After Laparoscopic Treatment of Ectopic Pregnancy

You were diagnosed with ectopic pregnancy, a pregnancy that develops outside the uterus (womb). The most common site for an ectopic pregnancy is the fallopian tube (one of the tubes connecting the ovaries to the uterus). Your healthcare provider performed a laparoscopic procedure to treat your condition. During the procedure, the healthcare provider made several small incisions and inserted surgical instruments. The following are some instructions for caring for yourself when you are at home.

Activity

Do's and don'ts include the following:

• Rest for a week after your surgery, even if you feel better sooner. Your body needs time to heal.

• Ask your family or friends to help with chores and errands while you recover.

• Avoid exercise and other strenuous activities until the healthcare provider says it’s OK.

• Don’t lift anything heavier than 10 pounds to avoid straining your incisions.

• Climb stairs slowly and pause after every few steps.

• Don’t drive for a few days after the surgery. You may drive as soon as you are able to move comfortably from side to side and are no longer taking narcotic pain medicine.

• Walk as often as you feel able.

• Ask your healthcare provider when it’s OK to resume sex.

Other home care

• Continue with the coughing and deep breathing exercises that you learned in the hospital.

• Avoid constipation:

  • Eat fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

  • Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water every day, unless directed otherwise.

  • Use a laxative or a mild stool softener if your healthcare provider says it’s OK.

• Wash your incision with mild soap and water. Pat it dry. Don’t use oils, powders, or lotions on your incision.

• Shower as usual.

Follow-up care

• Make a follow-up appointment as directed by our staff.

• Your healthcare provider may order follow-up blood tests to make sure that the ectopic pregnancy has been completely removed.