Ectopic pregnancy

This is a serious condition where the pregnancy develops outside the uterus, usually in one of the fallopian tubes.

An ectopic pregnancy isn’t capable of surviving and will normally spontaneously miscarry. The most common symptoms are vaginal bleeding, sharp, stabbing abdominal pain and sometimes referred pain in the shoulder and neck, sickness and diarrhea, and fainting. You’re more at risk of an ectopic pregnancy if you’re over 35, if you smoke, if you if you have endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease, if you’ve had a previous ectopic pregnancy, pelvic/abdominal surgery or multiple terminations, or if you get pregnant while you have an intra-uterine device (IUD) fitted.

An ectopic pregnancy can be life-threatening if it ruptures and causes internal bleeding, so if you experience bleeding or pain in your lower abdomen, contact your OB-GYN or nurse-midwife straightaway. You’ll likely be given an ultrasound to see if there is a fetus in your uterus, and your levels of the pregnancy hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) will be checked – low levels often signal an ectopic pregnancy. It’s possible your OB-GYN may also perform a test called culdocentesis. This involves inserting a needle into a space at the top of your vagina – if it contains blood this could indicate that you’re bleeding due to an ectopic pregnancy.

Treatment

You may be given medication to help your body reabsorb your pregnancy and if it’s successful your fallopian tube may be saved. If the tube has ruptured, you’ll need surgery to repair or remove it. This may be done via laparoscopy (keyhole surgery) but if this fails you’ll need a surgigal procedure called a laparotomy. Your chances of having a successful pregnancy after an ectopic pregnancy may be lower – around 60 percent.

The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.

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