What are the risk factors for ectopic pregnancy?

Risk factors include a previous ectopic pregnancy, infection such as pelvic inflammatory disease, surgery on the fallopian tubes, and fertility treatment. Pregnancy with an intrauterine device in place is uncommon, but if pregnancy occurs it needs prompt assessment because the pregnancy may be outside the womb. Smoking and increasing age can also affect risk. Having a risk factor does not mean an ectopic pregnancy will happen, and some people have no known risk factor.

A damaged tube may not move a fertilised egg towards the womb normally. The pregnancy can then implant in the tube or, less often, another site outside the womb. A prior pelvic infection can cause inflammation and scarring that changes the tube’s passage.

Contact a maternity or women’s health clinician early if you have had an ectopic pregnancy, tubal surgery, pelvic inflammatory disease, or fertility treatment. They may arrange an early ultrasound and blood tests to confirm where the pregnancy is developing. Keep a note of the first day of your last menstrual period and any pain or bleeding, including when it began and whether it is worsening.

Seek emergency care for sudden or severe one-sided lower-abdominal pain, shoulder-tip pain, fainting, marked dizziness, weakness, or heavy vaginal bleeding during a possible pregnancy. These can signal internal bleeding. Do not wait for a scheduled appointment if symptoms are intense or rapidly worsening.

Ask whether your history calls for an early scan, which symptoms should prompt emergency care, and how pregnancy hormone tests will be interpreted if an ultrasound is not yet conclusive.