Ectopic Pregnancy Recurrence Complete
After an ectopic pregnancy, it's natural to feel anxious about trying again. The good news is that most people go on to have a straightforward pregnancy next time, though your care team will want to keep a closer eye on you in the early weeks to confirm all is well.
Understanding your risk
An ectopic pregnancy happens when a fertilised egg implants outside the womb, most often in a fallopian tube. Having had one ectopic pregnancy does increase the chance of another, but it does not mean it will definitely happen again — the majority of people who conceive after an ectopic go on to have a pregnancy that develops normally in the uterus.
Factors that can raise the risk of a repeat ectopic pregnancy include:
- A previous ectopic pregnancy (the single biggest risk factor)
- Damage to the fallopian tubes, for example from pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or a past infection
- Endometriosis affecting the tubes or pelvis
- Smoking, which affects how the tubes move the egg towards the womb
- Conceiving through IVF or other assisted conception
- Previous pelvic or tubal surgery
If one fallopian tube was removed during treatment for your ectopic pregnancy, you can usually still conceive naturally using the remaining tube, though it may take a little longer for some people.
What monitoring looks like next time
Because of the raised risk, you'll usually be offered closer monitoring in early pregnancy rather than waiting for your standard 12-week scan. This typically involves:
- Contacting your GP or midwife as soon as you get a positive pregnancy test, so an early pregnancy unit referral can be arranged
- An early transvaginal ultrasound scan, usually from around 6–8 weeks, to confirm the pregnancy is developing inside the uterus
- Repeat blood tests to track your hCG hormone levels if the pregnancy is too early to see clearly on a scan
- Follow-up scans a week or so later if the first scan is inconclusive, which is common and doesn't necessarily mean anything is wrong
Try to have your ectopic history recorded early with your GP surgery and maternity service so referrals happen quickly without you having to chase them.
Looking after yourself emotionally
Anxiety in early pregnancy after a previous loss is extremely common and understandable. It can help to write down questions before appointments, ask your midwife directly about the early scan pathway in your area, and lean on your partner, friends, or a pregnancy-after-loss support group if waiting for results feels overwhelming.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the chances of another ectopic pregnancy?
Having one ectopic pregnancy does increase your risk of a further one compared with someone who has never had one, but most subsequent pregnancies implant normally in the uterus. Your individual risk depends on factors like tube damage, smoking, and how the previous ectopic was treated, so it's worth discussing your specific situation with your doctor.
Will I be monitored more closely in my next pregnancy?
Yes. You'll usually be offered an early scan, often from around 6–8 weeks, specifically to confirm the pregnancy is developing in the uterus rather than a tube. Make sure your GP and midwife know about your ectopic history as soon as you find out you're pregnant so this can be arranged promptly.
What symptoms should make me contact a doctor urgently?
One-sided lower abdominal pain, shoulder-tip pain, dizziness or fainting, and vaginal bleeding in early pregnancy should all be checked urgently, ideally at an early pregnancy unit or A&E if services are closed. These can be signs of an ectopic pregnancy and need same-day assessment, so don't wait to see if symptoms settle on their own.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
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