Coping and support

Losing a pregnancy is devastating, even if you've only known about it for a short time. Recognize the loss, and give yourself time to grieve. Talk about your feelings and allow yourself to experience them fully.

Rely on your partner, loved ones and friends for support. You might also seek the help of a support group, grief counselor or other mental health provider.

Many women who have an ectopic pregnancy go on to have a future, healthy pregnancy. The female body normally has two fallopian tubes. If one is damaged or removed, an egg may join with a sperm in the other tube and then travel to the uterus.

If both fallopian tubes have been injured or removed, in vitro fertilization (IVF) might still be an option. With this procedure, mature eggs are fertilized in a lab and then implanted into the uterus.

If you've had an ectopic pregnancy, your risk of having another one is increased. If you wish to try to get pregnant again, it's very important to see your doctor regularly. Early blood tests are recommended for all women who've had an ectopic pregnancy. Blood tests and ultrasound testing can alert your doctor if another ectopic pregnancy is developing.