Ectopic pregnancy

An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy that implants somewhere other than the lining of the uterus, most commonly in a fallopian tube. Such a pregnancy cannot survive or move to the right place, and because a growing pregnancy can cause the tube to rupture and bleed, an ectopic pregnancy is a medical emergency that needs prompt treatment.

It can occur after natural conception or IVF, even though in IVF the embryo is placed directly into the uterus. Early signs to act on include one-sided lower abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding that is not your normal period, pain at the tip of the shoulder, dizziness, or feeling faint. If a beta hCG level rises more slowly than expected, or a scan does not show a pregnancy in the uterus, the clinic will watch closely for this. Treatment is with medication or surgery depending on the situation. If you have these warning signs after a positive test, seek urgent medical care rather than waiting.