This post is a continuation of my previous post about my pregnancy after ectopic pregnancy loss covering weeks 35-36 of my current pregnancy. If you have not read that one before this one, I recommend reading it. As well as my first post covering this current pregnancy which covers pregnancy after ectopic pregnancy loss in weeks 4-17.
I like to share these posts because I have enjoyed reading others’ stories online. It has made me feel less alone in feelings and everything I am experiencing with pregnancy after loss.
For those who do not know, this is my third pregnancy (I have had 3 chemical pregnancies before my living daughter, but I have only had 3 medically/clinically diagnosed pregnancies). My first was my living daughter who was born prematurely due to preeclampsia with severe features and my second was an ectopic pregnancy I am on my second pregnancy in less than a year. This is my pregnancy after ectopic pregnancy loss.
According to ACOG an ectopic pregnancy is, “when a fertilized egg grows outside of the uterus. Almost all ectopic pregnancies—more than 90%—occur in a fallopian tube. As the pregnancy grows, it can cause the tube to burst (rupture). A rupture can cause major internal bleeding. [Ectopic pregnancy is] a life-threatening emergency that needs immediate surgery.”
According to Pregnancy after Loss Support, “Pregnancy after loss is a unique experience of grief and joy that requires recognition from family, friends, peers, and professionals“
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Table of Contents
Pregnancy after Ectopic Pregnancy Loss: Week 35
This is the week I have been mentally and emotionally preparing for my whole pregnancy after ectopic pregnancy. I had my living daughter at 35 weeks and 3 days pregnant. I felt I was bracing for impact during the end of week 34 and heading into week 35. I celebrated making it to 35+3 and felt shocked when I lasted until week 36.
It was bizarre to think that I had my daughter at this time. And knew firsthand how a 35-week baby looks and acts. It was so surreal to feel all her rolls and kicks inside my belly. I kept looking at pictures and videos of my daughter during the first week of her life blown away that I know what a baby looks like at 35 weeks.
I felt heavy, but also grateful all week. I just felt like there would be no way I could make it further than I did previously. I also experienced preterm labor with my daughter, but I never realized I was having contractions that dilated my cervix until I was checked when I was sent to have her. So I kept questioning every little ache or pain if maybe that is what a contraction felt like. To me, even when I was laboring I didn’t really notice the contractions. I felt so horrible being on magnesium sulfate and having preeclampsia that I don’t think I noticed them.
This week my husband and I had our last date out before baby sis will be born. It was fun and also an exciting way to celebrate making it this far with a pretty smooth pregnancy. We both have been on edge and preparing for an early delivery again or preeclampsia to show up. And it has felt pretty surreal with this being a pregnancy after ectopic pregnancy loss.
Pregnancy after Ectopic Pregnancy Loss: Week 36
It was surreal to make it to week 36 in my pregnancy after ectopic pregnancy loss. I couldn’t believe it. What felt even more surreal was that my blood pressure has remained normal (not even risen from nonpregnant numbers), with no swelling, still feeling her move regularly, etc. I felt so excited, happy, and grateful.
A few days after hitting 36 weeks, I had my 36-week appointment. I was convinced I was going to be sent to the hospital to deliver. Maybe not because of preeclampsia, but because I was dilated. Both my husband and I were bracing for news like this.
I have never made it to the 36-week appointment where they do the Group B swab. With my labor with my daughter, they just gave me antibiotics as a precaution since I didn’t have the test. So it was interesting to have it this go around. My doctor asked me if I wanted to be checked for dilation, I consented since I was already dressed down and they were already up there. Also, I just was curious. Surprisingly, I was not dilated at all. Which gave me relief that I will very likely make it to term, but also shocked.
At this appointment, we were able to schedule the c-section which really made everything so real. It is crazy to think within a few weeks we will have a baby girl in our arms.
Pregnancy after Ectopic Pregnancy Loss FAQs:
- I had surgery and my tube was removed
- I also had a large cyst in my ovary at the same time that was drained out during the surgery
- I had a D&C at the same time
- I never took methotrexate to manage the ectopic pregnancy
- I do not qualify for a VBAC due to my medical and pregnancy history
- I have been on baby aspirin ever since I was TTC due to my history of blood clots and preeclampsia
- I tracked my cycle after my ectopic pregnancy surgery with Premom pregnancy tests
Books I Read After My Ectopic Pregnancy Loss
I read a few books after my ectopic pregnancy loss. I found books helped me feel less alone in what I was going through.
Some of my favorites are:
- I Had a Miscarriage by Jessica Zucker
- Unexpecting: Real Talk on Pregnancy Loss by Rachel Lewis
- Gone Too Soon by Sherri Devashrayee Wittwer
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