I always thought this was a very serious medical emergency that needed surgery, but she was treated with just a shot. An ectopic refers to any pregnancy which implants outside of the uterine cavity. Surgery is no longer the only option.
Early detection makes it possible for some women to be treated with medication instead of surgery.
However, most ectopic pregnancies occur in women with no apparent risk factors. The classic warning signs of an ectopic are a late period, vaginal spotting or bleeding, and abdominal pain. In most cases not all three symptoms are present, making the diagnosis more difficult. As an ectopic pregnancy develops, it may grow large enough to tear or rupture the fallopian tube causing internal bleeding and a potentially life-threatening situation. Diagnosing an ectopic pregnancy early is key to avoiding complications.