Experiences of ectopic pregnancy

[AlexDJa]

Hi all, I was pregnant around 5 weeks ago, which I was thrilled about. Sadly, I started bleeding and the doctor said it was suspected ectopic pregnancy and had to go hospital where blood tests told me I lost the baby. The nurse told me on the phone I had lost it but I dont know if it was an ectopic pregnancy or a miscarriage. Wasnt in the right frame if mind to ask questions. I suspect I might be pregnant again and I'm concerned if I did have an ectopic pregnancy, I might have one again. Has anyone else had experiences of ectopic pregnancy? Thank you for advice x

[Eastend2015]

I am so sorry for your loss. I have experienced 3 miscarriages and one ectopic- the ectopic was possibly the most pain I have experienced along with on off bleeding for approx 3 weeks (starting at 5 weeks pregnant). Fortunately though it was managed naturally and I required no surgery. Two of the miscarriages occurred spontaneously at around 6 weeks with quite low levels of pain, just a lot of bleeding and clots for a few days. The other was a missed miscarriage where the foetus never grew past 7 weeks, all symptoms continued including nausea while I waited to miscarry naturally but as that never happened I had an erpc 3 weeks later. Thankfully I now have a healthy 2.5yr old DS and am 35 weeks with DC2. I think it’s important to go back to the EPU and ask some questions. History of an ectopic will likely mean the recommend an early scan in future pregnancies to check the location and avoid future problems. I believe the standard chance of having an ectopic is about 1/100 whereas if you have already had one it goes up to 1/10. They may also be willing to scan you for any blockages in your Fallopian tubes. Good luck!!

[AlexDJa]

Thank you for sharing Eastend. You are very strong for not giving up and I am so pleased it worked out for you. I didn't have much pain at all, which is why it was even more confusing. Yes, I think I will need to ask more questions as I'm driving myself crazy not knowing what went wrong. If I am right and I am pregnant again, I pray it will stay as the thought of going through it again is painful. Thank you and I wish you the best of luck too!!

[undomesticgodde55]

Hi @AlexDJa, I've been in a similar position, I had a pregnancy of unknown location, it was too small to see where it was on the scan but where ever it was it wasn't growing as it should be. I had to have treatment - methotrexate injection in the end. It's horrible not knowing, I would suspect you will also never know too. I believe mine was ectopic in the tubes, purely because all the pain was on my left hand side and being in the tube is more common then the cervix. They did a scan for me and everything was normal otherwise.

Have you had a look at https://www.ectopic.org.uk there is lots of information available if you suspect yours was an ectopic too. I believe the chances unfortunately are higher once you have had one, 10% but there is also a 90% chance of a healthy pregnancy too so the odds are still in your favour.