An ectopic pregnancy comes up whenever a fertilized egg implants somewhere other than the main cavity of the uterus.
Pregnancy begins with a fertilized egg.
Normally, the fertilized egg attaches itself to the lining of the uterus.
This throw in of ectopic pregnancy is known as a tubal pregnancy.
An ectopic pregnancy can’t proceed normally.
The fertilized egg can’t survive, and the growing tissue might destroy various maternal structures.
Left untreated, life-threatening blood loss is possible.
Early treatment of an ectopic pregnancy can help preserve the chance for future healthy pregnancies.
At first, an ectopic pregnancy might not cause any signs or symptoms.
If you take a pregnancy test, the result will be positive.
Still, an ectopic pregnancy can’t continue as normal.
Light vaginal bleeding with abdominal or pelvic pain is often the first warning sign of an ectopic pregnancy.
If the fallopian tube ruptures, heavy bleeding inside the abdomen is likelyfollowed by lightheadedness, fainting and shock.
Hormonal imbalances or abnormal development of the fertilized egg also might play a role.
Up to an estimated 20 in every 1,000 pregnancies are ectopic.
Without treatment, a ruptured fallopian tube could lead to life-threatening bleeding.
He or she might recommend an office visit or immediate medical care.
Here’s some information to help you prepare, as well as what to expect from your doctor.
Ask a loved one or friend to be with you, if possible.
Sometimes it can be difficult to remember all of the information provided, especially in an emergency situation.
If you’re able to, it’s also helpful to jot down your questions ahead of time.
Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions.
A physical exam alone usually isn’t enough to diagnose an ectopic pregnancy, however.
The diagnosis is typically confirmed with blood tests and imaging studies, such as an ultrasound.
With a standard ultrasound, high-frequency sound waves are directed at the tissues in the abdominal area.
The ultrasound will likely be done using a wandlike equipment placed in your vagina (transvaginal ultrasound).
Sometimes it’s too soon to detect a pregnancy through ultrasound.
In an emergency situationif you’re bleeding heavily, for examplean ectopic pregnancy might be diagnosed and treated surgically.
A fertilized egg can’t develop normally outside the uterus.
To prevent life-threatening complications, the ectopic tissue needs to be removed.
It’s imperative that the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy is certain before this treatment is undertaken.
If the HCG level remains high, you might need another injection of methotrexate.
In other cases, ectopic pregnancy is usually treated with laparoscopic surgery.
In this procedure, a small incision is made in the abdomen, near or in the navel.
If the fallopian tube is significantly damaged, it might need to be removed.
In some cases, the fallopian tube can be repaired.
Typically, however, a ruptured tube must be removed.
Your doctor will monitor your HCG levels after surgery to be sure all of the ectopic tissue was removed.
If HCG levels don’t come down quickly, an injection of methotrexate may be needed.
Quitting smoking before you attempt to get pregnant may also reduce your risk.
Losing a pregnancy is devastating, even if you’ve only known about it for a short time.
Recognize the loss, and give yourself time to grieve.
Talk about your feelings and allow yourself to experience them fully.
Rely on your partner, loved ones, and friends for support.
You might also seek the help of a support group, grief counselor, or other mental health provider.
Most women who have ectopic pregnancies go on to have other, healthy pregnancies.
If both fallopian tubes were injured or removed, in vitro fertilization might be an option.
With this procedure, mature eggs are fertilized in a lab and then implanted into the uterus.
If you choose to conceive again, seek your doctor’s advice.
Updated: 2015-01-20
Publication Date: 2005-12-21
