Definition:

 Ectopic pregnancy is when a pregnancy grows

outside of your uterus, usually in your
fallopian tube. Ectopic pregnancies are rare but
serious, and they need to be treated.
 Normal pregnancies develop inside your
uterus, after a fertilized egg travels through
your fallopian tubeand attaches to your uterine
lining. Ectopic pregnancy is when a fertilized
egg attaches somewhere else in your body,
usually in yourfallopian tube — that’s why it’s
sometimes called “tubal pregnancy.” Ectopic
pregnancies can also happen on your ovary, or
somewhere else in your belly.
 Ectopic pregnancies are rare — it happens in
about 2 out of every 100 pregnancies. But
they’re very dangerous if not treated. Fallopian
tubes can break if stretched too much by the
growing pregnancy — this is sometimes called
a ruptured ectopic pregnancy. This can cause
internal bleeding, infection, and in some cases
lead to death.
 What causes an ectopic
pregnancy?
 The cause of an ectopic pregnancy isn’t always
clear. In some cases, the following conditions
have been linked with an ectopic pregnancy:
 inflammation and scarring of the fallopian
tubes from a previous medical condition,
infection, or surgery
 hormonal factors
 genetic abnormalities
 birth defects
 medical conditions that affect the shape and
condition of the fallopian tubes and
reproductive organs
 Who is at risk for an ectopic
pregnancy?
 maternal age of 35 years or older
 history of pelvic surgery, abdominal surgery,
or multiple abortions
 history of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
 history of endometriosis
 conception occurred despite tubal
ligation or intrauterine device (IUD)
 conception aided by fertility drugs or
procedures
 smoking
 history of ectopic pregnancy
 history of sexually transmitted diseases
(STDs), such as gonorrhea or chlamydia
 having structural abnormalities in the fallopian
tubes that make it hard for the egg to travel
 What are the symptoms of an
ectopic pregnancy?
Nausea and breast soreness are common symptoms in
both ectopic and uterine pregnancies. The following
symptoms are more common in an ectopic pregnancy
and can indicate a medical emergency:
 sharp waves of pain in the abdomen, pelvis, shoulder,
or neck
 severe pain that occurs on one side of the abdomen

 light to heavy vaginal spotting or bleeding

 dizziness or fainting

 rectal pressure
 Treatment
Unfortunately, the baby cannot be saved in an
ectopic pregnancy. Treatment is usually needed to
remove the pregnancy before it grows too large.
The main treatment options are:
 expectant management – your condition is

carefully monitored to see whether treatment is

necessary
 medication – a medicine called methotrexate is used

to stop the pregnancy growing

 surgery – surgery is used to remove the

pregnancy, usually along with the affected fallopian

tube