Ectopic Pregnancy

An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy that develops outside a woman's uterus (womb). This
happens when the fertilized egg from the ovary does not implant itself normally in the uterus.

Causes

Occurs when a pregnancy starts outside the womb (uterus).

Most cases are caused by:

 Past ectopic pregnancy

 Past infection in the fallopian tubes
 Surgery of the fallopian tubes

Symptoms

 Abnormal vaginal bleeding

 Amenorrhea
 Low back pain
 Mild cramping on one side of the pelvis
 Nausea
 Pain in the lower abdomen or pelvic area

Exams and Tests

 Hematocrit
 Pregnancy test
 Serum progesterone level
 Transvaginal ultrasound or pregnancy ultrasound
 White blood count

Other tests may be used to confirm the diagnosis

 D and C
 Laparoscopy
 Laparotomy