When to Seek Medical Care

If you are pregnant and experience any unusual abdominal pain or vaginal bleeding, contact a medical professional immediately. If your health care provider cannot be reached, or if your symptoms become worse, go quickly to a hospital's emergency department.

You must go to a hospital's emergency department for any of the following reasons:

• Severe abdominal pain
• Heavy vaginal bleeding
• Passing out or falling out
• Dizziness when standing
• If you are unable to reach your health care provider in a timely manner

Self-Care at Home

There is no home care for an ectopic pregnancy.

Medical Treatment

Treatment depends on the size of the ectopic pregnancy and its location.

Prevention

The best way to prevent ectopic pregnancy is to decrease your risk factors.

• If you are diagnosed with pelvic inflammatory disease, take the prescribed antibiotic as directed until it is all gone, then follow up with your doctor to be certain you are cured.
• Avoid gonorrhea, chlamydia, and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) by using a diaphragm or cervical cap or insisting that your sexual partner wear a condom (rubber).
• If you plan to get pregnant soon and you are using an intrauterine device (IUD) for contraception, discuss this with your provider.
• Surgery of the reproductive system, bowels, or lower abdomen can lead to scarring, which increases your risk of ectopic pregnancy.