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TTC After a Loss
IVF & Heterotopic Pregnancy- Be aware
I just experienced something I didn't know was possible. I am posting this in hopes it will inform other couples trying to conceive with IVF of this rare complication. We started IVF in May with 3 embryos transferred and became pregnant. I lost the pregnancy at 6 weeks with a D & C. Following the D & C I continued to experience the same and worsening bloating/gassiness as I had while pregnant. The symptoms continued to worsen including alternating (by the hour) constipation and diarrhea. Eventually when I woke with severe body aches I went to the dr. suspecting an intestinal infection or diverticulitis. I went on antibiotics and seemed to improve a little while awaiting test results. Five days later, while on a business trip I went to the ER with severe right abdominal pain. I suspected an impacted bowel since attempting a bowel movement was painful and impossible. The ER determined I had a ruptured ovarian cyst, which I saw on the CT Scan. They sent me home with pain meds. My fertility doc asked me to follow up with him when I got home in 2 days and he seemed to have some concern about the continuing abdominal tenderness and bowel discomfort I was still having. When he performed an ultrasound he discovered a problem with my right fallopian tube- an ectopic pregnancy. I didn't see how this could be possible since we transferred 3 embryos to my uterus and my tubes are mostly blocked.
Heterotopic pregnancy is the simultaneous occurence of both a normal uterine pregnancy along with an ectopic pregnancy. With natural pregnancy it only happens about 1 in 30,000 but with IVF its about 1-3 in 100. Since one of my tubes was still slightly open, one of the 3 embryos found its way into that tube and implanted while its sibling implanted in the uterus. Apparently this is very difficult to diagnose. Normally you would diagnose by the presence of an HCG level and the absence of a uterine pregnancy. However, because of the prior uterine pregnancy just a few weeks prior my HCG level was still present and falling. My abdominal problems didn't seem to indicate anything gynocological. I had no major symptoms. I was bleeding but that is normal after a D & C.
I was rushed into a laparatomy where my then 10 week ectopic pregnancy and my right fallopian tube, too far damaged to save, were removed.
(As an FYI the 3rd embryo also formed a gestational sac though a baby never developed. So, we were actually 3 for 3!)
We plan to try IVF again when I am fully healed and HCG is below 5. My remaining left tube is supposedly completely blocked so hopefully this won't happen again. Now I just want my triplets back :-)
This discussion has been closed.
Re: IVF & Heterotopic Pregnancy- Be aware
-m/c at 11w2d due to partial molar 2008 -m/c #2 2009
Beautiful daughter born February 2011
**Ultimate TTCALer 2009**
Natural miscarriage - April 2009 ~ We love you, 'Blueberry'
Lydia, born July 12, 2010
Labor buddy to Kelly0615
Summer 2011
I am so sorry for your losses. I do hope you will stick around here throughout the IVF process; I have found this board to be a wonderful place for support.