RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Effect of methotrexate treatment of ectopic pregnancy on subsequent pregnancy
JF Canadian Family Physician
JO Can Fam Physician
FD The College of Family Physicians of Canada
SP 37
OP 39
VO 57
IS 1
A1 Hackmon, Rinat
A1 Sakaguchi, Sachi
A1 Koren, Gideon
YR 2011
UL http://www.cfp.ca/content/57/1/37.abstract
AB Question My last pregnancy was diagnosed as ectopic, and I was treated successfully with intramuscular methotrexate (MTX) 8 weeks ago. I am currently planning for another pregnancy; however, I have read that MTX causes birth defects and that it stays in my body for a very long time, ranging from 1 to 12 months after treatment. When is it safe to conceive? Answer We suggest that the outcomes of pregnancies conceived shortly after MTX therapy for extrauterine pregnancy are most likely to be favourable and similar to those pregnancies conceived 6 months after MTX treatment. However, as data are not sufficient to draw a definitive conclusion or to confirm the exact safe timing after MTX treatment, at least a 3-month waiting period is recommended for women who are planning pregnancy. Nevertheless, conception within 3 months of MTX treatment of extrauterine pregnancy should not be considered a definite indication of termination, and further targeted fetal anatomy assessment is recommended. Further retrospective and prospective studies are needed to define the safety period before 3 months and to solidify this recommendation.