Pregnant straight after ectopic and terrified

Hi ladies. Hope you are all well in your new pregnancies. Sorry for the long ramble, I suppose my main question is how to stay positive in a new pregnancy or how to just relax a bit!

A bit of back story from me; I fell pregnant in May this year with my ectopic. I knew something was wrong from the very start, I had days of spotting which then turned to bleeding and terrible back ache. After lots of hospital visits for bloods and scans i eventually woke in the night in terrible pain. Got admitted and had surgery where they removed the pregnancy. The surgeon said it was a complete tubal abortion so he did not touch my tube and reassured me that both tubes looked healthy as far as he could see.

I had a further two weeks of bleeding/spotting after surgery. I had no idea what my cycles would be like but got very obvious signs of ovulation a couple of days after being intimate with my partner. Fast forward a couple of weeks and I seem to have fallen pregnant again! I am shocked to say the least!

Although I would be absolutely elated to have a healthy pregnancy I am wracked with doubts and worries. I’ve taken test after test which have gradually been getting darker but seem to have stalled now that the test line is as dark as the control line. I did a digi which came back as 2-3 weeks. These are encouraging signs for me as with my ep the tests were only ever very light.

I have a scan booked at the epu on the 18th and it seems so far away. This new pregnancy is pretty much my every waking thought and I can’t relax. I wish I could feel positive but if it’s not ectopic I’ve convinced myself something else bad will happen. How has everyone else managed their emotions and doubts when pregnant after an ectopic???!

Thank you xxx

Dear VE123,

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 remember, I 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.

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 and it is good to hear you already have this booked in.

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.

Sending warm hugs and positive thoughts,

Karen x


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

Further information is available at www.ectopic.org.uk

Email us at ept@ectopic.org.uk.

Our helpline is 020 7733 2653 (available Monday to Friday 10am - 4pm).

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.