hear that you are going through such a difficult time.

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. 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.

Sadly I am not medically trained so cannot give you specific advice on your symptoms, however given that you have experienced a previous ectopic pregnancy, we would always advise seeking medical advice if you experience any unusual bleeding, abdominal pain, shoulder tip pain, bladder or bowel problems or feel dizzy and unwell.

Sending much love and positive thoughts,

Karen x


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