Daniella's Story: Finding hope following ectopic pregnancy

Daniella was heartbroken by the loss of her much-wanted pregnancies due to ectopic pregnancies. By sharing her story, she hopes to raise awareness about the signs and symptoms that can occur in early pregnancy: 

"I had my beautiful daughter, Francesca, when I was just 19. A year later, I met Daniel, and we were very happy. We both wanted to add to our family. When we found out we were expecting a baby, we were thrilled, but our joy was short-lived. At 11 weeks, I began experiencing severe stomach pain and was rushed to the hospital. Our baby was growing in the wrong place—inside the fallopian tube. The tube ruptured, and I became seriously ill. Daniel feared he might lose me, but the doctors saved my life. 

We waited before trying again, but at 8 weeks pregnant, I was back in hospital. This time, an ultrasound showed I was expecting twins, but tragically, they were also ectopic. I had to be treated with methotrexate, which meant we lost both babies. It was devastating, but I was lucky to survive. 

In January 2019, I became pregnant again, but at 11 weeks, we discovered the baby was once more growing in the tube, which ruptured. After losing both of my fallopian tubes, Daniel and I were told IVF was our only option. 

We took that advice and began our treatment at Care Fertility in Nottingham. Our first IVF cycle was successful! After all the heartbreak, we finally welcomed a healthy baby girl, Adrianna, born at Chesterfield Royal Hospital in the summer of 2020. We were overjoyed to have a little sister for Francesca. 

Until this happened to me, I knew very little about ectopic pregnancy. I hope to reassure other women that there is hope, and with the right treatment, it’s still possible to become a mum again. Adrianna is proof of that." 

Understanding Ectopic Pregnancy 

Ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilised egg implants outside the uterus, most often in one of the fallopian tubes. These pregnancies cannot proceed normally and are a serious risk to the woman's health if left untreated. When the pregnancy grows in the tube, it can lead to a rupture, causing life-threatening internal bleeding. 

Symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy to look out for include: 

• Intense pelvic or abdominal pain 

• Vaginal bleeding, which may differ from a normal period 

• Shoulder tip pain, often caused by internal bleeding irritating the diaphragm 

• The urge to pass a bowel movement 

• Dizziness, fainting, or shock from blood loss 

If you experience any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical help. 

Why Does an Ectopic Pregnancy Happen? 

Ectopic pregnancies are often linked to problems with the fallopian tubes, such as scarring, blockages, or damage from infections or surgery. In Daniella's case, repeated ectopic pregnancies led to the removal of her tubes, making IVF her only option for having another child. 

Dr. Shilpi Pandey, Medical Director at Care Fertility Nottingham, explains:

“Ectopic pregnancy can be devastating and life-threatening. It often happens due to damaged or blocked tubes. Tubal issues account for around 20-25% of subfertility cases. This is one reason IVF was developed, and it remains a highly effective treatment. Women with a history of tubal problems should have an early pregnancy scan and watch out for warning signs, even after IVF.” 

Daniella’s journey shows that while an ectopic pregnancy is deeply painful, there is still hope for starting or expanding your family. If you or someone you know has experienced an ectopic pregnancy and are considering IVF, you can reach out to a Care Fertility expert to explore your options. 

The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust offers support and guidance for those affected by this condition.