Before we begin: In an ectopic, or tubal, pregnancy, a fertilized egg grows outside of the uterus. It can be dangerous for the mother. Know the symptoms to watch for.
This tutorial walks you through everything you need to know about ectopic pregnancy. We explain it in plain language, step by step, so whether you are a student, a patient, or simply curious, you will come away with a solid understanding.
We cover what it is, why it matters, how it is diagnosed, and what you can do about it. Key facts are called out along the way.
What is an ectopic pregnancy? The uterus, or womb, is the place where a fetus grows during pregnancy. In an ectopic pregnancy, the fertilized egg grows in the wrong place outside the uterus. It usually occurs in the fallopian tubes. These tubes carry eggs from the ovaries to the uterus. Sometimes, an ectopic pregnancy can occur in the ovaries, abdominal cavity, or the lower part of the uterus (cervix).
Ectopic pregnancies can’t end in a healthy pregnancy because the egg cannot grow. If the pregnancy continues, the fallopian tube can burst. This can cause internal bleeding, which can be a life-threatening emergency that needs immediate surgery.
What increases my risk of an ectopic pregnancy? An ectopic pregnancy often happens because there is a problem with your fallopian tubes. But sometimes it’s not clear why an ectopic pregnancy happens.
Factors that may increase your risk for an ectopic pregnancy can include:
Previous ectopic pregnancy
Prior pelvic, abdominal, or fallopian tube surgery
Certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Pelvic inflammatory disease
Endometriosis
Becoming pregnant while using an intrauterine device (IUD) for birth control
Becoming pregnant after a tubal ligation
Other factors that may increase your risk can include:
Smoking
Being older than age 35
Infertility treatments
What are the symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy? You may not notice any symptoms at first. Or you may have some of the usual signs of pregnancy such as a missed period, breast tenderness, or nausea.
Early signs of an ectopic pregnancy may be light vaginal bleeding and pelvic pain. Ectopic pregnancy can be a medical emergency. Get medical care right away if you have these signs:
Abdominal (belly) pain
Shoulder pain
Vaginal bleeding
Feeling dizzy or faint
How is an ectopic pregnancy diagnosed? An ectopic pregnancy can’t be diagnosed without blood tests and an ultrasound. Your health care provider will do a pregnancy test to confirm that you’re pregnant. They may do a pelvic exam to check for areas of pain, tenderness, or a mass.
What is the treatment for an ectopic pregnancy? An ectopic pregnancy needs treatment to stop any damage to your organs. Your provider will use medicine or surgery to take out the ectopic tissue.
Losing a pregnancy can be devastating. An ectopic pregnancy is like a miscarriage, but it must be treated to prevent problems. People cope with grief in different ways. It may be helpful to discuss your feelings with your provider or a counselor. Many women who have had ectopic pregnancies go on to have healthy pregnancies later.
Dept. of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health
Also known as: Abdominal pregnancy, Tubal pregnancy.
Related topics: Abdominal Pregnancy, Cervical Pregnancy, Tubal Pregnancy.
Categories: Women, Pregnancy and Reproduction, Female Reproductive System.
Key Takeaways
Understanding ectopic pregnancy is an important part of taking charge of your health. Here is what to remember:
- Know the signs — Recognizing early symptoms can lead to earlier diagnosis and better outcomes.
- Talk to your provider — If you have concerns or a family history of this condition, bring it up at your next checkup.
- Stay informed — Medical knowledge evolves. Keep learning and asking questions.
- You are not alone — Many people deal with this condition. Support groups and educational resources can help.