Hi Claire,
I hope you don’t mind but I did post a reply on the other forum you posted on and have cut and pasted the reply for this post. Much love xx
Dear Claire,
I am so sorry to hear of your ectopic pregnancy and loss.
It certainly can be a very difficult and confusing time. I found my emotions surfaced once I had been discharged from the care of the hospital, we are here for you for information and support whenever you need.
With regards to your period, they can take a while to re-establish and they can re-start once hCG levels have fallen below about 100mIU/mL and most women find that their period arrives some time in the four weeks after their hCG levels have fallen to 0 if treated with Methotrexate, for some women this can be up to ten weeks. As a gentle reminder, the first period may be more painful or less so than usual, heavier or lighter, last for longer or shorter than usual – there really is no set pattern. You should be able to manage the discomfort with over-the-counter pain relief and should not be soaking a pad in less than an hour. If this is not the case, you should seek medical attention.
With Methotrexate and folic acid, you should wait until your hCG levels have fallen to below 5mIU/mL 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.
Please do not hesitate to continue to use the forums for as long as you need,
Sending much love,
Karen x
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