Warning Symptoms
- One-sided lower abdominal pain — often sharp or persistent
- Vaginal bleeding, often different from a normal period (darker, watery)
- Shoulder tip pain — a red flag sign of internal bleeding
- Pain on opening bowels or urinating
- Feeling faint, dizzy, or actually fainting (sign of internal bleeding)
- Diarrhoea or feeling unwell
How It's Diagnosed
| Test | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Urine/blood pregnancy test (beta-hCG) | Confirms pregnancy |
| Serial beta-hCG (48 hours apart) | In normal pregnancy, roughly doubles every 48 hours; ectopic often rises abnormally slowly |
| Transvaginal ultrasound | Looks for pregnancy in the womb — if hCG is high but no pregnancy seen in the womb, ectopic is likely |
| FBC | Checks for blood loss if rupture suspected |
Treatment Options
| Option | When Used |
|---|---|
| Expectant management (watch and wait) | Very early, low and falling hCG — may resolve naturally |
| Methotrexate injection | Early, unruptured, hCG below a certain threshold, no fetal heartbeat |
| Laparoscopic surgery (salpingectomy/salpingotomy) | Larger, ruptured, or when methotrexate not suitable |
| Emergency surgery | If ruptured with internal bleeding — surgical emergency |
Medical Emergency — Call 999 or Go to A&ESevere abdominal pain, especially with vaginal bleeding, shoulder tip pain, dizziness, or fainting in early pregnancy could indicate a ruptured ectopic pregnancy causing internal bleeding. This is a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate treatment.
Future Pregnancy After EctopicHaving one ectopic pregnancy increases the risk of another to about 10%, but the majority of women who've had an ectopic pregnancy go on to have successful future pregnancies, especially with early monitoring (an early scan is usually offered).
Can an ectopic pregnancy be moved to the womb?
No — there is no way to relocate an ectopic pregnancy safely. It cannot develop into a viable baby and must always be treated to protect the mother's health.
How soon can I try to conceive again after an ectopic pregnancy?
Most guidance suggests waiting until beta-hCG has returned to zero and at least 2-3 months after methotrexate treatment (as it can affect early fetal development), or after physical recovery from surgery.
What increases my risk of ectopic pregnancy?
Previous ectopic pregnancy, pelvic inflammatory disease, previous tubal surgery, smoking, and conception with an IUD in place all increase risk.
Medical Disclaimer: This page is for general education only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.