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Ectopic pregnancy

In an ectopic pregnancy, the pregnancy usually implants in a fallopian tube and cannot safely continue to grow. A positive test with one-sided abdominal pain, shoulder-tip pain, dizziness or fainting needs prompt assessment, with or without vaginal bleeding; call Ambulance 912 for severe pain, collapse or shock.

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In an ectopic pregnancy, the pregnancy usually implants in a fallopian tube and cannot safely continue to grow. A positive test with one-sided abdominal pain, shoulder-tip pain, dizziness or fainting needs prompt assessment, with or without vaginal bleeding.

  • One-sided or increasing pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis, sometimes varying or spreading to the back or anus.
  • Vaginal bleeding or brown discharge that may be different from a normal period.
  • Attend every agreed blood test and ultrasound, even if pain and bleeding decrease; an ectopic pregnancy can still rupture.
  • Make sure you are not alone and have quick access to transport and phone reception while the diagnosis is uncertain or treatment is being monitored.
  • Call the same day for a positive pregnancy test with one-sided abdominal pain, shoulder pain, dizziness or pain when having a poo, with or without vaginal bleeding.
  • For urgent GP (family doctor) care outside normal opening hours, call HAP 9252 (out-of-hours GP service). Call Ambulance 912 only if there is an immediate threat to life.

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Further reading

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M
MiscarriageA miscarriage is the loss of a pregnancy before the baby can live outside the womb. Bleeding and cramps are common, but an ultrasound is needed for certainty. One-sided abdominal pain, shoulder pain or fainting can indicate an ectopic pregnancy.
P
Pulmonary embolismA pulmonary embolism is a blood clot lodged in a lung blood vessel. It can cause sudden breathlessness, chest pain, coughing or a fast heartbeat. Signs of a leg thrombosis, such as pain or swelling in one leg, may also be present. A severe pulmonary embolism can be life-threatening. If suspected while you are stable, call your GP the same day or HAP 9252 outside office hours. For severe breathlessness, chest pain with collapse or fainting, call Ambulance 912 immediately.
T
TinnitusTinnitus means hearing sound without a source outside the body, such as ringing, humming or hissing. It is often harmless but can have a major impact. One-sided, pulsating or sudden tinnitus with hearing loss, dizziness or neurological symptoms needs prompt assessment.