Ectopic pregnancy awareness month

An ectopic pregnancy implants outside the uterine cavity, commonly in a fallopian tube. It cannot develop safely in that location. Awareness messages focus on acting on symptoms rather than waiting for a particular pattern, because pain, bleeding, or dizziness can appear at different times.

Risk may be higher with a previous ectopic pregnancy, tubal damage, pelvic inflammatory disease, some fertility treatment, smoking, or tubal surgery. [Ectopic Pregnancy](/conditions/ectopic-pregnancy/) explains the condition in more detail.

After a positive pregnancy test, contact a clinician if you have relevant risk factors or new symptoms. Assessment can include examination, blood tests, and a [Transvaginal Ultrasound](/treatments/diagnostics-and-imaging/transvaginal-ultrasound/). If you are sharing awareness information, emphasise symptoms and emergency action rather than alarming predictions.

Go to emergency care for sudden severe pelvic or abdominal pain, fainting, shoulder-tip pain, unusual weakness, or heavy bleeding. Use the [Pelvic Pain](/symptoms/pelvic-pain/) information for orientation, but urgent symptoms need direct medical care.

Ask how soon you should be assessed, which symptoms require an ambulance or emergency department, and how your history affects monitoring. If surgery is discussed, ask what [Salpingectomy](/treatments/gynaecological-surgery/salpingectomy/) involves and how follow-up will be arranged.