Ectopic PregnancyNot what you're looking for? Show
What is an ectopic pregnancy?A pregnancy that develops outside the uterus is called an ectopic pregnancy. It almost always happens in a fallopian tube. Because of this, it’s often called a tubal pregnancy. In rare cases, an ectopic pregnancy will happen in an ovary, in the cervix, or the belly (abdomen). What causes an ectopic pregnancy?A fertilized egg normally moves down a fallopian tube and into the uterus. But the egg can get stuck in the tube if the tube is blocked. This might be from an infection or scar tissue. If the fertilized egg can't reach the uterus, it begins to develop in the tube. Who is at risk for an ectopic pregnancy?Ectopic pregnancy is more common in women who:
What are the symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy?Women with an ectopic pregnancy may have irregular bleeding and pelvic or belly (abdominal) pain. The pain is often just on 1 side. Symptoms often happen 6 to 8 weeks after the last normal menstrual period. If the ectopic pregnancy is not in the fallopian tube, symptoms may happen later. The classic symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy are:
How is an ectopic pregnancy diagnosed?Your healthcare provider will measure the level of the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) in your blood. They will use ultrasound to check the uterus for a fetus or other pregnancy tissue. In some cases, your healthcare provider will use laparoscopy to diagnose and treat an ectopic pregnancy. This is surgery that uses a lighted tube inserted into your abdomen to check inside the pelvis. It often gives the most accurate diagnosis. How is an ectopic pregnancy treated?Ectopic pregnancy may be treated in several ways. This depends on whether the fallopian tube has broken open (ruptured), how far along the pregnancy is, and your hormone levels. Treatments may include:
In rare cases, healthcare providers must make a larger incision in the abdomen to remove the ectopic pregnancy or damaged fallopian tube. What are possible complications of an ectopic pregnancy?When the embryo implants in the fallopian tube, it does not have enough room to grow or enough blood flow to keep it healthy, so it dies. The tube may start to let out some of the tissues or bleed. Some embryos do keep growing and may become large enough to burst the fallopian tube. This can cause severe bleeding and shock. Ectopic pregnancy is the leading cause of pregnancy-related deaths during the first 3 months of pregnancy in the U.S. When should I call the healthcare provider?Don’t ignore symptoms of ectopic pregnancy. Call your healthcare provider if you have any bleeding or pain in pregnancy. Key points about ectopic pregnancy
Next stepsTips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider:
Medical Reviewer: Irina Burd MD PhD Medical Reviewer: Donna Freeborn PhD CNM FNP Medical Reviewer: Heather M Trevino BSN RNC © 2000-2022 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions. Not what you're looking for? What does ectopic implantation feel like?Early warning of ectopic pregnancy
Often, the first warning signs of an ectopic pregnancy are light vaginal bleeding and pelvic pain. If blood leaks from the fallopian tube, you may feel shoulder pain or an urge to have a bowel movement.
Do you have implantation cramps with ectopic pregnancy?In most cases, implantation cramping during pregnancy is normal. In some cases, however, it may signal something more serious. If your cramps are severe, see your doctor. They can be a sign of an ovarian cyst, urinary tract infection, ectopic pregnancy, or miscarriage.
How soon would you know if you have an ectopic pregnancy?Symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy usually develop between the 4th and 12th weeks of pregnancy. Some women don't have any symptoms at first. They may not find out they have an ectopic pregnancy until an early scan shows the problem or they develop more serious symptoms later on.
What does ectopic pregnancy spotting look like?It often starts and stops, and can be bright or dark red in colour. Some women mistake this bleeding for a regular period and do not realise they are pregnant.
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