The EPT’s impact during Ectopic Pregnancy Awareness Day 2024

Behind every 1 in 80 pregnancies that is ectopic, there is a uniquely personal experience. Ectopic Pregnancy Awareness Day is a day dedicated for us to join together as a community to share our stories. 

Together, we raise vital awareness and provide tools to start important conversations around ectopic pregnancy and pregnancy and baby loss. It also brings those of us affected together to share and reflect on the experiences we have had, whatever our circumstances. By raising awareness, we can increase the chance of people spotting the signs and getting rapid diagnosis. Quicker treatment can reduce the risks of maternal deaths, harm, and near-misses, the need for emergency surgeries, and the effects on fertility and mental well-being. 

We want to reassure anyone who finds themselves on this journey, whether recent or long ago, that there is a community that exists to help – offering information, support, or simply someone to listen and be by their side. 

The EPT is proud to have founded and host this important day. Each year, the EPT team carefully selects a theme by gathering the thoughts of our community through our social media channels and support services.  

This year, the theme centered around ‘Think Ectopic’. In Spring, we launched our ‘Think Ectopic’ campaign. This initiative builds on our ongoing mission to raise awareness of ectopic pregnancy among healthcare professionals. While it is crucial for healthcare professionals to recognise the symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy, we also emphasise the importance of the general public being informed about all aspects of the condition. You can find out more about our theme and the day’s content on our dedicated webpage. 

Laura, who won five Olympic gold medals and seven World Championships titles whilst cycling for Team GB, joined the charity on Ectopic Pregnancy Awareness Day. The announcement followed her own experience of an ectopic pregnancy in January 2022. 

Laura herself underwent emergency surgery in 2022, where one of her Fallopian tubes was removed. Laura has been vocal about the huge impact the ectopic pregnancy had on herself and her husband, fellow Olympian, Sir Jason Kenny. 

Losing a pregnancy is a heart-wrenching experience that no person should ever have to endure. The emotional weight can be intense, often leaving families seeking comfort and support during what may be some of their darkest moments.   

Sensitive campaigns like Ectopic Pregnancy Awareness Day play a crucial role in raising awareness about the condition. By sharing our experiences, we help society at large to better comprehend the far-reaching impacts and need for compassion, paving the way for a more empathetic and supportive community around pregnancy and baby loss.  

In recent years, social media has been a powerful tool for amplifying voices and driving social change. During this year’s Ectopic Pregnancy Awareness Day, our social media posts were seen half a million times. Every share allows our content to reach those who may need our support and resources. This is further apparent in our followers growing to over 43,700 across our platforms.   

Our symptoms video was viewed over 32,100 times, with many of the community sharing to help others identify symptoms. Every share has the possibility of saving a life. 

Now in its fifth year, our 80in1 challengers embarked on a meaningful journey to cover 80 miles throughout August, symbolising that approximately 1 in every 80 pregnancies is ectopic. Starting on Ectopic Pregnancy Awareness Day added special significance to their incredible efforts. We are honoured to have supported over 460 fundraisers as they made a real difference with each step, raising crucial funds for the charity. 

If you’re inspired by our amazing fundraisers, we offer a wide range of events you can take part in to support The EPT. 

Thank you to everyone who made Ectopic Pregnancy Awareness Day an opportunity to create change – from the many organisations and their supporters, to the committed team at The EPT, who work tirelessly throughout the year to ensure that those affected by ectopic pregnancy are seen and their voices heard.