We’re Kirsten and Jeff! Thank you for being here. We are the couple behind Ectopic Pregnancy Support. If you follow EPS on social media, you’re probably more familiar with me (Kirsten).

We got married in 2019 and couldn’t wait to start a family one day. In February of 2022, we got a positive pregnancy test! Jeff and I were so excited for this next chapter. So much that we jumped the gun and purchased nursery furniture, began our registry and told a few of our closest friends and immediate family members. How can you not when you’re so happy?!

One week after testing positive, I started to spot. It was a daily occurrence, and I thought nothing of it because I know that it can happen in early pregnancy. I remember reaching out to my doctor to ease my mind. She recommended testing my HCG levels to be sure my numbers were rising appropriately (they must double every 48 hours). This is when the worry started to set in... my numbers weren't rising how they should be. Below were my draws:

Feb 21, 2022: 586

Feb 23, 2022: 600

Feb 25, 2022: 628

After that third draw, my doctor asked me to come in for an ultrasound so she can get a better look at what's going on. Sadly, a baby was not located and it was "suspected" that I was experiencing an ectopic pregnancy. Because I held on to so much hope, I asked to do one more HCG test to see how my numbers were looking... My numbers went down to 575 (not a good sign).

On March 1 of 2022, my doctor called my husband and I and officially diagnosed me with an ectopic pregnancy - a life-threatening tubal pregnancy. The future of our exciting next chapter turned upside down. I was rushed to receive methotrexate injections, which is a medication used to stop cell growth and dissolve existing cells.

Once you receive methotrexate, it’s protocol to get constant lab work to be sure the medication is working. It took me about three weeks for her HCG levels to get below 5. Those 3 weeks were TOUGH. I had to get blood drawn every three days, which reminded me of the loss each time. My arms were so bruised… I was physically and mentally exhausted.

I created @ectopicpregnancysupport on Instagram shortly after my HCG numbers were normal. I originally used the Instagram account as an online journal – just a way to get my feelings out. As time went on, I started getting an influx of messages saying how helpful and impactful my posts were. What started as an online journal quickly became an online support group. It has meant the world to me knowing that I'm helping others through one of the most painful times.

Jeff and I started to think about how impactful it’d be for women to have a platform to communicate with each other about their journeys – rather than just women direct messaging me on Instagram. And then this community was born!