Ectopic pregnancy - Complications of ectopic pregnancy
- Introduction
- Symptoms of ectopic pregnancy
- Causes of ectopic pregnancy
- Diagnosing ectopic pregnancy
- Treating ectopic pregnancy
- Complications of ectopic pregnancy
- Preventing 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:
- The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust – who have a weekday helpline (10am-4pm) on 020 7733 2653, as well as an online message board where you can talk to other people affected by ectopic pregnancy
- The Ectopic Pregnancy Foundation – provides information on research into the different medical aspects of ectopic pregnancy
- The Miscarriage Association – a charity that offers support to people who have lost a baby. Call them on 01924 200 799 (Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm) or email them on info@miscarriageassociation.org.uk to be put in touch with a support volunteer
- Cruse Bereavement Care – helps people understand their grief and cope with their loss. Call their helpline on 0844 477 9400 (Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm). They also have a network of local branches, where you can find support
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