A woman who spent eight years trying for a baby was left fighting for her life after a rare surprise pregnancy turned into a catastrophic emergency.
Pia Diaz lost more than half her blood volume when an undiagnosed interstitial ectopic pregnancy, a rare, high-risk, life-threatening form of pregnancy where the embryo implants in the proximal part of the fallopian tube within the uterine muscle, ruptured without warning.
The 39-year-old had no idea she was pregnant and initially believed her symptoms were linked to endometriosis.
Now, months after emergency surgery saved her life, doctors have told her she and husband Mark Diaz, 39, may be able to try for another baby.
“It gives me hope that we will be able to try again,” Pia, from Adelaide, Australia, told Need To Know.
“Knowing that we can try again means so much to us.
“I’m incredibly grateful that my uterus was preserved and that I didn’t suffer permanent brain or organ damage.
“When blood pressure drops severely due to massive blood loss, oxygen delivery to the brain can be compromised, and brain injury can begin within minutes if oxygen supply is critically reduced.
“Knowing how close I was to that possibility makes me even more thankful for the rapid medical intervention that saved my life.
“Although the pregnancy was ectopic, it reminded us that pregnancy is possible and that gives us hope for the future.”
Administrative pathology worker Pia and telecommunications technician Mark had been trying to conceive for eight years.
She had previously been diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis, conditions that can make conception more difficult.
The couple had been planning to begin ovulation induction treatment again after Christmas 2025.
Instead, Pia conceived naturally.
But during the ordeal, Pia and Mark were told their baby couldn’t be saved.
Pia said: “At the emergency department, doctors quickly confirmed that I had a ruptured interstitial ectopic pregnancy and was experiencing massive internal bleeding.
“Mark and I had a very emotional moment when I explained that we had lost our baby.
“We both cried.
“After eight years of trying, we couldn’t believe we had conceived naturally, yet we were facing the loss at the same time.
“It was heartbreaking but we were grateful that my life had been saved.”
In the weeks before the emergency, Pia experienced symptoms that she put down to her period.
The spotting lasted longer than usual and she developed abdominal and lower back pain, which she assumed was an endometriosis flare-up.
In November 2025, Pia was at home feeling unwell with what seemed like flu-like symptoms.
Around 11am, she got up to go to the bathroom and was struck by a sudden, severe abdominal pain.
Within minutes, the pain intensified dramatically.
Mark was 25 minutes away at work when she called him in distress.
As her condition deteriorated, she told him to call an ambulance.
When paramedics arrived, she was pale, weak and critically unwell but still conscious.
Because the couple live in a three-storey townhouse with narrow stairs, Pia had to be rescued via the balcony to keep her lying flat and maintain blood flow to her brain.
Firefighters used an aerial rescue platform to lower her safely from the third level before she was rushed to hospital.
Pia had lost approximately three to 3.5 litres of blood – more than half her total blood volume.
Doctors inserted an IV line into her femoral vein and immediately began blood transfusions to stabilise her.
Surgeons initially attempted keyhole surgery but every time they inflated her abdomen, her blood pressure dropped dangerously.
They were forced to switch to open abdominal surgery using a transverse incision similar to a caesarean section to quickly control the bleeding.
Her right fallopian tube was removed and part of her uterus repaired.
In total, she required seven units of blood and was intubated in intensive care.
Pia said: “I’m deeply grateful to the emergency doctor, surgeons, nurses, paramedics, and firefighters whose prompt action saved my life.
“Mark remained calm and strong throughout the experience.
“At first, he thought it might be similar to when I previously had gallbladder surgery – serious but manageable.
“It was only later that he realised how critical the situation was.
“He shared that the hardest moment was waiting for me to wake up in ICU.
“During that time, he prayed and trusted God.
“During my recovery, my father passed away.
“It was one of the most painful seasons of my life, yet somehow I found the strength to keep going.
“I’m grateful for the resilience God placed in me and for the love and support from our church, family, and friends.
“People brought meals, prayed for us and checked on us regularly.
“Community truly matters.”
Despite the trauma, doctors have told Pia she may be able to try for another baby once her surgical wound has fully healed.
She has been advised to wait at least six months before attempting to conceive and any future pregnancy would need to be delivered via caesarean section due to the uterine repair.
Pia added: “This experience deepened my faith in a way I cannot fully explain.
“Even in my weakest moments, I felt God’s presence sustaining me.
“I believe God worked through the medical teams who saved my life.”
Pia is now sharing her story to raise awareness of ectopic pregnancy symptoms, particularly for women who may not realise they are pregnant.
Symptoms can include severe abdominal or pelvic pain, shoulder tip pain, dizziness or fainting, weakness and abnormal or prolonged bleeding.
Pia added: “If you have irregular cycles, are trying to conceive, or are unsure whether you might be pregnant and experience these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
“In my case, I didn’t realise I was pregnant, which made recognising the emergency more difficult.
“I’m deeply grateful to be alive and able to move forward with faith, gratitude, and hope.
“I also spent some time documenting my recovery on my Instagram page which became part of my healing process and helped me to reflect on everything that happened as well as raising awareness.”
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