firstScan Management of Ectopic

What is an Ectopic Pregnancy?

An ectopic pregnancy means the pregnancy has implanted in the wrong place. The most common site for an ectopic pregnancy is the fallopian tubes but other sites are:

• The Ovary
• The Cervix
• The Abdomen
• The Vagina
• A Caesarean section scar

A pregnancy cannot survive when it is ectopic and can cause a woman to become very ill. If a pregnancy is seen to be ectopic then it is an emergency situation and the woman needs to be admitted to the local hospital Emergency Department to be seen and assessed by a Gynaecologist.

Ectopic pregnancies occur 1 in 80 pregnancies

What is our role when an Ectopic Pregnancy is identified?

Ectopic pregnancies can be extremely dangerous for the woman and urgent treatment is needed at hospital. Where an ectopic is identified we must remain calm but act quickly to arrange an ambulance for the client. The sonographer will lead the process ensuring that the woman doesn’t move from the bed and the team leader will call 999 to request the ambulance crew.