Pregnant post ectopic 4 months ago

Hi everyone,

Just after a bit of advice. I had an ectopic pregnancy in Dec 19/Jan 20 which resulted in my left fallopian tube being removed. Last week I found out I was pregnant again (very shocked after our first month of having sex again, as still struggling - our first pregnancy was after 18 months of trying). I called my local EPU and they have told me that they won’t give me an early scan because of COVID-19 and just to wait until i’m 8 weeks and book with the midwife in the normal way. Has anyone else experienced this??

I can’t help but feel really let down. I feel super anxious and don’t think I can wait, especially as it feels a little like playing “russian roulette” with my fertility if something is wrong!

We are considering paying for an early private scan but before we do that I wasn’t sure if this was right and other people having the same experience?

Thanks xxx

Hi Hols94,

I am sorry to hear of your ectopic pregnancy and loss. Trying to conceive can be a challenging time particularly after loss and especially in the current challenging circumstances. I appreciate your having questions about trying to conceive. This is very understandable given the ordeal of ectopic pregnancy that you have already been through and the current concerns around coronavirus. I will do my best to help with your questions. The information you received is accurate, and the information I’ve received is as follows:

"In the current climate, the NHS is seeing a reduction in resources and capacity and there is the aim to minimise hospital attendance. In light of this, guidance issued by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists states: “Unfortunately, early pregnancy units will not be able to offer ultrasound scans to provide reassurance to women who have no symptoms. This will also be the case even if you have a previous history of miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy.”

There is no official guidance about trying for a baby at this time and whether to start trying to conceive is a personal choice. A key consideration is certainly your medical history and getting the care that you need with any future pregnancy. The Association of Early Pregnancy Units suggests that women consider waiting until the pandemic is over before trying to conceive. This is to minimise the burden on the health service and to ensure women have full access to early pregnancy and maternity care. Ultimately, it is your and your partner’s decision and I hope that this information can help in your discussions and considerations."

If private scans are within your means and are accessible to you, they may provide a level of reassurance which will help you during this time. Please take extra care with yourself during these days. It is an already tough situation made even more difficult. We are here for you.

With good wishes,

Michele

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.

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Further information is available at ectopic.org.uk

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