Ectopic Pregnancy

Overview

An ectopic pregnancy can cause the fallopian tube to burst, leading to severe internal bleeding. Early diagnosis allows safer treatment.

Symptoms

• A missed period and a positive pregnancy test
• Pain on one side of the lower abdomen
• Vaginal bleeding or brown discharge
• Shoulder tip pain
• Dizziness, fainting or collapse if it ruptures

Causes and risk factors

Risk factors include previous ectopic pregnancy, pelvic inflammatory disease, previous tube surgery, smoking, fertility treatment and pregnancy with a coil in place.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis uses a pregnancy blood test (beta hCG), often repeated, and a transvaginal ultrasound.

Treatment

Treatment may be monitoring, medicine (methotrexate) to stop the pregnancy growing, or keyhole surgery to remove the pregnancy and sometimes the tube.

When to see a doctor

Seek emergency care for abdominal pain, bleeding or fainting in early pregnancy.