Ectopic Pregnancy
Description General measures Medicine treatment Referral O00.0-2/O00.8-9 DESCRIPTION Pregnancy outside the uterus, usually presenting with the combination of: amenorrhoea (missed menstrual period) sudden lower abdominal pain/ pelvic pain vaginal bleeding (os closed) dizziness shock anaemia urine pregnancy test usually positive shoulder tip pain Note: Consider ectopic pregnancy in young women who
Description
General measures
Medicine treatment
Referral
O00.0-2/O00.8-9
DESCRIPTION
Pregnancy outside the uterus, usually presenting with the combination of:
- amenorrhoea (missed menstrual period)
- sudden lower abdominal pain/ pelvic pain
- vaginal bleeding (os closed)
- dizziness
- shock
- anaemia
- urine pregnancy test usually positive
- shoulder tip pain
Note:
Consider ectopic pregnancy in young women who complain of lower abdominal pain.
GENERAL MEASURES
- Monitor vital parameters, e.g. Hb, pulse, BP, temperature.
- Treat for shock if indicated.
MEDICINE TREATMENT
- Sodium chloride 0.9%, IV.
REFERRAL
Urgent
All suspected cases of ectopic pregnancy.
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Standard Treatment Guidelines and Essential Medicines List for South Africa, Primary Healthcare, 2025-9_Version 1.0_26 March 2026
Chapter 6: Obstetrics and Gynaecology_6.10 Ectopic Pregnancy