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Confused about my Ectopic Experience

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moonbeam_dream
Posts: 11
Joined: Sun Nov 29, 2020 3:01 pm

Confused about my Ectopic Experience

Post by moonbeam_dream »

Hi everyone

A week ago today I went into hospital for my first antenatal diabetes clinic (I am type 1 diabetic). I was almost 6 weeks pregnant and had been having bleeding and pain but nobody could do anything as it was too early for a scan. Later that night I was rushed into hospital by stretcher with very low blood pressure, before suffering a ruptured ectopic about 8 hours later, losing 3l of blood and having emergency surgery.

I'm still trying to process what happened to me as there are aspects I am finding very confusing. Is it unusual for a rupture as early as 6 weeks? In hospital I kept getting told that I have one healthy fallopian tube and if I get pregnant again they will scan me early. The problem is I had been asking for a scan since week 4 and it was too late on this occasion...

Is 6 weeks really the earliest an ectopic can be detected?

Sending love to all xx

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

Re: Confused about my Ectopic Experience

Post by EPT Host 20 »

Dear moonbeam_dream,
I am so sorry to hear of your ectopic pregnancy and loss,
You have been through a huge amount in such a short space of time and it is very normal to feel overwhelmed. From your words, I can imagine how frightening the experience must have been and I am sorry you have had to go though this.

The diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy may sometimes be difficult, and symptoms may occur from as early as 4 weeks pregnant and up to 12 weeks or even later. Not all women experience symptoms. Some women experience symptoms that are also similar to other ailments such as gastroenteritis (tummy bug) and miscarriage, which are the most common ways to misdiagnose an ectopic pregnancy.
Speaking from UK medical practice and standards, 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.
I would always advise seeking urgent medical advice with any pain or bleeding. If it is too early to scan, they may be able to monitor your hCG blood levels. Although these alone are not a true representation of what is happening, but the may guide decision making

For now, 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

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moonbeam_dream
Posts: 11
Joined: Sun Nov 29, 2020 3:01 pm

Re: Confused about my Ectopic Experience

Post by moonbeam_dream »

Thanks so much for taking the time to reply to me. Even knowing there are options other than a scan before 6 weeks is very helpful to know e.g. blood tests.

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