Ectopic Pregnancy: When To Call A Doctor

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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:

• Abdominal Pain, Age 12 and Older
• Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding

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

The following health professionals can evaluate you for an ectopic pregnancy:

• Certified nurse-midwife
• Obstetrician/gynecologist
• Family medicine physician
• Nurse practitioner
• Physician assistant
• Emergency medicine specialist

A diagnosed ectopic pregnancy is treated by a gynecologist.

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment.

Last updated:	June 06, 2007
Author:	Ralph Poore
Reviewed By:	Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine, Liisa Honey, MD, FRCSC - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Editors:	Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC, Pat Truman, MATC