An ectopic pregnancy is one in which the fertilized ovum is implanted in any tissue other than the uterine wall. Most ectopic pregnancies occur in the Fallopian tube (so-called tubal pregnancies), but implantation can also occur in the cervix, ovaries, and abdomen.
In a normal pregnancy, the fertilized egg enters the uterus and settles into the uterine lining where it has plenty of room to divide and grow. In a typical ectopic pregnancy, the embryo does not reach the uterus, but instead adheres to the lining of the Fallopian tube. As the embryo implants and grows, the tube becomes stretched and inflamed, causing increasing pain in the pregnant woman. If left untreated, the affected Fallopian tube will likely burst, causing gynecologic hemorrhage and endangering the life of the woman. Only 2% of ectopic pregnancies occur outside of the fallopian tubes. About 1% of pregnancies are in an ectopic location.
In a normal pregnancy, the fertilized egg enters the uterus and settles into the uterine lining where it has plenty of room to divide and grow. In a typical ectopic pregnancy, the embryo does not reach the uterus, but instead adheres to the lining of the Fallopian tube. As the embryo implants and grows, the tube becomes stretched and inflamed, causing increasing pain in the pregnant woman. If left untreated, the affected Fallopian tube will likely burst, causing gynecologic hemorrhage and endangering the life of the woman. Only 2% of ectopic pregnancies occur outside of the fallopian tubes. About 1% of pregnancies are in an ectopic location.
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Last Updated: Sep 2009
Last Updated: Sep 2009
What is Ectopic Pregnancy?
An ectopic pregnancy has to be suspected in any woman with lower abdominal pain and/or unusual bleeding who is sexually active and whose pregnancy test is positive. And abnormal rise in blood hCG levels may also indicate an ectopic pregnancy. An ultrasound examination may reveal the abnormal location of the pregnancy, show evidence of intraabdominal bleeding, or reveal an empty uterine cavity when normally the pregnancy should have been detectable within the uterus.
A laparoscopy or laparotomy can also be performed to visually confirm (and then remove) an ectopic pregnancy within the abdominal or pelvic cavity.
A laparoscopy or laparotomy can also be performed to visually confirm (and then remove) an ectopic pregnancy within the abdominal or pelvic cavity.
