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Ectopic Pregnancy
Medical Questions » Ectopic Pregnancy
| Name: Ectopic Pregnancy |
| Also known as: Tubal Pregnancy |
| A pregnancy that starts and continues to develop outside the uterus (womb). The most common site for an ectopic pregnancy is in a Fallopian tube, which leads from the ovary to the top corner of the uterus. A pregnancy in the tube will slowly dilate it until it eventually bursts. This will cause severe bleeding into the abdomen and is an urgent, life threatening situation for the mother. Other possible sites include on or around the ovary, in the abdomen or pelvis, or in the narrow angle where the Fallopian tube enters the uterus. About one in every 200 pregnancies is ectopic. |
Causes of Ectopic Pregnancy
Pelvic inflammatory disease, salpingitis, endometriosis and appendicitis increase the risk of ectopic pregnancies, as they cause damage to the Fallopian tubes or surrounding tissue. |
Symptoms of Ectopic Pregnancy
Symptoms may be minimal in early stages, but most women have abnormal vaginal bleeding or pains low in the abdomen. When the ectopic pregnancy ruptures the Fallopian tube, sudden severe pain is felt and the woman collapses. |
Tests for Ectopic Pregnancy
Ultrasound scan may be performed to confirm the exact position of the ectopic pregnancy. |
Treatment for Ectopic Pregnancy
Surgery to save the mother' s life is essential when an ectopic pregnancy ruptures as the woman can bleed to death very rapidly. If the ectopic site is the Fallopian tube, it is usually removed during the operation.
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Complications of Ectopic Pregnancy of its treatment
Adhesion in the pelvis may cause ongoing gynecological and bowel problems. |
Likely Outcome of Ectopic Pregnancy
If a Fallopian tube is removed, the woman can still fall pregnant from the tube and ovary on the other side. It is very rare for a fetus to survive. |
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