What should you know about most common site for ectopic pregnancy?

Normally, a fertilised egg travels through a fallopian tube and implants inside the womb. With an ectopic pregnancy, implantation occurs outside the womb, most often within the tube. As the pregnancy grows, the narrow tube can stretch and bleed.

Risk factors can include previous ectopic pregnancy, tubal surgery, fertility treatment, or [Pelvic Inflammatory Disease](/conditions/pelvic-inflammatory-disease/), but an ectopic pregnancy can occur without a known risk factor. Early symptoms may include a missed period, vaginal bleeding, or [Pelvic Pain](/symptoms/pelvic-pain/), and symptoms can change quickly.

If pregnancy is possible and you have pain or bleeding, contact a maternity or emergency service promptly. Assessment may use pregnancy hormone tests and a [Transvaginal Ultrasound](/treatments/diagnostics-and-imaging/transvaginal-ultrasound/) to locate the pregnancy and check for internal bleeding.

Treatment depends on the pregnancy location, hormone results, symptoms, and findings on examination. Options may include close monitoring, medication, or surgery. A [Salpingectomy](/treatments/gynaecological-surgery/salpingectomy/) removes the affected fallopian tube in selected cases.

Call emergency services for sudden severe abdominal or shoulder-tip pain, fainting, collapse, marked dizziness, or heavy bleeding. These can signal internal bleeding. Do not wait for a home pregnancy test result if you feel seriously unwell.

Ask where the pregnancy is located, whether repeat hormone testing or ultrasound is needed, which treatment options apply, and how to seek help if pain or bleeding changes.