After Laparoscopic Treatment of Ectopic Pregnancy

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.

• Don't exercise or do other strenuous activities until the health care provider says it’s OK.

• Don’t lift anything heavier than  10 pounds to prevent 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 prescription pain medicine.

• Walk as often as you feel able.

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

Other home care

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

• To prevent 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 health care 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 normal.

Follow-up care

• Make a follow-up appointment as directed by your health care provider.

• You may need follow-up blood tests to make sure that the ectopic pregnancy has been completely removed.

When to call your doctor

Contact your health care provider right away if you have:

• Redness, swelling, or drainage at your incision site.

• Fever of  100.4° F ( 38°C ) or higher, or as directed by your provider.

• Pain that does not go away with medicine.

• Stomach pain and swelling that get worse.

• Vaginal discharge or bleeding.

• Dizziness or fainting.

• Upset stomach (nausea) and vomiting.