Definition
An ectopic pregnancy is an abnormal pregnancy that occurs outside the uterus (womb). The baby cannot survive.
Symptoms
If the area of the abnormal pregnancy ruptures and bleeds, symptoms may get worse. They may include:
- Feeling faint or actually fainting
- Referred pain to the shoulder area
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Definition
An ectopic pregnancy is an abnormal pregnancy that occurs outside the uterus (womb). The baby cannot survive.
Symptoms
If the area of the abnormal pregnancy ruptures and bleeds, symptoms may get worse. They may include:
- Feeling faint or actually fainting
- Referred pain to the shoulder area
- Severe, sharp, and sudden pain in the lower abdominal area
Internal bleeding due to a rupture may lead to shock . Shock is the first symptom of nearly ...
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Causes
An ectopic pregnancy occurs when baby starts to develop outside the womb (uterus). The most common site for an ectopic pregnancy is within a fallopian tube. However, in rare cases, ectopic pregnancies can occur in the ovary, the stomach area, and the cervix .
An ectopic pregnancy is usually caused by a condition that blocks or slows the movement of a fertilized egg through the fallopian tube to the uterus. This may be caused by a physical blockage in the tube.
Most cases are a result of scarring caused by a past infection in the fallopian tubes, surgery of the fallopian tubes, or a previous ectopic pregnancy. Up to 50% of women who have ectopic pregnancies have had inflammation of the fallopian tubes (salpingitis) or ...
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Treatment
Ectopic pregnancies cannot continue to term (birth), so the developing cells must be removed to save the mother's life.
Emergency medical help is needed if the area of the ectopic pregnancy ruptured. Rupture can lead to shock, an emergency condition. Treatment for shock may include keeping the woman warm, raising her legs, and giving oxygen. Fluids given through a vein and a blood transfusion may be needed.
If there is a rupture, surgery (laparotomy) is done to stop blood loss. This surgery is also done to confirm the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy, remove the abnormal pregnancy, and repair any tissue damage. In some cases, removal of the fallopian tube may be necessary.
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Other Names
Tubal pregnancy; Cervical pregnancy; Abdominal pregnancy
Possible Complications
The most common complication is rupture with internal bleeding that leads to shock. Death from rupture is rare. Infertility occurs in 10 - 15% of women who have had an ectopic pregnancy.
Outlook (Prognosis)
Most women who have had one ectopic pregnancy are later able to have a normal pregnancy. A repeated ectopic pregnancy may occur in 10 - 20% of cases. Some women do not become pregnant again, while others become pregnant and have a miscarriage during the first 3 months.
The rate of a woman in the United States who die due to an ectopic pregnancy has dropped in the last 30 years to less than 0.1%.
Prevention
Most forms of ectopic pregnancy that occur outside the fallopian tubes are probably not preventable. However, a tubal pregnancy (the most common type of ectopic pregnancy) may be prevented in some cases by avoiding conditions that might scar the fallopian tubes. The following may reduce your risk:
- Avoiding risk factors for pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) such as multiple sexual partners, intercourse without a condom, and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
- Early diagnosis and treatment of STDs
- Early diagnosis and treatment of salpingitis and PID
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Exams and Tests
The health care provider will perform a pelvic exam, which may reveal tenderness in the pelvic area. A pregnancy test is usually positive.
Tests that may be done include:
A laparoscopy , laparotomy , or D and C may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.
An ectopic pregnancy may affect the results of a serum progesterone test.
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References
Jian Z, Linan C. Ectopic gestation following emergency contraception with levonorgestrel. Eur J Contracept Reprod Health Care . 2003 Dec;8(4):225-8.
Sheffer-Mimouni G, Pauzner D, Maslovitch S, Lessing JB, Gamzu R. Contraception . 2003 Apr;67(4):267-9.
Nielsen CL, Miller L. Ectopic gestation following emergency contraceptive pill administration. Contraception . 2000 Nov;62(5):275-6.
Furlong LA. Ectopic pregnancy risk when contraception fails. A review. J Reprod Med . 2002 Nov;47(11):881-5. Review.
