Pregnant...

Pregnant After Ectopic Pregnancy
1

Hi there

I experienced a miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy about 18 months ago - it was all pretty traumatic, especially as the miscarriage happened while I was on a business trip abroad and the ectopic pregnancy ruptured resulting in emergency surgery.

There was one occasion around a year ago when I had a series of very faint 2nd lines on pregnancy tests, but this turned out to be a chemical pregnancy.

I have found out in the last few days that I am pregnant and I am absolutely terrified that I am going to experience another loss. My pregnancy tests are definitely positive, but the test line is fainter and I am obsessively testing in the hope it is going to go darker, not lighter/disappear! This morning I did a digital test which said I was 2-3 weeks (which tallies with my current stage as it is from ovulation not last period), but I still can’t help worrying that the test line doesn’t look dark enough even though I always do it first thing when I wake up when the concentration will be highest :cry:

I know I have just turned into a bit of a nutter, and I need to step away from all this - what will be will be and I can’t change it - but it’s really hard…

I am also worried about speaking to my GP, because last time they set up as ‘pregnant’ and the hospital/GP etc. systems don’t talk to each other so you have to phone up and cancel things/receive calls and have to explain and I don’t think I can face it. I know I will need an early scan around 6 weeks (I am 5 weeks next Weds) but I don’t want to phone until 5 weeks in case it goes away and I have to phone back and say it was a false alarm

Sorry for the monologue. If anyone else is in the same boat please let me know and we can support each other! Thanks

2

Dear Katia86,

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. 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.

We advise contacting your local EPU, reminding them of your ectopic pregnancy and booking an appointment. If you are unable to self refer, contact your GP who will be able to do this for you.

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 remember vividly how slowly the days were leading to my scans, take each day as it comes. I send you positive thoughts and much love,

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.

3

Thank you Karen x