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Ectopic pregnancy

An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy that develops outside the uterus (womb). Around 1 in 90 pregnancies in the UK is an ectopic pregnancy.

What are the symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy?

Some women with ectopic pregnancy do not get any symptoms at all and are diagnosed only when they have an ultrasound scan. The symptoms women get when they have an ectopic pregnancy are vague and can make the diagnosis difficult to make. These symptoms usually occur between the 4th and 10th week of pregnancy and include:

  • Pain in the lower part of the abdomen – usually more on one side and normally progressively getting worse
  • Pain at the tip of the shoulder(s)
  • Irregular vaginal bleeding- may be light or a brown vaginal discharge
  • A missed or late period
  • Bowel problems – diarrhoea as well as pain when going to the toilet for some women
  • Feeling light-headed or fainting
  • No symptoms at all

How is an ectopic pregnancy treated?

There are different ways to treat an ectopic pregnancy. Not all options will be suitable for you. Your doctor will discuss the ones that are.

  • Expectant management (wait, see and monitor)
  • Medicine
  • Surgery

Ectopic Pregnancy Leaflet

For more information about diagnosis and the different treatments please read our Ectopic pregnancy information leaflet

Emotional recovery

Everyone copes differently following an ectopic pregnancy. You may feel some of the following:

  • Upset or fear over the experience
  • Worry about getting pregnant again
  • Grief or shock
  • Guilt or blame over what has happened

Please feel free to talk about these concerns with the gynaecology doctors and nurses on Ward J24.

Useful resources

The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust – Support For You And Your Loved Ones

Supporting people who have experienced an early pregnancy complication.

The Miscarriage Association: Pregnancy Loss Information and Support

If you have been affected by miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy or molar pregnancy you will find information and support here.

Ectopic pregnancy – NHS

Information about Ectopic Pregnancy on the NHS website.

Fertility Network

The national charity, here for anyone who has ever experienced fertility problems.

How to find us

Contact your GP or call NHS 111 if you have any symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy.

Your GP or another healthcare professional will need to make a referral to the team on the Gynaecology Acute Treatment Unit (GATU).

The unit is located on the second floor of Chancellors Wing at St James’s Hospital.

Directions to Ward J24 – Leeds Centre for Women’s Health | AccessAble

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