Every month we will identify the most commonly asked questions about ectopic pregnancy and answer them. If you have any further questions which you cannot find answers to on the website, please can you contact us.
What are the chances of having a second ectopic pregnancy?
After a first ectopic pregnancy, subsequent pregnancies are inter-uterine, and the recurrent rate is quoted at about 18%. As this is the case, it is important in a subsequent pregnancy to be seen by health care professionals and a vaginal scan may be undertaken to locate the site of the pregnancy. See recurrence rates on the Ectopic Pregnancy Foundation website.
What are the signs of ectopic pregnancy at 6 weeks?
Symptoms usually occur at about 6 weeks and may comprise of dark “ prune juice “ vaginal discharge and lower abdominal/pelvic discomfort or pain usually constant and on one side. See Signs of Ectopic Pregnancy for more information.
What is the least common site of ectopic pregnancy?
Ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy outside the normal site in the uterine cavity, usually in the Fallopian tube, but there are several other sites, including the ovary or cervix. One of the least common sites is in a scar on the uterus usually in a caesarean section scar. It may be that with the increasing rise in the Caesarean section rate, these cases may become more common – See Sites on the Ectopic Pregnancy Foundation website.
How can I get emotional support?
The emotional impact varies from person to person. It may have profound and long-lasting psychological effects which may be overlooked. It is something that can be difficult to diagnose and treat. The majority of council websites deal with miscarriage of still births You also can make contact with your GP to find out what help is available to you, locally or otherwise.
You can find out more about the psychological consequences of an ectopic pregnancy here.
The Ectopic Pregnancy Foundation continues to raise funds to provide services. We don’t get any central funding but rely on charitable donations and any donations would be gratefully received and would go to patient support see how to donate on the ectopic pregnancy foundation website.
Can ectopic pregnancy have a heartbeat?
On vaginal ultrasound scans, it is sometimes possible to see cardiac activity but this cannot be heard. If fetal cardiac activity is seen it is considered to be a contradiction for the use of medical treatment with methotrexate. See symptoms and treatments on the Ectopic Pregnancy Foundation website.
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