The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust

We’re so sorry that you are going through a challenging time. It’s natural to feel lost when dealing with an ectopic pregnancy. We hope to ease that slightly. Medical advice from your healthcare professionals is important, and so is emotional support.

No matter your circumstances, we’re here for you.

An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilised egg implants outside the cavity (“space”) of the uterus (womb). The most common place for an ectopic pregnancy is in a Fallopian tube (also occasionally called a tubal pregnancy) but there are many other sites where an ectopic pregnancy can be located, such as the ovary, cervix, abdomen, or caesarean scar. It is, sadly, not possible to move an ectopic pregnancy into the uterus.

Any woman or person who is sexually active or having fertility treatment (like IVF) is at risk of an ectopic pregnancy. There are some situations which may make a woman or person higher risk but there is often no way of knowing for sure why an ectopic pregnancy has happened in many cases.

If an ectopic pregnancy is suspected, doctors will conduct tests to confirm or rule it out. These tests include a scan called a transvaginal ultrasound scan and sometimes checking hormone levels.

Find out more about ectopic pregnancies

Although there could be another explanation, if vaginal bleeding occurs and you have had a positive pregnancy test, it’s really important that you get it checked out. Some bleeding in early pregnancy can occur in a normal pregnancy – but still seek medical advice straight away.

Vaginal bleeding or pains in the abdomen should be investigated urgently by a medical professional as they could be signs of an ectopic pregnancy. If not diagnosed and treated quickly, it may be a life-threatening situation because of a ruptured ectopic pregnancy. So don’t wait.

These signs don’t mean an ectopic pregnancy is the only outcome; it’s just better to be safe. Always seek medical advice when experiencing abdominal pain or vaginal bleeding in any trimester of pregnancy. It is ok to trust your instincts.

Read about how an ectopic pregnancy is diagnosed

After diagnosis by a doctor, there are three main treatment options:

–  expectant management (watchful waiting to see if the pregnancy resolves on its own);

–  medical management with a drug called methotrexate;

–  surgery (usually a laparoscopy or keyhole surgery but sometimes a laparotomy or open surgery).

The treatment options available will depend on clinical factors such as your pregnancy hormone level (called human chorionic gonadotropin or hCG) and the extent of pain or bleeding, so follow guidance from your healthcare professional.

More about the different treatment options