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Ectopic Pregnancy

Condition Basics

What is an ectopic pregnancy?

Female reproductive organs in pelvic area, including uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes, showing pregnancy outside uterus in fallopian tube.

In a small number of pregnancies, the fertilized egg attaches to an area outside of the uterus, rather than in the uterus. This is called an ectopic pregnancy or extrauterine pregnancy.

Nearly all ectopic pregnancies develop in a fallopian tube. These are often called tubal pregnancies. If left untreated, a tubal ectopic pregnancy can cause fallopian tube damage and cause heavy bleeding that could be deadly. So unless the pregnancy is miscarrying on its own, medicine or surgery is used to treat the ectopic pregnancy.

Ectopic pregnancy can also occur in an ovary, the cervix, or the abdomen. This is rare.

What causes it?

An ectopic pregnancy is often caused by damaged fallopian tubes. A fertilized egg may have trouble passing through a damaged tube, causing the egg to implant and grow in the tube. Fallopian tube damage may be caused by things like pelvic inflammatory disease or smoking. Some ectopic pregnancies occur without any known cause.

What are the symptoms?

In the first few weeks, an ectopic pregnancy may cause the same symptoms as a normal pregnancy, such as a missed menstrual period, fatigue, nausea, and sore breasts.

The key signs of an ectopic pregnancy are:

  • Belly, pelvic, or shoulder pain. It most often starts 6 to 8 weeks after a missed period. The belly pain may be sharp on one side at first and then may spread.
  • Vaginal bleeding. It may be light.

How is it diagnosed?

A urine test can show if you are pregnant. If you have symptoms of a possible ectopic pregnancy, your doctor will likely do a pelvic exam, a blood test, and an ultrasound.

How is an ectopic pregnancy treated?

In most cases, an ectopic pregnancy is treated right away to avoid rupture and severe blood loss. Treatment may be medicine or surgery. Rarely, the doctor may recommend what's called expectant management. The decision about which treatment to use depends on how early the pregnancy is found and your overall condition.

What can help you cope after an ectopic pregnancy?

You may have many different emotions after an ectopic pregnancy. If you need help coping with any feelings, consider meeting with a support group. You also may want to read about others' experiences or talk with a friend, family member, or counselor. If you're sad and it's not getting any easier, tell your doctor.

Current as of: April 30, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

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