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Ectopic pregnancy
- Get support from an early pregnancy specialist within 24 hours
- Same-day ectopic pregnancy tests and urgent treatment if needed
- Outstanding network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics
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ECTOPIC PREGNANCY AT HCA HEALTHCARE UK
Why choose us?
Ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy that develops outside your womb, and it requires urgent care. Our skilled early pregnancy specialists have extensive experience with handling the complications that can arise, and we’re fully equipped to provide you with immediate care and support, performing urgent surgery if it’s needed. From diagnosing what’s happening to quickly delivering the right treatment to reduce the risk of any further problems, you can trust us to be here for you every step of the way.
Ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilised egg grows outside your womb, which is also known as your uterus. In 90% of cases, this happens within one of your fallopian tubes, so it’s often referred to as a fallopian tube pregnancy. However, it can also occur in other areas, such as in your cervix, abdomen or in an ovary.
Only your womb can support the growth of a foetus so sadly, this kind of pregnancy cannot survive.
If an ectopic pregnancy ruptures inside a fallopian tube, causing it to split, it becomes a life-threatening medical emergency known as an 'ectopic rupture'. Luckily this is rare, and most cases can be managed before this happens, so it’s vital that you get rapid treatment.
Only your womb can support the growth of a foetus so sadly, this kind of pregnancy cannot survive.
If an ectopic pregnancy ruptures inside a fallopian tube, causing it to split, it becomes a life-threatening medical emergency known as an 'ectopic rupture'. Luckily this is rare, and most cases can be managed before this happens, so it’s vital that you get rapid treatment.
Ectopic pregnancy is caused by a fertilised egg becoming trapped before it reaches your uterus. That’s why the risks of you having an ectopic pregnancy are higher if you have a pelvic inflammation or old scar tissue from past pelvic surgery, because they can both affect the movement of your eggs down your fallopian tube.
Some sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can damage your fallopian tubes too and sometimes you’ll just naturally have differently shaped fallopian tubes from birth which can increase the likelihood of an ectopic pregnancy.
If you have any concerns, we're here to help and support you.
Symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy typically become noticeable 4 to 12 weeks into a foetus’ development. In some cases, it may become clear during an early scan, even before you experience any symptoms.
You’re likely to have all the signs of a standard pregnancy, such as a missed period, sickness or breast swelling, but you may also experience:
- Vaginal bleeding or spotting
- Tummy pain low down or on one side
- Pain in the top of your shoulder
- Discomfort when urinating or passing stools
These symptoms can become much more intense if you have an ectopic rupture, which may also leave you experiencing:
- Sudden, sharp pain in your tummy
- Heavy bleeding from the abdomen
- Dizziness or fainting
- Severe nausea
If you're experiencing any of the early symptoms described, it's best to visit a specialist. An ectopic pregnancy can progress into a life-threatening complication, so it's important to take action. After an initial assessment, our specialists can quickly refer you onwards to get an accurate diagnosis and any treatment you may need.
If you experience any symptoms of an ectopic rupture, this is a medical emergency. You should call 999 or go immediately to your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) department and explain your symptoms.
If you experience any symptoms of an ectopic rupture, this is a medical emergency. You should call 999 or go immediately to your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) department and explain your symptoms.
1st
and only private early pregnancy unit in London, coming soon to Manchester too
40,000+
babies, children and young people cared for every year
300+
nursing specialists and clinical professionals
Easy access and fast answers
Same-day emergency care and diagnostic results and urgent unplanned appointments
Comprehensive follow-up care
Support beyond treatment with comprehensive follow-up care including counselling
Onward referrals to specialist clinics
Get referred across the HCA UK network including to the world-leading Lister Fertility Clinic
Concerned that you have an ectopic pregnancy?
Book a same- or next-day appointment.
Got a referral and need to book?
Arrange a private scan, test or treatment directly.
Need a second opinion?
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ECTOPIC PREGNANCY TESTS AND SCANS AT HCA UK
Investigating your symptoms
Your consultant may refer you for a blood test to monitor your hormone levels, and they may ask you to take a urine test to get a clearer picture. You may also need a transvaginal ultrasound which can help them to conduct a closer examination and see any foetal development in detail.
If we do confirm an ectopic pregnancy, these tests will help your consultant to see where the fertilised egg has been implanted and work out the next steps to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.
If it's still unclear, your consultant may recommend that you have a laparoscopy, which is a form of keyhole surgery, to examine your womb and fallopian tubes.
If we do confirm an ectopic pregnancy, these tests will help your consultant to see where the fertilised egg has been implanted and work out the next steps to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.
If it's still unclear, your consultant may recommend that you have a laparoscopy, which is a form of keyhole surgery, to examine your womb and fallopian tubes.
ECTOPIC PREGNANCY TREATMENTS AT HCA UK
Fast and personalised treatment
Unfortunately, we won’t be able to save your pregnancy, but we’re here to provide compassionate support, care and guidance during this challenging time.
Early ectopic pregnancies can sometimes dissolve by themselves, and we can help to monitor yours. Sometimes you may need to have keyhole surgery under general anaesthetic to remove the pregnancy before the foetus becomes too large.
However, if your pregnancy is more advanced or there’s a risk of rupture, we may need to remove the affected fallopian tube with your consent, to prevent further complications. Whatever’s required, our specialists will guide you through every stage, including being here to help with any emotional support you may need.
Early ectopic pregnancies can sometimes dissolve by themselves, and we can help to monitor yours. Sometimes you may need to have keyhole surgery under general anaesthetic to remove the pregnancy before the foetus becomes too large.
However, if your pregnancy is more advanced or there’s a risk of rupture, we may need to remove the affected fallopian tube with your consent, to prevent further complications. Whatever’s required, our specialists will guide you through every stage, including being here to help with any emotional support you may need.
Accessing private health care
Self-pay
You don’t need health insurance to be seen quickly. If you’re looking for treatment and don’t want to wait, all of our fertility treatments can be paid for as and when you need them.
And to give you peace of mind from the start, we’ll provide you with a clear and transparent quote outlining exactly what’s included in your self-pay package.
Ectopic pregnancy FAQ
If it’s left untreated, an ectopic pregnancy can become life-threatening. So, the earlier you can get diagnosed, the safer it is, and the higher the chance that you can have a less invasive treatment.
Rest assured, you'll receive high-quality care and support from our experienced consultants, whatever stage of your pregnancy you’ve reached. We'll guide you through every step with compassion and expertise.
Rest assured, you'll receive high-quality care and support from our experienced consultants, whatever stage of your pregnancy you’ve reached. We'll guide you through every step with compassion and expertise.
Some people are more at risk of an ectopic pregnancy than others. If you've had an ectopic pregnancy before or experienced inflammation from a sexually transmitted infection such as chlamydia, this may increase your risk.
Women who have contraceptive methods in place such as an intrauterine device (IUD) or have had a tubal ligation procedure (where your tubes are 'tied') may also be at greater risk, but it’s rare.
Smoking is a lifestyle choice that can increase the risks, and some specialists also believe that having fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF) can increase the risks of ectopic pregnancy.
Women who have contraceptive methods in place such as an intrauterine device (IUD) or have had a tubal ligation procedure (where your tubes are 'tied') may also be at greater risk, but it’s rare.
Smoking is a lifestyle choice that can increase the risks, and some specialists also believe that having fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF) can increase the risks of ectopic pregnancy.
Fortunately, most women who experience an ectopic pregnancy can conceive and give birth. However, you may be at higher risk of having further ectopic pregnancies in the future.
Our specialist gynaecologists can discuss how this could be monitored.
Our specialist gynaecologists can discuss how this could be monitored.
If one of your two fallopian tubes is removed as part of your treatment, it's natural to feel concerned about your future fertility. However, only one fallopian tube is needed for a successful pregnancy, and there are other fertility options like IVF.
Your consultant will have a clear, honest discussion with you beforehand to discuss any risks. They won't take action to remove a fallopian tube unless you give your consent.
“An ectopic pregnancy can be a distressing experience, physically and emotionally. Early detection is crucial, allowing us to provide the most effective and least invasive treatments, reducing the risk of complications. At HCA UK, our consultants offer compassionate, expert care to help you navigate through this challenging time.”
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This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.