Version July 2025
Please read the Disclaimer at the end of this page.
What are discharge instructions? —
Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care in the emergency department ("ED").
What should I know? —
You came to the ED for an ectopic pregnancy. This means the embryo did not attach to the lining of your uterus like it was supposed to. Instead, it attached somewhere else, most likely the lining of 1 of your fallopian tubes.
An ectopic pregnancy is a serious condition that can be life-threatening. You might have pain in your lower belly and bleeding from your vagina.
The embryo cannot grow into a baby, and the doctors need to remove it from your body. You might get medicines or surgery to do this.
How do I care for myself at home? —
Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.
You should also do the following:
●Call your regular doctor or midwife and tell them you were in the ED. Make a follow-up appointment for as soon as possible, ideally in 2 or 3 days. You might need blood tests and an ultrasound.
●Do not put anything in your vagina until after your follow-up appointment with your regular doctor or midwife. Avoid vaginal sex. Do not use douches, tampons, or sex toys.
●Rest when you can. It's also important to take care of your emotional health. It's normal to be sad or upset after an ectopic pregnancy. It might help to get support from your partner, family, or friends.
●Take acetaminophen (sample brand name: Tylenol) if needed. This can help with mild belly pain or cramps.
●If you were given a shot of medicine to treat your ectopic pregnancy, here are some things you should know. The doctor will tell you how long you need to follow these instructions, based on your treatment:
•You might get sunburned more easily. Avoid the sun and tanning beds. Use sunscreen, and wear clothing and eyewear that protects you from the sun.
•Avoid taking medicine "NSAID" medicines like ibuprofen (sample brand names: Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (sample brand name: Aleve).
•You might have some mild to moderate pain for about a week.
•Avoid vitamins and foods that contain folic acid. This includes prenatal vitamins and dark green, leafy vegetables.
●If you want to try to get pregnant again, talk with your regular doctor or midwife. They might suggest you wait a few months before trying.
When should I get emergency help?
●Call for emergency help right away (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1) if you:
•Have severe pain in your belly or shoulder that starts suddenly but then continues
•Feel very weak or lightheaded
•Pass out
•Have heavy vaginal bleeding
●Return to the ED if:
•You continue to feel weaker.
•You have trouble breathing from light activity.
•Your vaginal bleeding is getting heavier.
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for advice if you have:
●A fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or chills
●Cramps that do not get better after taking pain medicine
●New or worsening symptoms
Patient education: Ectopic pregnancy (The Basics)
Patient education: Ectopic (tubal) pregnancy (Beyond the Basics)
