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1st pregnancy ectopic

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Dc2020
Posts: 3
Joined: Sun Jun 14, 2020 11:10 pm

1st pregnancy ectopic

Post by Dc2020 »

Hi everyone

I found out I was pregnant at the end of may it was me and my husband's 1st pregnancy and we were so excited.

A week later I began lightly bleeding and informed my gp who said it was normal this early.

This went on for a week and we decided to book an early scan with private clinic to get reassurance. I was 6 weeks on day of scan and they scanned me abdominally even though I read that you should be scanned internally as not much to see.
The sonographer told me that there was so sign of pregnancy in my womb and Instead of doing an internal scan to rule out ectopic she rebooked me for another scan 2 weeks later.

The next night I ended up in a and e with the worst stabbing pains. My blood test came back positive so they referred me for an early scan
This took place 2 days later and it was confirmed I had an ectopic pregnancy. We were gutted.
I was admitted Into hospital as I was in alot of pain and they gave me the methotrexate injection that night.

I am still currently in hospital but hoping to get out tomorrow.
I've had 2 sets of bloods done which have shown my levels are dropping

I had a few days of unbearable pain and heavy bleeding also nausea and the worst tiredness In the world it has just floored me.

I'm just looking to read other people's experiences of the methotrexate injection.

I'm also so worried about being able to have a healthy future pregnancy and this happening again.
Has anyone went on to have a healthy pregnancy after this?

Thank you

EPT Host 20
Posts: 3155
Joined: Thu May 31, 2012 10:58 pm

Re: 1st pregnancy ectopic

Post by EPT Host 20 »

Dear Dc2020,
I am so sorry to hear of your ectopic pregnancy and loss,
When we experience ectopic pregnancy we are suddenly faced with a life threatening emergency and it's treatment, reduction in fertility, concerns about the future and the loss of our babies. Experiencing any one of these is an ordeal, putting them together is immense and your feelings are completely normal.
Many women are surprised by the level of exhaustion they feel after ectopic pregnancy, please take things easy and we advise that you do not do any heavy lifting or strenuous exercise until your hCG bloods are back to pre pregnancy levels.
I understand your worries about TTC again. I too had methotrexate injection for an ectopic pregnancy with my first ectopic. My subsequent pregnancies were successful.
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.
Importantly, help is available if conceiving naturally has not yet been successful after some time trying - and the EPT advises that women under 35 should seek medical advice following 12 months trying to conceive and those over 35 should seek advice after 6 months.

Regarding TTC following methotrexate, you should wait until your hCG levels have fallen to below 5mIU/mL (your doctor will advise you when this is through blood tests) 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.

Above all be kind to yourself and allow time to grieve, to heal both physically and emotionally.
We will be here for you for as long as you need,
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
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BeeZee
Posts: 4
Joined: Tue Jun 16, 2020 8:51 pm

Re: 1st pregnancy ectopic

Post by BeeZee »

Dc2020,

I am so sorry for your loss. I too had an ectopic pregnancy as my first pregnancy and was gutted.

I got the methotrexate shot on june 15th and also had extreme exhaustion. I also had some stomach upset. I just started cramping and bleeding today.

It is a really hard time both physically and emotionally. Hope you are feeling better soon.

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