I had two miscarriages in 2016 and then removed my left raptured tube recently in 2018 from a laparotomy surgery. I was bleeding for about a week and had passed large blood clots after the surgery. I don’t want to miscarry or being ectopic again and wish to know whether there is any way of ensuring that there is no problem in my other tube or uterus before conceiving again. Does a 3D scan will help?
Thanks.
Dear smv95,
I am so sorry to hear of your ectopic pregnancies and losses. To experience one loss is difficult to deal with multiple losses is heartbreaking and my heart truly goes out to you.
I wish I could give you all the answers, but I am afraid it is impossible for me to comment on individual circumstances. I have such limited information and do not have access to your medical records. Sadly there is no way to prevent ectopic pregnancy, however help is available with future pregnancies. 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.
Women aren’t routinely offered testing following ectopic pregnancy but we do have more information on our website-
https://www.ectopic.org.uk/patients/trying-to-conceive/
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.
Making the decision to begin trying to conceive is an emotional rollercoaster compounded by our sad loss. Again, you are not alone. We here emotional support whenever you need us.
Sending much love,
Karen x
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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.