Questions I've never had the chance to ask!

Pregnant After Ectopic Pregnancy
1

Hi everyone,

I am so encouraged to find this site/resource and hear people’s stories. I had an ectopic pregnancy on my right side, about 1.5 years ago. I was extremely fortunate to just have to go through treatment with methotrexate. I just got a positive and am not getting my hopes up/taking it one day at a time. I had two qs. (out of curiosity of others’ experiences) that I hope are okay to ask:

  1. Has anyone had a “successful” pregnancy where they still experienced cramping on one side or the other in the beginning or throughout?

  2. Does anyone experience pain on the side of their ectopic pregnancy during ovulation or their monthly cycle? I can’t seem to find anything out there on this being a usual experience or not.

Thank you so much for your thoughts,

C

2

Hello C,

I had my right tube removed in November 2019 and still get pain occasionally on that side. It’s more of an ache than a pain. It’s not all the time, usually around ovulation and also when my period arrives. Almost like I’ve pulled a muscle!

I’ve not fallen pregnant again since then so I can’t answer the other question.

Fingers crossed that all is well in the coming weeks and months for you…

Take it easy,

Charlotte xx

3

Hi C,

I had an ectopic treatment with methotrexate back in Dec 19 and I do get tinges where my left ectopic was at various stages of my cycle too. I’ve read that this can happen afterwards so I am not worried about it… I can’t answer your second question but we’ve decided to start trying again now so we’ll see what happens. Keep us updated of how you get on, have you contacted the EPU about an early scan at 7 weeks?

S

4

Thanks so much @19457 and @Honeydrop9. I really appreciate you guys sharing that you’ve experienced the same thing! I figured it’s normal and it isn’t too much of a bother… but, whenever I ask, I’ve been told everything should be “back to normal” or that it could be phantom pain. So, it’s really helpful to hear I’m not alone and I’m not imagining it!

I’m actually from the US and I’ve found there aren’t many resources here. I’ve gotten all my info/resources from you all in the UK and Ireland and I’m so grateful to be able to access them. I’m actually waiting on a call back to try and get an earlier scan than what they wanted to schedule me for.

Thanks so much to you both and I really hope all goes well for you in the future! I’ll definitely keep you posted.

Stay well,

C

5

Hi C,

I experienced my 2nd ectopic last month , both being on the right side and both times resolved through expectant managment . I’ve been having a pain on my side where the ectopic was , it feels like a stretch / tugging feeling and just the feeling of something is there ! I believe and hope that it relates to ovulation however for reassurance I called the EPU today and I will going back to the unit on Monday to have some tests. I will let you know what they advise me.

Stay strong x

6

Dear cbm5125,

Whispered congratulations on your pregnancy,

Personally, I had recurrent pains on the side of my ectopic pregnancy for 7 months, (I also had methotrexate injection) and was due to have these investigated further when I successfully fell pregnant, so I never knew the cause of the pains. Many women experience ovulation pain too.

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.

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.

Sending much love and positive thoughts,

Karen x

The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust

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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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7

@Kh318214 thinking of you and hope your visit back went okay. Thanks also, Karen, for sharing your experience and for the kind words and insight. Turns out, the pain is getting a bit worse and I have continued bleeding–likely another ectopic. But, was able to schedule my scan to confirm, thankfully.

Hope you all are doing well/can’t thank you enough for your help and support,

C