Ectopic pregnancy - Complications of ectopic pregnancy

To avoid complications, it's important that an ectopic pregnancy is diagnosed as early as possible.

Physical complications

In the UK, many women who have an ectopic pregnancy receive early diagnosis and treatment  as a result, they don't have any physical complications.

Some early pregnancy clinics will use an ultrasound scan to screen women thought to be at increased risk of having an ectopic pregnancy. People at risk include those that have a previous history of ectopic pregnancy or pelvic inflammatory disease.

The most common physical complications are described below.

Another ectopic pregnancy

The later an ectopic pregnancy is diagnosed and treated, the more likely it is that your fallopian tubes will be damaged. If this happens, you're more likely to have another ectopic pregnancy in the future.

Rupture

You are also more likely to have a ruptured ectopic pregnancy (when the fallopian tube splits) and severe internal bleeding, which can lead to shock (when your blood pressure suddenly drops to a dangerously low level).

In very rare cases, this can be fatal. There are around three deaths a year in England that are the result of an ectopic pregnancy.

Infertility

Around 65% of women have a successful pregnancy 18 months after experiencing an ectopic pregnancy.

The emotional impact of an ectopic pregnancy

The loss of a pregnancy can have a profound emotional impact  not only on the woman herself, but also on her partner, friends and family.

The most common emotions that are felt after an ectopic pregnancy are grief and bereavement.

Physical symptoms of grief and bereavement include:

  • fatigue (tiredness)
  • loss of appetite
  • difficulties concentrating
  • sleeping problems

Emotional symptoms of grief and bereavement include:

  • guilt
  • shock and numbness
  • anger (sometimes at a partner, or at friends or family members who have had successful pregnancies)
  • an overwhelming sense of sadness and distress

These types of symptoms are often at their worst four to six weeks after the loss of pregnancy, before gradually improving, but it can sometimes take up to 12 months for feelings such as distress to pass.

Getting support

If you are worried that you or your partner are having problems coping with grief, you may need further treatment and counselling. Support groups can provide or arrange counselling for people who have been affected by loss of a pregnancy.

Read more about dealing with loss and counselling.

You can also find bereavement support services in your area.

Your GP can give you support and advice, and the following organisations can also help:

© Crown Copyright 2009