Heterotopic pregnancy

A heterotopic pregnancy is a rare situation in which one pregnancy implants normally inside the uterus while another implants outside it, usually in a fallopian tube, at the same time. It is uncommon overall but occurs more often after IVF, particularly when more than one embryo is transferred, than after natural conception. Because an early scan showing a pregnancy inside the uterus can make an accompanying ectopic pregnancy easy to miss, clinics remain alert to this possibility, especially if pain or bleeding develops. Contact your fertility clinic urgently, or attend the nearest hospital emergency department, if you have one-sided pain, shoulder-tip pain or bleeding in early pregnancy even after a scan has shown a pregnancy in the uterus.

Also known as: heterotopic ectopic pregnancy

Last reviewed: 9 September 2026. Written by the Antega Editorial Team. General information only — always follow the advice of your own clinic, doctor or pharmacist.