Initial diagnosis of Pregnancy of Unknown Location

01 Jun 2025 | By Helen

It started with an accident. A plan B. Three weeks later, a pregnancy test – positive. 

I’m in my mid-twenties and wasn’t sure I was ready to have a baby. I wasn’t sure how to feel. It all moved incredibly quickly. 

 I was sent for an ultrasound – no pregnancy found in the uterus. I was diagnosed with a Pregnancy of Unknown Location and scheduled for a more detailed scan the next day. At that point, I was still being told that an ectopic pregnancy was unlikely. 

That night, I had agonising pain in my left side. I wish I had listened to my body and gone for help, but I went to sleep instead. It’s strange what we do when we’re in survival mode. If you’re in pain, go to A&E (Accident and Emergency Department) or call for help – don’t risk it. I was lucky it didn’t rupture – but the damage was already done. 

The next day I arrived for my transvaginal ultrasound. I hated those ultrasounds. They were perhaps one of the most traumatic parts of the experience. Still – nothing. They almost sent me home. 

 I was lucky enough to be seen by a doctor. I told her I was in pain, and she told me she was worried. She took me seriously and called a consultant. My third ultrasound finally found it – an ectopic pregnancy on my left Fallopian tube. 

 Then everything blurred. A surgeon arrived – they said surgery was the best option. 

 I just cried. Doctors and nurses whizzed around me, placing cannula and giving me information I can’t remember. I was rushed to surgery. Someone held my hand as I sobbed and went under. 

 

I am incredibly grateful to the NHS (National Health Service) professionals for keeping me safe. 

The strangest thing was I could feel where the pregnancy had been. I could feel an emptiness on my left side. It was odd and uncomfortable. It felt… sad. 

It was awful being stuck in bed. I was desperate to get back to normal life. The pain for the first few days was intense – especially the shoulder pain from the gas used during surgery. I rested a lot, but I also made sure to move gently. I focused on small recovery goals: fewer pain meds, no infections, back to work part-time. 

Emotionally, I was very tearful. My partner was a fantastic support. Physical healing has a predictable timeline. Emotional healing does not. 

 My recovery went smoothly. I was back to work in two weeks. 

One of the hardest parts was the first period afterward – it was extremely heavy. I found that quite triggering, as it felt like a visceral reminder of the loss. The second cycle was more normal, and I found that reassuring – it felt like a return to whatever “normal” now meant.  

It affected me emotionally, but I think I’ve coped better than I expected – because I allowed myself to grieve. I named my pregnancy. My vicar held a memorial service. I ordered a baby loss certificate. I attended support groups from the Ectopic Pregnancy Trust. I leaned on my therapy group. 

I’ve moved on as best I can. I’m not torn apart, but I am changed. Writing this, I realise it still haunts me a few months on. It doesn’t occupy every moment, but it returns often. I’ve learned to let it come and go like waves.  

I think it’s important to find ways to memorialise and honour the loss. 

I remind myself that losing a Fallopian tube only reduces fertility by 10% to 30%. As angry as I was with my body, I also think it’s an amazing thing. The scars will fade – but I don’t mind them. They’re part of this journey. Evidence that I survived. 

On my due date, I’m going to plant a tulip garden. 

It’s important to create something meaningful. 

I was here. I survived. 

O 

If I could say one thing… if you’re in pain, listen to your body and get some help immediately. Emotionally, know there is no right way to feel. Name your loss, mourn it if needed. You survived. That matters.

 

 

Thank you to our contributor for sharing her experience. If you would like to share your experience of ectopic pregnancy, please visit our guide for more information.                  

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