Overview
An ectopic pregnancy is one growing outside the womb, usually in a fallopian tube, which cannot support it — as it grows, the tube can rupture and cause life-threatening internal bleeding. One-sided pelvic pain with a missed period or positive pregnancy test is the classic warning. Early diagnosis by scan saves lives and often preserves fertility.
Symptoms
- Missed period or positive pregnancy test
- One-sided lower abdominal pain
- Vaginal bleeding or brownish discharge
- Shoulder-tip pain (internal bleeding)
- Dizziness, fainting or collapse
- Pain on passing stool or urine
Causes & risk factors
- Tube damage from previous pelvic infection or STI
- Previous ectopic pregnancy or tubal surgery
- Conceiving with an IUD in place
- Fertility treatment
- Smoking
Treatment & self-care
A suspected ectopic needs urgent hospital assessment with a pregnancy test and ultrasound; treatment is medication in carefully selected early cases or emergency surgery, especially if rupture is suspected. This cannot be managed at home or with traditional care — delay is what kills. After an ectopic, future pregnancies should be scanned early.
See a doctor urgently if
- Lower abdominal pain with a missed period or positive test — same day
- Vaginal bleeding in early pregnancy with pain
- Dizziness, fainting or shoulder-tip pain — emergency
- Severe one-sided pelvic pain
This condition can be an emergency. If any of the signs above are severe or getting worse, go to the nearest emergency room now or call 112 or 199 — do not wait for an online consultation.