What is an ectopic pregnancy?
An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy in which a fertilized egg implants outside the main cavity of the uterus, most often in a fallopian tube. It cannot continue safely and, if it grows, it can rupture the tube and cause dangerous internal bleeding. It affects about 1 to 2 in 100 pregnancies and needs prompt medical care.
Call emergency services or go to an emergency department now if you could be pregnant and have sudden severe pain in your belly or pelvis, shoulder-tip pain, feel faint or dizzy, or look very pale. These can be signs of a ruptured ectopic pregnancy.
Signs of an ectopic pregnancy
Symptoms usually appear between weeks 4 and 12 of pregnancy. Some people have none until it becomes urgent.
- A positive pregnancy test with pain low on one side of the belly
- Vaginal bleeding or brown watery discharge, often different from a normal period
- Pain at the tip of the shoulder, especially when lying down
- Discomfort when peeing or pooing, or diarrhea
- Feeling lightheaded
Why it happens
Normally the zygote travels down the fallopian tube and implants in the uterus. If the tube is damaged or narrowed, it may implant there instead. Risk is higher after pelvic inflammatory disease, previous ectopic pregnancy or tubal surgery, with IVF, smoking, or if pregnancy happens with an IUD in place. Often there is no clear cause.
How it is treated
| Treatment | When it is used |
|---|---|
| Monitoring | if hCG is low and falling and you are well |
| Methotrexate injection | to stop the pregnancy growing, when it is small and stable |
| Keyhole surgery | if the tube has ruptured or the pregnancy is larger |
Afterward
Losing a pregnancy this way can bring grief, fear and physical recovery all at once. It is okay to need time. Most people go on to have healthy pregnancies later, and an early scan is usually offered next time. See also miscarriage and hCG.
Frequently asked questions
Can an ectopic pregnancy be moved to the uterus?
No. There is currently no way to move it safely, so treatment ends the pregnancy to protect your health.
Does an ectopic pregnancy show on a pregnancy test?
Yes, tests are usually positive, though hCG may rise more slowly than expected.
Sources
This page is for information only and isn鈥檛 medical advice. If something worries you, please talk to a doctor.
Keep reading
What is a miscarriage?A miscarriage is the loss of a pregnancy before 20 to 24 weeks. Signs, why it happens, when to get urgent help, and how your cycle returns afterward.
Fallopian tubes: definition and meaningThe fallopian tubes carry the egg from the ovary to the uterus and are where fertilization happens. What they do, and conditions that affect them.
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG): definitionhCG is the hormone made after implantation that pregnancy tests detect. How fast it rises, what beta hCG numbers mean, and when a test can turn positive.What is a chemical pregnancy?A chemical pregnancy is a very early loss after implantation, often seen only as a positive test then a period. What it means, signs, and gentle next steps.hCG doubling time calculator: how fast are my levels rising?hCG doubling time calculator: enter two beta hCG results and the hours between them to see doubling time and 48-hour rise. Your clinic interprets.