ECTOPIC PREGNANCY

An ectopic pregnancy occurs when the fertilized egg implants somewhere other than the lining of the uterus. The most common site for an ectopic pregnancy is in one of the fallopian tubes. Sometimes it is hard to diagnose this condition, because symptoms often copy those of an early pregnancy.

The fallopian tubes connect the ovaries, where the eggs develop, to the uterus. If a fertilized egg implants in a fallopian tube, the pregnancy will not continue to term. The tube will swell as the fertilized egg grows and eventually will burst or rupture. This causes very severe bleeding and is a life-threatening emergency.

A woman's risk of having a tubal pregnancy increases if she has had a previous tubal pregnancy, has had pelvic inflammatory disease, has used an IUD as a birth control method, or has a history of trouble getting pregnant. Other factors that are known to cause ectopic pregnancies are smoking, having more than 3 pregnancies, endometriosis, and previous surgery on the fallopian tubes. In most cases the cause is unknown.

A woman should contact her healthcare provider for immediate care if she thinks she is pregnant or could possibly be pregnant and has dizziness, weakness or fainting, pain in her lower abdomen, unusual bleeding, or shoulder pain. Tests to find out if a tubal pregnancy exists include blood or urine pregnancy tests, a pelvic exam, and an ultrasound test, which uses sound waves to find the location of pregnancy.

If a tubal pregnancy is found or suspected, a laparoscopy may be done. This is minor surgery using a telescope-like instrument that looks inside the body. The fallopian tubes can be seen and even operated on with this instrument. In very early cases, a drug may be used that destroys the growing tissue in the tube. Major surgery is occasionally required. The provider will review the available treatment options.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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