I had an ectopic pregnancy 6 months ago which was my first pregnancy. I feel I am at my worst state emotionally and mentally as the thing I want most is a baby.
I had to have two doses of methotrexate and so I have followed the guidance and waited 3+ months for it to be safe to try and concieve again.
However, I am feeling very worried and anxious as the risk for a second ectopic pregnancy is increased.
I am also feeling worried due to experiencing discomfort on my right side (which is the first symptom I experienced before the diagnosis) - I contacted my GP with my concerns and was advised to do a pregnancy test and if it was negative I was told not to worry.
My question here is that - is this normal to be experiencing the discomfort 6 months after (my hcg levels returned to zero in September)
Thank you
Dear Chelswils,
I am so sorry to hear of your ectopic pregnancy loss.
Many women and people who experience ectopic pregnancy go on to experience pain when they didn’t before. I did too. We are not sure as to why this may be, some theories are that it is due to our heightened senses, or ovulation pain. Pain can sometimes take up to 6 months to settle. If the pain persists, I suggest keeping a pain diary noting when the pain appears, the intensity on a scale of 0-10 and anything that helps the pain eg resting, hot water bottle, paracetamol etc. Visiting your doctors with this information helps them to assess how best to manage your symptoms.
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.
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. There is a specific Preparing for your Next Pregnancy board you can look at too whenever feel ready.
Sending much love,
Karen x