Ectopic Pregnancy Awareness Day

Behind every 1 in 80 pregnancies that is ectopic, there is a unique and personal experience. This Ectopic Pregnancy Awareness Day, we come together as a community to share our stories in our own words or creativity.

We will be raising vital awareness and providing tools to start important conversations around ectopic pregnancy and pregnancy and baby loss. It will also bring those of us affected together to share and reflect on the experiences we have had, whatever our circumstances. We recognise that an ectopic pregnancy impacts many including the woman or pregnant person, their partner, family members, friends and work colleagues. This Ectopic Pregnancy Awareness Day is for all, however an ectopic pregnancy has impacted you. By raising awareness, we 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.

This awareness day may be challenging for anyone affected ectopic pregnancy. Having an ectopic pregnancy is a difficult experience so please be gentle with yourself and look after your needs. Our support services are available if you need them.

In Spring, we launched our ‘Think Ectopic’ campaign. This initiative builds on our ongoing mission to raise awareness of ectopic pregnancy among healthcare professionals. It is aimed at professionals who are often the first point of contact for those experiencing symptoms, typically in primary or urgent care settings. 

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. Whether you have been affected by ectopic pregnancy personally, might be in the future, or come into contact with someone who has, keeping ectopic pregnancy a central part of conversations about pregnancy and baby loss can save lives, reduce harm, and reduce feelings of loneliness during such a difficult time. 

Join us this August and Think… 

• Ectopic 
• Symptoms 
• Impact 

…together we can make a difference. 

Think Ectopic

Ectopic pregnancy is a common, occasionally life-threatening condition that affects around 1 in 80 pregnancies. Put very simply, it means “an out-of-place pregnancy”. It occurs when an ovum (egg) that has been fertilised implants (“gets stuck”) outside the cavity (“space”) of the uterus (womb). The most common place for an ectopic pregnancy is the Fallopian tube but there are many other sites where an ectopic pregnancy can be located. It is, sadly, not possible to move an ectopic pregnancy into the uterus. You can read more here. 

Think Symptoms 

Ectopic pregnancy can be life threatening, so it is important to have it diagnosed and treated quickly. 

Some experience symptoms that are similar to other conditions such as miscarriage, gastroenteritis, or urinary tract infection.  

For more detailed information about the symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy, visit our symptoms page. 

Think Impact  

Ectopic pregnancy can affect many aspects of your life, sometimes for many months or even years ahead. Whether you experienced an ectopic pregnancy recently or long ago, your feelings are valid. We will always reserve a space for you to share your story, if and when you are ready. 

• Your emotions: Facing an ectopic pregnancy can bring many complex and sometimes confusing emotions. Ectopic pregnancy results in the loss of your pregnancy, potentially part of your reproductive system (if your Fallopian tube was removed during surgery) and you have faced your own mortality (risk to your life) along with physically and emotionally demanding treatment. 

• Physical recovery: Your body is likely to go through a demanding process of recovery following an ectopic pregnancy and it is important that you be gentle with yourself and give yourself time to heal. Because such an invasive and frightening experience has occurred, it is not unusual to become worried about any symptoms you may experience and to have many questions racing through your mind. You may also find that you have different questions about your body at different stages after treatment. 

• The workplace: Returning to work after experiencing pregnancy loss can be incredibly challenging. Allow yourself to grieve and heal physically and be kind to yourself during this time. It’s important to understand your rights and familiarise yourself with your workplace policies. By taking these steps, you can ensure you have the necessary time and space to ease back into your work routine.  

• Share your #ThinkEctopic story

Raising awareness of ectopic pregnancy, its symptoms, and far-reaching impacts through your voices and creativity is powerful. 

You are welcome to share your story through our personal experiences section, create a short video (please see below) or submit poetry, art, music or dance expressing your own experience by emailing kerri@ectopic.org.uk. 

• Create a Think Ectopic video 

We would like to share some short clips of what you feel is important for others to know about ectopic pregnancy. Topics can be healing emotionally or physically, your fertility, future pregnancies, your career – it really is an open forum for you. We welcome videos submitted by partners, friends, family, or couples. You are also welcome to create a short video of why Ectopic Pregnancy Awareness Day is important to you.  

You can find an overview on how to put together your video clip here. Your video clips do not need to be too long – just 15 seconds or less.  Feel free to include your first name and organisation/department if you would like these included.  

Please email your video clips to kerri@ectopic.org.uk. We will share as many of your videos as possible as we approach and during 1 August. 

• Join our 80in1 Challenge

This August, complete 80 miles in 1 month for the 1 in 80 pregnancies that are ectopic. Join us, during our 25th year, to help break the silence surrounding ectopic pregnancy, honour your own experience, or show support for someone you care about: Register here.

• Pick up some items from our awareness range 

Wear your EPT-branded clothing or accessories and spread awareness while out and about and on social media.  

FREE UK delivery when you spend £15 or more. 

Order easily by visiting The EPT’s online shop. There are products for men, women, and unisex as well as handmade remembrance items such as our EPT candle (available in small and large) and EPT Teddy.  

We would love to see your photos with your EPT shop items. You can tag us in your photos, use the hashtags #ectopicpregnancyawarenessday and #thinkectopic or email your photos to kerri@ectopic.org.uk and we can share on your behalf. 

• Make a donation 

Your donation means we can provide crucial support and information to many thousands of people affected by ectopic pregnancy every year. By supporting our work, you are making a difference, helping people to manage the emotional toll after an ectopic pregnancy. 

• Join us for a moment of reflection 

As the day draws to a close on 1 August, we invite you to join us in a moment’s reflection. We will be lighting a candle at 8pm UK time for 10 minutes, for everyone that has been affected by ectopic pregnancy. This is an opportunity to come together as a community – to remember, reflect, and most importantly, look after ourselves. We will share images/video of our lit candle on our social media channels.  

During these moments or at any point on 1 August, we encourage you to be mindful of and look after your own wellbeing in whichever way is right for you. This could include sitting outside among nature, reading a book, listening to a song that holds importance to you, lighting a candle, or being creative with art or words.  

If you would like to share how you plan to spend your time reflecting, you are welcome to share in the comments of our social media content, or tag us in your posts and stories.    

• Social media 

We have created some downloadable graphics and assets below that you are welcome to use and share on your personal social media channels in the run up to Ectopic Pregnancy Awareness Day along with your own content. 

You are welcome to tag us in your posts and stories on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok.

Using the hashtags #ectopicpregnancyawarenessday and #ThinkEctopic will help spread the word and raise awareness.

If you are a business/organisation we have a downloadable zip folder of assets and example copy here. For further information please contact kerri@ectopic.org.uk.