Trying again after Expected Management

Preparing For Your Next Pregnancy
1

Hiya,

I’ve just signed up to this forum so sorry if I don’t do this right! We suffered from an ectopic pregnancy in July this year after just two months of trying to conceive. Myself and my husband have gone through all kinds of emotion and ultimately land back on devastation. We are desperate to be parents and are hoping for some positive stories around conceiving after expected management.

I was 5 weeks pregnant and my HCG levels dropped within 2 weeks from 85 to 0. I had a “normal” bleed that I thought was a period a week or so after, but now think this may have been the ectopic? 28 days later I am now menstruating again as normal (always had heavy periods first two days) is there any hope of having a baby if we try again next month? I can only seem to see sad stories and my heart breaks for everyone also going through this. I have all sorts of worries like going through all of this again…

Thank you for any advice xx

2

Dear kateshope1992,

I am so sorry to hear of your ectopic pregnancy and loss,

The chances of a further ectopic after a first in UK is 10%. So that’s 90% chance of the embryo being in right place next time.

While generally it is possible to conceive after an ectopic pregnancy, the amount of time it takes varies from couple to couple. Factors include age, general health, reproductive health and how often you have sex, among other things. It may be comforting to know that 65% of women are successfully pregnant within 18 months of experiencing an ectopic pregnancy and some studies suggest this rises to around 85% after two years.

In terms of chances of future successful pregnancies, studies do not show a significant difference between treatment routes, whether surgical, medical using methotrexate or expectant management (allowing time for the body to resolve the pregnancy itself).

It is normal to feel anxious about the future. We experience a mix of emotions from wanting to try again to being petrified of what may lie ahead. We never forget but we can learn to accept what happened. It is a slow process that might be weeks or months ahead. In time, we can get to a place where we feel comfortable trying again. When this is, is individual for each person. There is no timeframe for recovery, take each day as it comes.

Importantly early scans avail. As soon as you know you are pregnant, contact your local EPU to inform them and book in for an early scan at around six weeks. Remind them of your previous ectopic pregnancy. This self refer route is the best route in our view. Hopefully you will have some comfort to know you are under the radar of medical professionals right away.

As a gentle reminder regarding conceiving again, we and many medical professionals advise waiting for two menstrual cycles. This “wait” is to allow your cycles to resume and have a last menstrual period date from which to date a new pregnancy - important information for checking for ectopic pregnancy in the future. It also allows time for your emotions to surface and be worked through after your ordeal.

On a personal note, my first pregnancy was ectopic and I had methotrexate injection. I successfully conceived following this, so I hope this gives you some hope.

Sending much love,

Karen x

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.

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

Further information is available at ectopic.org.uk

Email us: ept@ectopic.org.uk

We provide a call-back helpline service: 020 7733 2653

Take a look at our newsletters and subscribe to our mailing list here: https://mailchi.mp/986bdd6091ee/ectopic-matters

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 that is really useful to know and definitely nice to hear some good news too! May I ask about next steps now I’ve had my first period? Should I start taking folic acid now, wait for another period and then start trying again?

Thank you

Kate

4

Dear Kate,

You are most welcome,

If you didn’t have methotrexate injection, you can start folic acid supplements again now, there is no need to wait.

Yes, as you have one period, I would advise waiting for one more period and then start TTC.

We will be here for you every step.

Sending much love,

Karen x

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.

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

Further information is available at ectopic.org.uk

Email us: ept@ectopic.org.uk

We provide a call-back helpline service: 020 7733 2653

Take a look at our newsletters and subscribe to our mailing list here: https://mailchi.mp/986bdd6091ee/ectopic-matters

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

5

That’s really helpful, thanks Karen. I’ve freaked myself out thinking that cheap lidl folic acid caused this to happen last time so will push the boat out this time (know I’m just being crazy - have even stopped drinking fruit smoothies as thought that may have been the reason at one point :joy:!)

Thanks for the support xx

6

Dear Kate,

Honestly, it’s only natural to try and figure out why it was us that had an ectopic pregnancy. I know I tried searching for answers and like most ladies, sadly I never found an answer.

I have never heard of cheap folic acid supplements or smoothies being a cause though, but I totally understand where you are coming from.

From the bottom of my heart, there is nothing you could have done to prevent the ectopic pregnancy from happening. You are not to blame.

Don’t spend too much on expensive suppliments though!

Sending much love,

Karen x

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.

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

Further information is available at ectopic.org.uk

Email us: ept@ectopic.org.uk

We provide a call-back helpline service: 020 7733 2653

Take a look at our newsletters and subscribe to our mailing list here: https://mailchi.mp/986bdd6091ee/ectopic-matters

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

7

Hi Kate,

I had an ectopic in March which was treated by expectant management. Levels back to normal in 2 weeks. I didn’t go back on to any protection but I had two really light periods, then a normal one then fell on the next. Currently 8weeks pregnant (from LMP)

Good luck x

8

That is so lovely to hear! I am so so pleased for you and really grateful for your response. Definitely the hope I needed to see! X