TV doctor Amir Khan has highlighted the serious risks of ectopic pregnancy, a condition he says is taken 'very seriously in general practice'. In a social media post, the Good Morning Britain regular explained that ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilised egg implants outside the womb, most commonly in a fallopian tube, and can lead to life-threatening internal bleeding if the tube ruptures.
According to NHS figures, around one in every 90 pregnancies in the UK is ectopic, equating to roughly 11,000 cases each year. Dr Khan noted that while risk factors include previous ectopic pregnancy, pelvic infection, fertility treatment, or surgery affecting the tubes, the condition can happen to anyone, sometimes with no identifiable risk factors.
Symptoms may be subtle and appear between the fourth and twelfth weeks of pregnancy. These include one-sided lower stomach pain, light or irregular bleeding, shoulder-tip pain, or dizziness and feeling faint. Dr Khan stressed that GPs do not 'watch and wait' in such cases but arrange urgent hospital assessment the same day, as ectopic pregnancy can deteriorate quickly and become life-threatening.
Treatment typically involves medication or surgery to remove the fertilised egg, as the pregnancy cannot be saved. The NHS advises that if a pregnant individual experiences a combination of symptoms such as severe pain, bleeding, or collapse, they should call 999 or go to A&E immediately, as these could indicate a ruptured fallopian tube, which is a medical emergency.
