An ectopic pregnancy happens when a fertilized egg implants and begins to grow outside of the uterus. In a normal pregnancy, the egg travels down the fallopian tube and attaches to the lining of the uterus. But in an ectopic pregnancy, the egg usually gets stuck in the fallopian tube. This is why ectopic pregnancies are sometimes called “tubal pregnancies.” Unfortunately, the fallopian tube isn’t made to support a growing pregnancy, and this kind of pregnancy cannot continue.
Ectopic pregnancies can be dangerous. If not treated quickly, the growing embryo can cause the tube to burst, leading to serious internal bleeding. That’s why it’s important to recognize the signs early and get medical help right away. Even though this condition can be scary, with quick treatment, most people recover fully and can go on to have healthy pregnancies in the future.
What Causes Ectopic Pregnancies And What Are The Types
Ectopic pregnancies are most often caused by something that blocks or slows the movement of the fertilized egg through the fallopian tube. This might be due to damage from a previous infection, surgery, or a condition like endometriosis. In some cases, doctors aren’t sure what caused it.
Certain risk factors make ectopic pregnancy more likely. These include having had a previous ectopic pregnancy, a history of pelvic infections, smoking, or getting pregnant after using fertility treatments. However, even people without any risk factors can have an ectopic pregnancy.
There are different types of ectopic pregnancy, depending on where the fertilized egg implants:
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Tubal Ectopic Pregnancy: This is the most common type, where the egg implants in the fallopian tube.
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Ovarian Ectopic Pregnancy: Rarely, the egg implants on the ovary.
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Cervical Ectopic Pregnancy: In this very rare type, the egg attaches in the cervix.
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Abdominal Ectopic Pregnancy: This is when the egg implants somewhere in the abdomen.
Regardless of the location, no ectopic pregnancy can develop into a healthy baby. That’s why medical treatment is always needed.
Common Symptoms You Should Watch For
In the early stages, an ectopic pregnancy might feel like a normal pregnancy. You may have a missed period, breast tenderness, and mild cramping. Some people don’t notice anything unusual at first.
As the pregnancy continues, symptoms become more serious and may include:
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Sharp or stabbing pain in the abdomen or pelvis, often on one side
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Vaginal bleeding that’s lighter or heavier than your normal period
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Shoulder pain (caused by internal bleeding irritating the nerves)
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Feeling dizzy, lightheaded, or faint
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Weakness or low blood pressure
The pain may come and go or suddenly get worse. If the fallopian tube ruptures, it can cause heavy internal bleeding, which is a medical emergency. If you have sudden, severe pain or think you might be having an ectopic pregnancy, go to the emergency room or call your doctor immediately.
How Ectopic Pregnancy Is Diagnosed
To diagnose an ectopic pregnancy, your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. They’ll likely perform a physical exam to check for tenderness or masses in the belly or pelvis.
The most important tools for diagnosing ectopic pregnancy are:
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Blood tests: These measure the level of pregnancy hormone (hCG). In a normal pregnancy, hCG levels rise steadily. If levels are lower or rising slowly, it may be a sign of a problem.
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Ultrasound: A transvaginal ultrasound is often used to look inside the uterus and check if the pregnancy is located where it should be. If the uterus is empty but hCG levels suggest you’re pregnant, doctors will look for signs of an ectopic pregnancy in the fallopian tubes.
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Pelvic exam: In some cases, a doctor may need to gently examine the cervix and pelvic area to feel for any signs of tenderness, swelling, or abnormal shapes.
Sometimes, it takes more than one visit to confirm the diagnosis. If it’s not yet clear where the pregnancy is located, your doctor may want to monitor your hormone levels over a few days.
Treatment Options And What To Expect
Treatment for an ectopic pregnancy depends on how early it’s found, how stable your condition is, and where the pregnancy is located. The main goal is to remove the pregnancy before it causes damage to your body.
There are two main types of treatment:
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Medication: If the ectopic pregnancy is found early and you’re stable, doctors may use a medicine called methotrexate. This drug stops the growth of the pregnancy and allows your body to absorb the tissue. After getting the injection, you’ll need follow-up blood tests to make sure your hCG levels go down to zero. This method avoids surgery and helps preserve the fallopian tube in many cases.
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Surgery: If the pregnancy is more advanced or if the tube has ruptured, surgery is needed right away. In most cases, this is done with laparoscopy, a minimally invasive procedure where small tools and a camera are used to remove the pregnancy. Sometimes the affected fallopian tube also needs to be removed. If there’s heavy bleeding, open surgery may be needed in an emergency.
After treatment, most people recover well, though it can take a few weeks for physical healing and longer for emotional recovery. Your doctor will give you advice on when it’s safe to try to get pregnant again, often after a few months.
Looking Ahead After An Ectopic Pregnancy
Going through an ectopic pregnancy can be an emotional experience. It may bring up feelings of grief, confusion, or fear about future pregnancies. It’s okay to take time to heal and seek support. Talking to a counselor, joining a support group, or simply sharing your feelings with a loved one can help you cope.
Many people who have had an ectopic pregnancy go on to have healthy pregnancies later. If you’ve had one before, your doctor may recommend early monitoring in future pregnancies to make sure everything is developing in the right place.
Knowing the signs, getting early care, and working closely with your healthcare provider are key to staying safe. While an ectopic pregnancy is a serious medical issue, prompt treatment and good follow-up care can protect your health and help you move forward with hope and confidence.
