Hospital admissions for ectopic pregnancy rising in England, study suggests

Ectopic pregnancy admissions have risen in England since 2021, according to a 20-year analysis of NHS data.

Women in the most deprived areas had more than twice the admission rate of those living in the least deprived communities.

The study was the first 20-year national analysis of NHS England data on the issue.

Dr Nicola Tempest, academic clinical lecturer in the University of Liverpool’s Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, said: “Pregnancy loss affects millions of women worldwide, yet we know surprisingly little about how its prevalence and impact has changed over time.

“Our research shows that admissions for ectopic pregnancy have continued to rise despite declining birth rates, highlighting an ongoing demand for NHS services.

“Women from the most deprived areas consistently experienced much higher admission rates for both miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy, underlining persistent health inequalities.

“Pregnancy loss should be recognised as a major women’s health research priority so we can better understand its causes and develop services that meet women’s needs and address the risk factors that are contributing to these rates.

“Importantly, research must address one of the most common and deeply personal questions women ask after pregnancy loss: ‘Why did this happen to me?’”

Ectopic pregnancy is one of the most common early pregnancy complications, with an estimated 11,000 hospital admissions each year, or around one in every 90 pregnancies.

It occurs when a fertilised egg implants outside the womb. Ectopic pregnancies result in pregnancy loss and can put the mother’s health at risk if the pregnancy continues.

Researchers at the University of Liverpool analysed hospital and maternity services data collected between 2004 and 2024.

Admissions rose significantly from 2004 to 2012, increasing by an average of around three per cent each year.

Rates remained broadly stable from 2012 to 2021 before rising significantly again.

Since 2021, admissions have increased by an average of more than four per cent a year.

The researchers said the recent rise may reflect demographic changes, including women having children later and higher rates of risk factors such as obesity.

Disruption to hospital and maternity services during the Covid-19 pandemic may also have contributed.

The study also found that miscarriage admissions fell significantly between 2018 and 2021. They rose modestly in subsequent years, although the increase was not statistically significant.

A result is statistically significant when researchers consider it unlikely to have occurred through chance alone.

For more than a decade, women in the most deprived communities had more than twice the hospital admission rate for miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy compared with those in the least deprived areas.

The researchers pointed to preventable inequalities in health, risk factors and access to care as likely contributors.

Tempest said: “These findings show that where a woman lives continues to have a profound influence on her reproductive health outcomes.

“Ultimately, reducing these inequalities will require an equity-focused approach that combines high-quality clinical care with prevention, education and services designed around the needs of the communities most at risk.

“Behind every admission for pregnancy loss, there is a woman, a family and an unanswered question, our aim and mission is not only to improve the care but also to understand and prevent it.”