Ectopic pregnancy

An ectopic pregnancy is an abnormal pregnancy that starts outside of the uterus or womb, often within a fallopian tube (called a tubal pregnancy), the tube where the egg passes from the ovary to the uterus. Rarely ectopic pregnancies occur in the ovary, cervix or stomach. With an ectopic pregnancy, the baby often doesn’t develop at all and cannot survive.

Ectopic pregnancy causes Conditions that block or slow the movement of the egg through the fallopian tube to the uterus often cause ectopic pregnancies. Blockages can be due to scarring from a previous ectopic pregnancy or an infection in the fallopian tubes, such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Endometriosis is also a cause of ectopic pregnancy. Women who are over 35, undergo in vitro fertilization or who have had many sexual partners may be at increased risk.

Ectopic pregnancy symptoms These include abnormal vaginal bleeding, low back pain, mild cramping on one side of the pelvis, breast tenderness or amenorrhea. If the ectopic pregnancy ruptures, symptoms may worsen and then include fainting, pain in the shoulders, severe pain in the lower abdomen and intense rectal pressure.

Ectopic pregnancy diagnosis/tests If you have symptoms of ectopic pregnancy call your health care provider. She will conduct a pelvic exam to check for tenderness and may also do a pregnancy test, blood tests to check your white blood cell count and a pelvic ultrasound, among others.

Ectopic pregnancy treatment An ectopic pregnancy cannot survive and you may need a D&C (dilation and curettage) to remove the developing cells. If the pregnancy breaks open or ruptures, seek emergency medical help. You may need surgery to stop blood loss, remove the pregnancy and repair any damaged tissue.

Ectopic pregnancy prevention It may be possible to prevent a tubal pregnancy in some cases by avoiding infections that scar the fallopian tubes. Limiting your number of sex partners and using condoms for sex will reduce your risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and PID which can scar the fallopian tubes. Getting diagnosed and treated early for STIs may also reduce your risk.

Outside resources
Ectopic Pregnancy