Ectopic pregnancy delivery

In an ectopic pregnancy, the fertilised egg implants outside the uterine cavity, commonly in a fallopian tube. The tube cannot stretch like the uterus, so continued growth can cause rupture and internal bleeding. This is different from a pregnancy that reaches the stage of labour in the uterus. More detail is available in [Ectopic Pregnancy](/conditions/ectopic-pregnancy/).

Care may include medicine or an operation, depending on the pregnancy location, hormone results, symptoms and signs of bleeding. Surgery may remove the pregnancy and, when necessary, the damaged tube. A [Salpingectomy](/treatments/gynaecological-surgery/salpingectomy/) is one operation used for this purpose.

If an ectopic pregnancy is suspected, arrange same-day clinical assessment. The team may repeat pregnancy-hormone blood tests and perform a [Transvaginal Ultrasound](/treatments/diagnostics-and-imaging/transvaginal-ultrasound/) to clarify the location. Keep your phone available, avoid travelling alone if you have symptoms, and follow instructions about monitoring or treatment. After care, ask when to return for review and how to look after yourself physically and emotionally.

Go to emergency care immediately for severe or increasing abdominal or pelvic pain, fainting, extreme dizziness, shoulder-tip pain, heavy vaginal bleeding, or unusual weakness. These warning signs can occur with internal bleeding, even when external bleeding is limited. Call emergency services if you feel faint or cannot travel safely. [Pelvic Pain](/symptoms/pelvic-pain/) provides symptom information, but early-pregnancy pain should be assessed urgently.

Ask which treatment is recommended and why, how quickly it should happen, what follow-up is required, and which symptoms mean you should return urgently. You can also ask about pain relief, future pregnancy, contraception during recovery, and emotional support.