The emotional effect of ectopic pregnancy can be complex and con fusing. The diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy can be difficult, the patient may feel anger and frustration. Any pregnancy loss can be as devastating as the loss of an older child to sudden infant death syndrome. The parents have lost an imagined child and can suffer deeply. Often the emphasis of health care providers is on the danger of ectopic pregnancy and the threat of loss of life. Loved ones may focus on the relief of maternal survival and ignore the loss of the pregnancy.