Had to have Methotrexate due to ectopic. Questions?

Question

I'm just wondering when I can start taking my folic acid again! I had the Methotrexate shot exactly 1 week ago due to what they thought was an ectopic pregnancy. I was almost 6 weeks pregnant. I've finished the miscarriage as of yesterday, and my Hcg levels are going down. I have to go again today to have my blood checked to see how far they've come down again. I just have a few questions though. When is is safe to have s*x again? We are devastated by the miscarriage, so we want to try again quickly. Also, when can I start taking my prenatal vitamins again to build up my lack of folic acid from the Methotrexate shot? My Dr. is out of town, so I'm just trying to figure these things out so I can get back to normal, and start TTC again. My husband and I tried for 8 months to get pregnant, and then I had to miscarry. With my son (from another marriage), I had no problem conceiving. But, I'm 27 now and I'm sure I might need all the help I can get. So, to those of you who have experienced this, please comment. Thank you in advance for your answers. :)

Baby Dust to all of you that are TTC!

Answer 1

I am a bit confused as to whether this pregnancy was ectopic or miscarriage as you refer to it as both. An ectopic is a pregnancy in the tube, a miscarriage is a pregnancy in the uterus.  You may have bleeding with either type of pregnancy so dont confuse ectopic bleeding with miscarriage.  Anyway, assuming it is an ectopic then dont take the folic acid until the HCG levels are negative and you are sure it has completely resolved.  folic acid reverses the effects of the methotrexate and I am sure you dont want the ectopic to start growing again and risk losing your tube and becoming infertile.  Also, what is with your extreme rush to get pregnant?  Cant you guys hold off a bit at least to be sure the ectopic is resolved.  If you get pregnant now before HCG is negative, it will paint a very confusing picture to the doctor.  It will be impossible to know if there is a new pregnancy or the ectopic tissue is growing again.

8 months is really not that abnormal while TTC and at 27 you do not need to worry about fertility issues related to age.  If I were you, I would be much more worried about getting another ectopic pregnancy in the future.  

Answer 2

I was advised to wait 3 months to get pregnant after methotrexate (same situation as yours).  I would think starting on the folic should be fine, even a good thing.  I ended up losing a Fallopian tube after my ectopic, waited 3 months to start trying and got pregnant (without help) 3 months later.  Make sure your emotional health is good.  I was really depressed for about a year afterward (even during my pregnancy).  Get help if you need it.

Answer 3

Can I ask you a question about your ectopic pregnancy?

Because i think thats why i'm having now, I just came from the doctor.

Answer 4

An ectopic pregnancy emotionally feels like a miscarriage doesn't it? Same thing just happened to you, you lost a baby. I'm sorry for your loss. I had an ectopic in November, had methotrexate but it didn't work and my tube burst 6 days after the shot so I had to have surgery. You're lucky your shot worked because that was the worst pain I've ever felt! I too, was advised to have 3 normal periods before TTC again but guess what? I had one period, missed the next one and found out we were pregnant. That fast off of one fallopian tube! I am now almost 38 weeks with a little girl. My Dr said that happens a lot actually. I don't know of any reason not to start your prenantals. And I was told to wait 4 weeks before having s*x again. Good luck to you. One question: did your dr say what might have caused the tubal? It's usually because of scar tissue in the fallopian tube. Only asking because sometimes the scar tissue should be removed so an ectopic doesnt happen again. Ask your doc. Blessings!