Beyond the Two Lines: Navigating Ectopic Pregnancy

Hello and welcome to this week’s episode of The Fertility Podcast. I’m Natalie, and this is a slightly different one.Please note the trigger warning on this episode. As it is Baby Loss Awareness Week, I want to hold space for anyone who has experienced loss, is grieving, or is navigating uncertainty in their fertility journey. In this episode, I’m resharing a previous conversation hosted by Kate Davis, my former co-host and an independent fertility nurse. Kate spoke with Jade, who bravely shared her story of miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy. This episode comes with a trigger warning as it discusses pregnancy loss in detail. If this is not the right time for you to listen, please take care of yourself and maybe explore other episodes from our ten-year archive.Before we return to Jade’s episode, I want to briefly share something personal.Last week, my family and I were caught up in the terrorist attack in Manchester during Yom Kippur, one of the holiest days in the Jewish calendar. We were at our synagogue when the lockdown happened. My husband, who volunteers for our community’s security, was outside in a stab-proof vest, which is a sad reality for British Jews. We spent the day on edge, and in the days since, it has taken a toll emotionally. I want to thank those who reached out with kindness and acknowledgement. If you have Jewish friends or colleagues, please take a moment to check in. A small gesture goes a long way.Now, back to this important episode.About this episodeIn this powerful re-shared conversation, Kate speaks with Jade, who opens up about her journey through multiple pregnancy losses, including two ectopic pregnancies. Jade shares her experience navigating diagnosis, advocating for her own care, and the emotional and physical recovery process. She also reflects on the fear of trying again and the trauma of nearly losing her life.What we talk aboutJade’s multiple pregnancy losses including miscarriage and two ectopic pregnanciesHow she knew something was wrong even when the symptoms didn’t match textbook examplesHer experience with methotrexate treatment and emergency surgery after ruptureThe importance of advocating for yourself when seeking medical helpEmotional trauma and grief following pregnancy lossThe mixed feelings around tube-saving surgery and IVF as a future pathCommon myths about ectopic pregnancy and how symptoms can differHow hospital staff and personal support helped her through itThe role of the Ectopic Pregnancy Trust and the support she receivedJade’s message to other people navigating early pregnancy and lossLet’s keep the conversation goingFollow me on Instagram: @fertilitypoddyExplore the work and support groups from Fertility Action: fertilityaction.orgLearn more about ectopic pregnancy: Ectopic Pregnancy TrustRead about the Baby Loss Certificate scheme: www.gov.uk/request-baby-loss-certificateSupport for Baby Loss Awareness WeekIf you or someone you know needs support, here are some brilliant charities offering resources, counselling, and community:Petals – The Baby Loss Counselling CharityTommy’sThe Miscarriage AssociationSaying GoodbyeSands – Stillbirth and Neonatal Death CharityFind The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust - Support For You And Your Loved Ones for more informationFind Request a baby loss certificate - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) Find The Premature Menocast podcastRead Endometriosis time to diagnosis reportIf you’re still listening, thank you. This podcast has always been about honesty, community and support. Whether you’ve been with us for years or just found us today, I hope you know you’re not alone. Please take a moment to follow the podcast in your app so you never miss an episode.Until next time.