Commonest site of ectopic pregnancy

A tubal pregnancy cannot develop normally in the fallopian tube. As it grows, it can stretch or damage the tube and cause internal bleeding. Risk can be linked with previous tubal damage, pelvic inflammatory disease, earlier ectopic pregnancy or fertility treatment, although it can also occur without a known risk factor. A pregnancy test, blood tests and a transvaginal ultrasound help clinicians assess pregnancy location and development. A scan may need repeating when the pregnancy is very early.

Contact a maternity or gynaecology service promptly if you have a positive pregnancy test with one-sided pelvic pain or unusual bleeding. The team may monitor pregnancy hormone changes, examine you and arrange imaging. Treatment depends on symptoms, scan findings, hormone results and whether the tube appears damaged. Options can include close monitoring, medicine or an operation such as salpingectomy. Do not delay assessment while waiting for pain to settle.

Call emergency services for sudden severe abdominal or pelvic pain, shoulder-tip pain, fainting, marked weakness, breathlessness or heavy bleeding during a possible pregnancy. These symptoms can indicate internal bleeding, even when vaginal bleeding is light or absent. Until assessed, avoid driving yourself if you feel faint and tell clinicians about the date of your last period and any positive pregnancy test.

Ask where the pregnancy appears to be located, what your hormone results show, when repeat testing is needed and which treatment fits your situation. Ask how treatment may affect follow-up, future pregnancy planning and warning symptoms after you leave.