pregnancy on one side

Overview

Ectopic pregnancy is when a fertilized egg grows outside the womb, usually in one of the fallopian tubes. This is sometimes described as 'a pregnancy on one side.' The pregnancy cannot survive there, and it needs medical care to protect your health.

It is not uncommon. About 1 in 80 pregnancies is ectopic.

It can affect anyone who can become pregnant, but it is more likely if you have had a previous ectopic pregnancy, pelvic infection, or surgery on your fallopian tubes.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Sharp or dull pain on one side of your lower belly (abdomen)
• Light vaginal bleeding or spotting
• Shoulder tip pain (pain where your shoulder meets your upper arm)
• Mild dizziness or feeling faint
• Feeling sick or tender breasts, like early pregnancy

Symptoms in children

• Not applicable — this condition affects people who can become pregnant, not children.

Symptoms in older adults

• It can happen during reproductive years. It is unlikely after menopause, but if you are pregnant at an older age, the same symptoms need quick attention.

Causes

Main causes

• A blockage or narrowing in a fallopian tube that stops the fertilized egg reaching the womb
• Scarring from pelvic infection (like chlamydia or gonorrhea)
• Previous surgery in the pelvic area, such as fallopian tube surgery or appendix surgery
• Abnormal shape of the fallopian tubes from birth
• Issues with the way a fertilized egg travels through the tube

Risk factors

• Previous ectopic pregnancy
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or a past sexually transmitted infection
• Using an intrauterine device (IUD) at the time of conception
• Becoming pregnant after fertility treatment (like IVF)
• Age over 35

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Any pain or bleeding in early pregnancy
• Shoulder tip pain or dizziness
• Severe pain that comes on suddenly

Book a routine appointment if:

• Before you start trying to conceive, if you have risk factors for ectopic pregnancy
• Early scan if you have had an ectopic pregnancy before

Diagnosis

Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms, do a pregnancy test, and might use an ultrasound to see where the pregnancy is. Sometimes blood tests are repeated to check pregnancy hormone levels.

Tests that may be done

• Pregnancy test (urine or blood)
• Transvaginal ultrasound — a small probe placed inside the vagina to see the uterus and fallopian tubes
• Blood tests to measure pregnancy hormone (hCG) — two a few days apart

What to expect at your appointment

At first, you may have a scan that shows nothing in the womb. This can happen with a very early pregnancy or with an ectopic pregnancy. Your team may ask you to come back for another scan or blood test in a few days.

Treatment

Treatment depends on how far along the pregnancy is and how you are feeling. The goal is to remove the ectopic pregnancy safely and preserve your health and future fertility. There is no way to move a pregnancy into the womb.

Self-care at home

• Rest and allow your body time to heal
• Avoid heavy lifting and intense exercise for a few weeks
• Use pain relief as recommended by your healthcare team
• Look out for new or worsening symptoms and call for help if they happen

Medical treatments

If the ectopic pregnancy is small and you are stable, a medication may be given by injection to stop the pregnancy from growing. This is followed by regular blood tests until the pregnancy hormone is zero.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery may be needed if the ectopic pregnancy is large, causing symptoms, or if the fallopian tube has ruptured. Keyhole surgery (laparoscopy) is often used. The ectopic pregnancy is removed, and sometimes the affected tube is removed as well.

Living with this condition

After treatment, you may need several weeks to recover. Expect some fatigue and light spotting. You may feel a range of emotions, including sadness or grief, after losing a pregnancy.

Lifestyle tips

• Give yourself time to rest and heal
• Wait for your healthcare team to advise when it is safe to exercise or have intercourse
• Eat a balanced diet and stay well hydrated
• Consider speaking to a counselor if you feel anxious about trying again

Diet and exercise

Eat a variety of foods with protein, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to help your body recover. Gentle walking is fine, but avoid intense activity until your doctor says it's safe.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Losing a pregnancy can be a deep emotional loss. It's normal to feel sad, anxious, or angry. If these feelings are heavy or lasting, talk to your healthcare team. Many people benefit from grief or fertility counseling.

Prevention

You cannot always prevent an ectopic pregnancy, but you can lower your risk by protecting yourself from sexually transmitted infections, quitting smoking, and getting early care for pelvic infections.

Complications

If left untreated

• The fallopian tube can rupture, causing severe internal bleeding
• Severe pain and shock
• In rare cases, it can be life-threatening if not treated quickly

Long-term outlook

Most people recover fully with early treatment. Many go on to have healthy pregnancies in the future. Your healthcare team can talk with you about future fertility and any extra care you might need.

Find support

External links open third-party websites. Ruqelo Health is not responsible for external content. Listing an organisation does not imply endorsement.