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Learn about causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and fertility options in this expert-led pregnancy guide.
How common is ectopic pregnancy?
When to seek medical help
How an ectopic pregnancy is diagnosed
Treatment options and what to expect
What causes an ectopic pregnancy?
Can ectopic pregnancy be prevented?
Will I be able to get pregnant again?
Fertility options after ectopic pregnancy
Follow-up care after ectopic pregnancy
Emotional impact and support after loss
FAQs around ectopic pregnancy
An ectopic pregnancy is where a fertilised egg implants outside the womb. In most ectopic pregnancies, the fertilised egg implants in one of the fallopian tubes. Less commonly, the fertilised egg implants in the ovary, cervix, or abdomen. It can also implant in a caesarean scar, or other places within the womb wall. Even though it’s in the wrong place, the egg will still try to develop and get bigger. As it gets bigger, an ectopic pregnancy can rupture (burst), this can be life threatening. Unfortunately it is not possible to save the pregnancy, and usually has to be removed using medicine or an operation.
More information on this can be found on NHS .
While uncommon, ectopic pregnancies aren't rare, affecting about 1 in 90 pregnancies in the UK. This means approximately 11,000 cases are diagnosed annually. While anyone can have an ectopic pregnancy, certain factors can increase the risk, such as having a history of pelvic inflammatory disease or previous ectopic pregnancies.
It's crucial to be aware of the signs and symptoms of ectopic pregnancy, as early detection is vital for a safe outcome.
Early warning signs
The earliest signs of ectopic pregnancy can be subtle and easily confused with a normal pregnancy or other conditions. Ectopic pregnancy symptoms include:
For more information on what to expect in the early stages of pregnancy, see our guide on the first trimester.
As an ectopic pregnancy progresses, more urgent symptoms can develop. These indicate a more serious condition and require immediate medical attention:
If you experience these symptoms, it's essential to seek medical help immediately.
Knowing when to act is vital. Always trust your instincts if something doesn't feel right.
If you have any of the early warning signs mentioned above and suspect you might be pregnant (even with a negative test), contact your GP or call NHS 111 for advice. They can help you determine the next steps and get a proper diagnosis.
If you experience any of the serious or escalating symptoms, such as sudden, sharp abdominal or shoulder tip pain, fainting, or collapse, call 999 or go to the nearest A&E immediately. An ectopic pregnancy can cause life threatening internal bleeding if the fallopian tube ruptures, so acting fast is crucial.
If an ectopic pregnancy is suspected, you'll be referred to an early pregnancy assessment unit (EPAU) for a diagnosis. The process usually involves:
Once diagnosed, the treatment depends on the size of the ectopic pregnancy, your symptoms, and your hCG levels. The three main options are:
While the cause is sometimes unknown, an ectopic pregnancy is more likely to occur if you have the following risk factors:
You can get more support at the Ectopic Pregnancy Trust.
It's not always possible to prevent an ectopic pregnancy, but you can reduce your risk by making healthy lifestyle choices, such as quitting smoking, and protecting yourself from STIs by using condoms. Regular sexual health checks are also a good idea.
For many people, the answer is yes. Going on to have a healthy pregnancy after an ectopic pregnancy is very common. The chances of a successful pregnancy depend on whether the fallopian tube was removed and the condition of the remaining tube. Many people conceive naturally, but if you have both tubes blocked or removed, you may need to consider other fertility options. It is generally recommended to wait at least two menstrual cycles after treatment before trying to conceive again.
If you find that your fertility has been affected, don't lose hope. Many people can still conceive naturally. If not, your GP or a fertility specialist can discuss options like IVF, which can help you conceive by bypassing the fallopian tubes.
After treatment, you'll need follow-up care to ensure a full recovery. This may include:
An ectopic pregnancy is a significant loss, and it's completely normal to feel a range of emotions, including grief, sadness, anger, or anxiety. It's a loss that isn't always recognised or talked about, which can make it even more difficult.
For more support and information on dealing with pregnancy loss, you can read our guide on miscarriages .
Ectopic pregnancies are most often caused by issues with the fallopian tubes, such as scarring or blockage, which prevent the fertilised egg from reaching the womb. However, sometimes the cause is unknown.
While both result in the loss of a pregnancy, they are not the same. A miscarriage is the loss of a pregnancy that has implanted in the womb. An ectopic pregnancy occurs when the embryo implants outside the womb and can't develop, and it poses a serious risk to the mother's health.
Three common signs are:
An ectopic pregnancy usually becomes apparent between 4 and 12 weeks of pregnancy. It cannot continue and must be treated to prevent life threatening complications. The length of time it lasts depends on the individual circumstances and how quickly it is diagnosed.
