TV doctor and NHS practitioner Dr Amir Khan has brought attention to ectopic pregnancy, a potentially life-threatening condition that general practitioners treat with utmost seriousness. Regularly featured on shows like Good Morning Britain and Lorraine, Dr Khan stresses that the symptoms often start subtly but require immediate medical evaluation.
In an Instagram post dated February 22, Dr Khan explained: “Ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilised egg implants outside the womb, most commonly in the fallopian tube. Unfortunately, the pregnancy cannot develop normally, and as the egg grows, it may cause the tube to stretch or rupture, leading to dangerous internal bleeding.”
He noted that while anyone can develop an ectopic pregnancy, risks increase with previous ectopic pregnancies, pelvic infections, fertility treatments, or surgeries involving the fallopian tubes. Nevertheless, even individuals without any risk factors should be vigilant during early pregnancy.
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NHS data shows that roughly one in every 90 pregnancies, equating to around 11,000 annually, is ectopic. Sadly, saving the pregnancy is generally not possible, and treatment typically involves medication or surgery to remove the fertilised egg to protect the mother’s health.
Though symptoms are not always obvious, Dr Khan warns that “subtle” signs may manifest between four and twelve weeks of pregnancy. These include one-sided lower abdominal pain, irregular or light bleeding, shoulder-tip pain, dizziness, or fainting.
He emphasized, “If someone is pregnant or suspects pregnancy and experiences these symptoms, we don’t ‘watch and wait’ in general practice. Instead, we arrange urgent hospital assessments the same day to prevent rapid deterioration that could be life-threatening.”
The encouraging news is that most ectopic pregnancies are treated successfully when detected early. Prompt medical attention is crucial for safety. Dr Khan urges anyone experiencing pain or bleeding during pregnancy to seek immediate care.
The NHS advises trusting these warning signs and not delaying consultation. Additional indications include brown watery discharge and discomfort during urination. In the event of severe symptoms such as sudden, severe abdominal pain, fainting, or heavy bleeding, emergency services should be contacted immediately.
According to the NHS, such symptoms may indicate a ruptured fallopian tube, requiring urgent surgery. Although rupture is rare, it is a serious medical emergency. Deaths from rupture are extremely uncommon in the UK due to timely treatment.