When to try again...

Preparing For Your Next Pregnancy
1

Hi all,

I recently had an ectopic pregnancy at 6weeks with the pregnancy being located in my left tube. I had no surgical or medical intervention and was managed by repeated blood tests which declined over 2 weeks. I wasn’t given any onwards guidance when I was discharged as I’m under fertility services so I was directed to my consultant. My consultant has been off due to covid and it’s looking likely I will be waiting a few months for an appointment. I wondered if there is any standard guidance when the ectopic resolves it’s self? I understand if it continues to be 3 months to wait but waiting for any conversation is so frustrating!!

Thanks

2

Dear Eve32,

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

Following surgery and expectant management (which is what you had) we and many medical professionals advise waiting for two menstrual cycles before trying to conceive. It is important to allow time for your body to recover and emotions to surface and be worked through. This is so that you have some comfort that your body is returning to its natural rhythm and you have a last menstrual period date from which to date a new pregnancy - key information in checking you are not suffering from an ectopic pregnancy in the future. Please note that the first bleed soon after surgery for ectopic pregnancy is not classed as a period as it is the body’s response to falling hormone levels.

It is important to book in for an early scan after you have conceived. Usually doctors carry out an internal transvaginal scan at around six weeks with subsequent pregnancies after an ectopic. This is because there is a reasonable chance of seeing an embryo around this six week mark.

We advise contacting your local EPU, reminding them of your ectopic pregnancy and booking an appointment. If you are unable to self refer, contact your GP who will be able to do this for you.

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 for the reply. It makes sense why advice is to wait and I’m hoping I get an appointment sooner than I’ve been told in case they have any different advice.

Thanks