Ectopic Pregnancy
When To Call a Doctor
If you are pregnant, be alert to the symptoms that may indicate an ectopic pregnancy, especially if you are at risk.
If you have vaginal bleeding or severe pain in your abdomen (with or without positive pregnancy test results or during treatment for ectopic pregnancy):
- Call your health professional immediately.
- Rest as much as possible.
- Avoid strenuous activity until your symptoms have been evaluated by a health professional.
If you have minor abdominal pain that does not seem to be going away, call your health professional. For any abdominal pain or vaginal bleeding, see the following topics to evaluate your symptoms:
Watchful Waiting
Watchful waiting means taking a wait-and-see approach.
Because an ectopic pregnancy can become life-threatening, watchful waiting at home is not safe. Call your health professional immediately if you have symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy.
Who To See
Your family doctor, general practitioner, or an emergency medicine specialist can evaluate you for an ectopic pregnancy. You may be referred to a specialist, such as a gynecologist.
To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment
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| Author: | Kathe Gallagher, MSW Carrie Henley | Last Updated: July 26, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine Liisa Honey, MD, FRCSC - Obstetrics and Gynecology | |
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