Spotting and shoulder pain post bfp

[Sfowler]

Hi!

My wife finally got our first bfp on Monday after 3 years of trying (second ivf cycle) from a 5dt grade 5 embryo.

Since then (in particular today) she’s started having lower abdominal cramps, spotting and shoulder pain and is now worried that the pregnancy might be ectopic (having had severe endometriosis previously).

Has anyone had these symptoms early in your pregnancy to alleviate her concerns that this is all normal and nothing to worry about?

Thanks

[Faith103]

Hi 👋

I have had an ectopic pregnancy and as a stage 4 endo sufferer myself I would suggest going to early pregnancy ward or A & E.

These are the symptoms I had when I had my ectopic. Unfortunately endo had blocked my tube, but this were a natural conception.

With ivf the changes of ectopic are slightly less but still possible.

She might just have some spotting in early pregnancy which is normal as I had it a few weeks back and sometimes I get shoulder pain when I have trapped wind. Things are changing a lot in pregnancy so prob nothing to be concerned about but I would definitely go and as for some advice and possibly an early scan.

xx

[Lou9]

I had an ectopic pregnancy in 2017 and would echo Faith’s advice about your wife going to A&E to get checked over. With my ectopic pregnancy the spotting was quite distinct, it was very dark and watery (it is often described as being like prune juice). Really hope there are other explanations for your wife’s symptoms. Sending my best wishes. X

[IvfStruggler]

Sorry to hear about your difficulties- I can understand you are feeling concerned. I had something similar recently although this was after egg collection so I wasn't pregnant. I called my fertility clinic's emergency out of hours number and was told to go to A and E. It was really helpful calling my clinic first as they had rang ahead and given essential information to the hospital. I had very clear shoulder pain (and terrible cramps) but after an awful night on morphine- I was fine again. Take care x

[jengi]

I don’t have any experience of this so can’t offer any advice? How is your wife today? X

[Ivfgotadream]

I have had two ruptured ectopics and lost both tubes - and actually IVF increases the chance of ectopics

I have to say though that the shoulder tip pain which is always talked about in connection with ectopic is pretty much the last symptom yoU get as it means the tube has already ruptured and internal bleeding has reached the diaphragm - trust me you’ll know if it’s ruptured the pain is unlike anything I’ve ever felt

I also didn’t have bag spotting with my ectopics but both of mine were live - ie had heartbeats which is actually very rare - most ectopics don’t contain any foetal tissue x

[mary77777]

Hi. Not sure how many days after transfer your wife is.

I had some pain during early pregnancy, including shoulder pain, a burning / painful sensation in my ovary, abdominal pain and light brown / red spotting. They tested my progesterone level, it was low and they increased my dose, had a scan around 6 weeks which excluded an ectopic and confirmed pregnancy with heartbeat. My doctor said I am having early contractions and gave me medication. I have now a baby.

I also had an ectopic a few years ago, did not know I was pregnant. I had light spotting, more severe abdominal pain and (almost) fainted. I had a scan at almost 7 weeks when I was already bleeding internally, my tube was ruptured and there was a confirmed pregnancy with a heartbeat. I had emergency surgery.

Agree it would be best for your wife to have a scan and if not ectopic, do further investigation (hcg, progesterone, etc).

Fingers crossed and praying for you. Xx

[Donita33]

Hi Sfowler, sorry to hear your worries in 2017 I had ectopic pregnancy on my first fresh embryo transfer. Second one failed.

Recently the had frozen embryo transfer which was positive two days ago I saw little spotting and because of my previous ectopic pregnancy I called A&E immediately. The doctor saw me and check if I am having miscarriage she ruled That out. She couldn’t book me for any scan as she says is too early to do the scan and I have to wait for my scan which was booked by my clinic next week Tuesday.

Thanks to God I haven’t seen any spotting since that Wednesday. Praying will be well next week Tuesday.

I will join others by saying best advice is to ask your advice is to take your wife for A& E ASAP by doing that she will put her mind to rest has I know how it feels.

I pray it’s normal to some pregnancy and being there before might make her worry more and over thinking.

Figures crossed 🤞 everything will be fine . Note let her continue with all her medication she was given.

Hugs and love 💓

D

[Gillis]

Hi I would contact early pregnancy unit for reassurance and advice, they may do a scan or s blood test to see how what your wife's hcg levels are. I'm thinking of you both and hope everything turns out well.