Ectopic Pregnancy

With an ectopic pregnancy in a Fallopian tube, the fertilised egg becomes “stuck” progressing along the Fallopian tube. The pregnancy continues to grow inside the Fallopian tube where it can cause the Fallopian tube to burst or severely damage it. This can sometimes cause internal bleeding causing pain and requiring immediate medical attention. If not diagnosed and treated quickly, an ectopic pregnancy can lead to internal bleeding and a medical emergency.

Any woman or person capable of conceiving of childbearing age, who is sexually active or undergoing fertility treatment (such as IVF), is at risk of an ectopic pregnancy.

Please be aware that if you are using contraception and it fails, there can still be a chance of a pregnancy which may be ectopic.

Often the reason for the ectopic pregnancy will never be known.

Symptoms of ectopic pregnancy may occur from as early as 4 weeks pregnant and up to 12 weeks or even later. Some experience symptoms that are similar to other conditions such as gastroenteritis (tummy bug), urinary tract infection (UTI), pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), and miscarriage – which are the most common ways to misdiagnose an ectopic pregnancy. Not everyone will experience symptoms.

The symptoms are:

• Missed or late period
• Unusual vaginal bleeding
• Abdominal pain
• Shoulder tip pain
• Bladder or bowel problems
• Collapse

If you experience symptoms of ectopic pregnancy, seek urgent medical advice by contacting your local doctor (GP), calling NHS 111, or if you are unwell, attending an Accident & Emergency department or calling 999.

There are three main ways of treating an ectopic pregnancy:

• expectant management (watchful waiting to see if the pregnancy resolves on its own);
• medical management with a drug called methotrexate; and
• surgical management usually by keyhole surgery or possibly open surgery.

The treatments available depend on symptoms and guidance from your healthcare professional.

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.

Some initial feelings may include shock and disbelief, fear, upset, emptiness, relief, anger, sadness, guilt, jealousy, anxiety, or worry. You may find that the experience has affected your partner, your relationships, your hopes and plans for the future, and you may find yourself having to break the news to extended family, friends, and colleagues.

Physical recovery can take time and it may not be possible to return to daily activities straight away and giving yourself time to recover can help to ease the expectations people put on themselves.

It is important to remember that there is no right or wrong way to feel and that everyone is different.

Whether your pregnancy was planned or unplanned, whether you have recently started to try to conceive or been trying for some time, whether you are single or in a relationship, there can be a mix of thoughts and feelings that surface. Whatever your circumstances, you are not alone and can use the support services offered by The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust for as long as you wish.

At the Ectopic Pregnancy Trust, many of us have been through the physical and emotional trauma of ectopic pregnancy so we have some understanding of how you and your loved ones may be feeling right now. You may be feeling lonely, confused, and overwhelmed. You may have questions about the experience and what may be ahead, physically and emotionally. We are here to support you – whether you have experienced an ectopic pregnancy yourself or are a partner, family member, or friend.

While we are unable to provide medical advice, we offer support from others who have been through a similar experience.

In collaboration with The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust