An ectopic pregnancy can begin causing symptoms before you even realise you are pregnant. If you notice any of the symptoms listed below and it’s possible that you could be pregnant, please contact us atLondon Obs & Gynae Clinic on 020 7224 4268 right away.

• Sudden, acute pain in one or both sides of the abdomen. Some women report persistent pain, while other say that it comes and goes.
• Abnormal bleeding. Either light spotting or heavy bleeding that occurs between periods.
• Feeling weak, dizzy, or faint. Blood loss due to internal bleeding can cause dizzy spells and fainting.
• Shoulder pain. Some women feel shoulder pain when the blood from the ruptured tube collects underneath the diaphragm, putting pressure on the chest and shoulders.

During your appointment, your doctor will perform a pelvic screen as well as an ultrasound and blood test to check for pregnancy hormones. These can usually confirm the diagnosis of an ectopic pregnancy.

An ectopic pregnancy cannot continue and must be treated as a life-threatening condition. Treatment for an ectopic pregnancy depends on upon whether or not the fallopian tube has burst.

Drugs can be administered that stop the division of cells and allow for re-absorption into the body. This is the ideal situation because the fallopian tubes may remain intact. In some cases, surgery may be required to remove the ectopic pregnancy. The doctor can perform the procedure laparoscopically through small incisions in the abdomen and in the fallopian tube.

If the fallopian tube has ruptured, the only treatment option is surgery through an abdominal incision to repair the tissue and stop the internal bleeding. In some cases, part or all of the fallopian tube will need to be removed.

If you still have at least one fallopian tube intact after your treatment, there is no medical reason why you shouldn’t be able to get pregnant naturally in the future.However, while many women who have recovered from an ectopic pregnancy have been able to have normal pregnancies post-surgery, there is an increased risk for fertility issues and recurring ectopic pregnancies.You may want to talk to your gynaecologist or one of our highly trained consultants about your plans and risks for complication.