I am 5+3 weeks pregnant. This is my third pregnancy. My first pregnancy was ectopic and the second I had my 2 year old daughter. With my second pregnancy I was in an absolute state and convinced it was another ectopic pregnancy so contacted the EPU straight away at 4 weeks and had tests and scans which eventually confirmed that the pregnancy was in my uterus which was such a huge relief. This pregnancy I am slightly more relaxed but still have a niggle that I could be having another ectopic. I haven’t contacted the EPU yet though and wonder if it’s appropriate to if I’m not having any bleeding or pain? I do have some discomfort but wouldn’t call it pain on the side where my remaining fallopian tube is and occasionally feel dizzy and light headed but this goes away once I eat something. I am thinking of booking a private scan for next week instead. What would you do in this situation?
Dear hlb,
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 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 friends here who understand 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. We generally do not recommend private scanning unless this is completed by a registered healthcare professional, as there have been reports of missed ectopic pregnancies with these high street scans.
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 much love and positive thoughts,
Karen x
The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust
Registered Charity Number: 1071811
The EPT is awarded the PIF TICK as a Trusted Information Creator, the UK-wide quality mark for healthcare information
If the information provided here or through the EPT website has helped you, you can donate towards our support services, volunteer, or fundraise to raise awareness.
Further information is available on our website.
Email us: ept@ectopic.org.uk
We provide a call-back support line: 020 7733 2653. We are able to provide support in multiple languages including British Sign Language.
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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
Thank you for your advice Karen, I really appreciate it and it has helped me decide how to move forward. I have contacted the EPU this morning and they are going to see me today
Just an update for anyone reading along or for advice themselves…
The staff at the EPU were lovely and booked me a scan appointment for today as I’ve been having some pain on the left side where my remaining tube is. I was also convincing myself that I was having shoulder tip pain which was obviously very worrying. To my great relief the scan showed that the tiny little baby is in my uterus and I even saw it’s little heart beat. They measured gestation to be 5+6 weeks. I do have a cyst on my left ovary so I wonder if that is what I can feel.
Dear hlb22,
Thank you so much for taking the time to update us and huge congratulations on your positive news. It really will bring hope to so many.
Wishing you a smooth pregnancy,
Sending much love,
Karen x
The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust
Registered Charity Number: 1071811
The EPT is awarded the PIF TICK as a Trusted Information Creator, the UK-wide quality mark for healthcare information
If the information provided here or through the EPT website has helped you, you can donate towards our support services, volunteer, or fundraise to raise awareness.
Further information is available on our website.
Email us: ept@ectopic.org.uk
We provide a call-back support line: 020 7733 2653. We are able to provide support in multiple languages including British Sign Language.
Take a look at our newsletters and subscribe to our mailing list.
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