If you have an ectopic pregnancy

An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilised egg implants outside the uterus, often in a fallopian tube. It cannot be relocated to the uterus. Early symptoms may include one-sided pelvic pain, vaginal bleeding or pain near the shoulder, although some people have no clear symptoms at first.

Clinicians use your symptoms, examination, pregnancy hormone blood tests and ultrasound to locate the pregnancy and check for bleeding. Pelvic inflammatory disease is one condition that can damage the tubes, so share any history of it or previous pelvic surgery.

Your care team may recommend close monitoring, medicine or surgery. Monitoring requires scheduled blood tests and clear instructions about symptoms. Medicine can stop the pregnancy from growing when the situation is suitable. Surgery may remove the pregnancy and, when necessary, the affected tube.

A transvaginal ultrasound gives a closer view of the uterus and nearby structures. A salpingectomy is an operation to remove a fallopian tube. Ask about recovery, contraception, emotional support and future pregnancy planning before leaving the service.

Get emergency help for sudden or severe abdominal pain, shoulder-tip pain, fainting, collapse, heavy bleeding, severe dizziness or unusual weakness. Do not wait for a scheduled appointment if these symptoms appear, because internal bleeding can worsen quickly.

Ask: Where is the pregnancy? Is there evidence of internal bleeding? Why is monitoring, medicine or surgery recommended? How will follow-up show that treatment has worked? What should I expect during recovery, and when can we discuss another pregnancy?