Any sexually active woman of childbearing age is at risk of an ectopic pregnancy and often the reason for the ectopic pregnancy will never be determined. However, ectopic pregnancies are more likely if you have had any of the following.

Pregnancies implant in the Fallopian tube because of a combination of factors: a failure of the mechanisms which move the pregnancy along the Fallopian tube into the womb and a change in the environment in the fallopian tube that allows early implantation to occur.

Our free patient-orientated literature is the product of ongoing consultation with doctors, nurses and patients and is continually revised and peer reviewed.

Your body goes through a process of recovery following an ectopic pregnancy and it is important that you be gentle with yourself and give yourself time to heal. It is not unusual to have many questions.

Some women are desperate to try to conceive again after an ectopic pregnancy whereas others are frightened and feel they need more time to emotionally and physically recover. Everyone grieves differently and there is no right or wrong decision.

During the diagnosis and treatment stages of an ectopic pregnancy there can be so many worries and decisions to make that it can be difficult to think about the future and may take time for your emotions to surface properly.