Hi looking some advice. I got a dose of methotrexate on 9th June after an ectopic pregnancy was found.
I bled for around 2 weeks and my HCG levels were below 15 on 26th June when I started then taking folic acid again.
I have my first period on 17th July and I’m hoping we can TTC again after my next cycle after this one.
I’m just a bit confused about the 12 week thing after methotrexate… is it from when you got the last dose or when you started to take the folic acid?
I’ve been told it’s 12 weeks from taking folic acid as the body needs to rebuild etc before trying again. My levels reached 0 last Friday after a long 7 weeks following 2 injections of methotrexate. I’m now on my 12 week wait, it’s so frustrating. Not sure if there’s a blood test you could get privately to say if levels are normal before the 12 weeks as that’s something I’d like to look into maybe…you get so little information in EPU. Anyone else have any info on that at all?
Yeah that advice varies from where you look. I was already on 5mg of folic before I became pregnant prescribed by my Dr because of a defecincy so wondering will I not have to wait aslong as my prescribed amount is higher that over the counter folic acid
Dear Dc2020,
I am so sorry to hear of your ectopic pregnancy and loss,
With Methotrexate, you should wait until your hCG levels have fallen to below 5mIU/mL (your doctor will advise you when this is through blood tests) and then take a folic acid supplement for 12 weeks before you try to conceive. This is because the Methotrexate may have reduced the level of folate in your body which is needed to ensure a baby develops healthily. The Methotrexate is metabolised quickly but it can affect the quality of your cells, including those of your eggs and the quality of your blood for up to three months after it has been given. The medicine can also affect the way your liver works and so you need to give your body time to recover properly before a new pregnancy is considered. A shortage of folate could result in a greater chance of a baby having a neural tube defect such as hare lip, cleft palate, or even spina bifida or other NT defects. This is why the “wait” and then taking folic acid for 12 weeks before trying to conceive is so important.
If you have questions as you were on a higher dose pre pregnancy, I would ask your GP.
Sending much love,
Karen x
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