What should you know about life after ectopic pregnancy?

An ectopic pregnancy develops outside the main cavity of the uterus, often in a fallopian tube. Treatment may involve medicine, monitoring or surgery, depending on the pregnancy location, symptoms and test results. After treatment, pregnancy hormone levels may need checking until they return to a non-pregnant range. Follow the discharge advice about activity, wound care and sex, because recovery differs after an operation and after medicine.

Grief, fear, anger or numbness can follow an ectopic pregnancy, even when treatment was medically successful. Talking with a trusted person or counsellor can help. Future fertility depends on factors such as the health of the remaining tube, the original cause and the treatment received. Pelvic inflammatory disease can affect the fallopian tubes, so ask whether any investigation or treatment is appropriate.

Attend every follow-up appointment and complete any requested blood tests. Keep the wound clean and dry if you had surgery, and ask when lifting, exercise, driving and sex are appropriate. If you received medicine for an ectopic pregnancy, follow instructions about monitoring and avoiding a new pregnancy until your clinician confirms it is safe to try.

When you are ready to try again, arrange an early appointment after a positive pregnancy test. A transvaginal ultrasound may be used to check where the pregnancy is developing. Tell the clinician about the previous ectopic pregnancy, treatment and any fallopian tube surgery, such as salpingectomy.

Get urgent medical help for severe or worsening pelvic pain, fainting, marked dizziness, shoulder-tip pain, heavy bleeding, fever, breathlessness or a wound that is becoming red and painful. If you may be pregnant and develop pelvic pain or bleeding, contact a maternity or emergency service promptly because an ectopic pregnancy can recur and needs early assessment.

Has my pregnancy hormone level fully settled? When can I resume normal activity and sex? When is it medically reasonable to try for pregnancy? How early should I arrange an ultrasound next time? Do I need review of my fallopian tubes or treatment for pelvic inflammatory disease?