What would you do? Possible Ectopic?

[yellowbeaker]

I am just shy of 6 wks pg. I went to the loo and when I wiped the discharge looked tinged slightly. I am still cramping but some have been a bit more intense today. I might just be being hyper sensitive to it but I've had an ectopic in the past so I am really scared of that happening again. No one has really done anything to reassure me, I was told I would get a scan on the NHS to check the baby is in the right place with any subsequent pregnancies (last ectopic was 10 years ago) but it seems that is no longer the case and I was told I will have to pay for one privately. I have one booked for a weeks time.

not sure what to do? I don't think the EPU will see me because I am not yet 6 weeks. I don't want to seem like a hypochondriac but equally last time I got fobbed off so much that my tube had to be removed under emergency surgery.

Who told you they're not checking the location of subsequent pregnancies after an ectopic? I'm not sure if that's true. I would ring the EPU to let them know you're in pain, have had a tiny bit of spotting and have previously had an ectopic. They may tell you to go in, they may tell you to wait until you're past 6 weeks or they may say your gp or midwife has to refer you. I would think at this stage they should be able to see if pregnancy is in the right location, even if they can't see a heartbeat yet.

I had a bit of spotting between 5 and 6 weeks, very few cramps (probably more in my head) but didn't go in or call as no major pain. Everything looked okay at my dating scan on Monday, so it might not be bad news x

The NHS will only scan you before the dating scan if there are certain warning signs of problems. Slight pink or brown discharge is most likely implantation, if you had a heavy bleed they would see you, some cramping is quite common too.
I know it's hard when you've had past trauma but you just have to take each day as it comes.

I had a mc in July (had 4 previous too). I'd had a scan which confirmed a hb and yet the next week I miscarried. I've been very worried about current pregnancy (11+6wk atm) but just have to be thankful for every day that passes. Only 4 days to go to my dating scan now, I think I'll be able to relax a bit if all is okay on that.

I guess I have just always been scared of falling pregnant again but had it in the back of my head that if I did I would get an early scan to check all was ok.
The midwife team called me on Wednesday to book me in for my first midwife appointment, I asked then if I would be offered an early scan due to the ectopic and she said no- I would have to pay unless I developed bad pain or heavy bleeding/shoulder tip pain etc.

My MW appointment is when I am 8 weeks and she said if the midwife if concerned then she can send me for a scan then. I think I buried the last ectopic in the back of my head and haven't really dealt with it properly. No one would believe me that anything was wrong. I was in a lot of pain and kept getting sent home. They refused to scan me and then when my mum threatened to go to the papers over their negligence I was scanned and having surgery within the hour. I was absolutely petrified and it effected my mental health very badly afterwards.
I might just try and move my private scan to next week and then at least I will know one way or another.

Hi Op, I had an ectopic in August and was also told I'd have an early scan with any subsequent pregnancy. I'd call your EPU and or GP and see what they say. I have seen people on here say they have been told it's not happening at the moment because of covid. I hope everything is ok for you (it likely will be) but I get your anxiety. X

Yes, COVID means they're not doing straight forward reassurance scans but they will see you if you have heavy bleeding or severe pain

I would phone the epu. My subsequent pregnancies (after ectopic) were both pre covid but got early scans both times. They might also take bloods to check hcg levels either to see if they double or if it's worth scanning you.

(I did have spotting and cramping on both my post ectopic pregnancies so could well be nothing but you don't lose anything by phoning. If they tell you to wait you aren't in any worse a position than you are now)

I had a ruptured ectopic pregnancy 3 years ago and have always been scanned at 6 weeks with subsequent pregnancies to make sure I'm not having another. I've been pregnant twice in past year both during lockdowns and although partners haven't been allowed to attend they've been scanning me at the EPU as they normally would. One was another possible ectopic and luckily this one wasn't.
Some EPU's will see you directly if you call with your history, others want a GP referral. I'd try calling them in the morning and if they want a GP referral call 111. If you get any of the signs of a ruptured ectopic 999 or A&E

Scans after having an ectopic aren't just for reassurance! Don't be out off but others comments on here, good luck, I hope you have a healthy pregnancy

@BlueBobs

Scans after having an ectopic aren't just for reassurance! Don't be out off but others comments on here, good luck, I hope you have a healthy pregnancy

Exactly this. Chances are all is well but you are at an increased risk of an ectopic having had one before. Definitely worth giving the epu a call

Definitely call your EPU, I was scanned at 5+2, and 8+3 with my current pregnancy after an ectopic last year so they are still doing scans to check placement during Covid. They probably won’t be open over the weekend but definitely call them first thing on Monday

Hi OP, I'm now 27w pregnant following an ectopic pregnancy. When I first found out I spoke with our local EPU and unfortunately was told they were offering screening to ensure this baby was in the right place - unless there were clear concerns or symptoms that it was another ectopic. The poor midwife on the phone was so apologetic, but it's all down to covid and restricting numbers.

We are fortunate enough to be in a position to pay for a private scan, all I wanted to know is that baby was in the right place and I wasn't at risk of losing my remaining tube.

Wishing you all the best! X

Like @BlueBobs it’s not just for your reassurance. They do tell you when you have an ectopic to come for an early scan before the end of 6 weeks to check everything is in the right place as when you’ve had one you’re more likely to have another!

I had one about 2 weeks ago with no ectopic symptoms. If you’re having pain I would definitely report this to the epu and also raise it with your gp who might refer you which may be harder to decline?

Good luck and hope everything is ok!

Thanks for all the replies. I might call in the morning and see what they say as I am 6 weeks now. I also have a private scan booked for next Monday. Just so scared it could be another one, I don't know how I would get over it.