Ectopic Pregnancy
In this condition factsheet:
The Facts on Ectopic Pregnancy
An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants itself outside of the uterus. Ectopic pregnancies usually occur in a fallopian tube (called a tubal pregnancy). Occasionally, the egg may lodge itself in the ovary, and more rarely, in the cervical canal or the abdominal or pelvic cavities. The fertilized egg doesn't usually grow into a recognizable embryo and can't be transplanted into the uterus.
In a normal pregnancy, the egg is fertilized in the fallopian tube. Little hairs in the fallopian tube move the egg down to the uterus, where it implants itself. If there's scar tissue in the fallopian tube, or it's blocked for some other reason, the fertilized egg is unable to get to the uterus and the fetus will begin to grow outside of the uterus. A woman who has an ectopic pregnancy must have the pregnancy removed because the fetus can't develop properly outside of the uterus and it can become extremely dangerous to the woman's health. Ectopic pregnancy accounts for about 9% of pregnancy-related deaths in women.
Although they're becoming more common in recent years, ectopic pregnancies are generally rare. About 2% of pregnancies are ectopic.
Causes of Ectopic Pregnancy
If you've had an infection in the pelvic region (e.g., pelvic inflammatory disease) or pelvic surgery, or were born with a medical condition that narrowed your fallopian tubes, you have a greater chance of having an ectopic pregnancy. A previous ectopic pregnancy can also increase your risk of a second ectopic pregnancy. An unsuccessful tubal ligation, a sterilization procedure in which the fallopian tubes are cut or blocked, can contribute to the risk of an ectopic pregnancy.
Rarely, ectopic pregnancies have also been linked to the use of an intrauterine device (a type of birth control). Women who use an IUD have a higher risk of having an ectopic pregnancy if they do become pregnant despite using the IUD. The use of certain assisted reproductive techniques may also increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy, as can having multiple sexual partners, increasing age, and cigarette smoking.
Symptoms and Complications of Ectopic Pregnancy
Irregular vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, or a missed period can be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy, although some women with an ectopic pregnancy continue to menstruate. Most ectopic pregnancies are discovered before the woman even knows she's pregnant.
The growing fetus can damage or rupture the tissue around the reproductive organs, causing internal bleeding and severe pain. If the pregnancy tissue grows too large, it may damage the walls of the fallopian tube. The bleeding that results can be painful and can create a feeling of fullness in the abdomen. This bleeding may start slowly or immediately be severe. Severe bleeding can cause a woman's blood pressure to drop to the point where she shows symptoms of shock, including paleness, sweating, weakness, and faintness.
The ectopic pregnancy usually ruptures the wall of the fallopian tube in weeks 6 to 8 since the last period. A woman whose fallopian tube has ruptured will feel severe pain that comes on suddenly, and will often faint due to massive internal bleeding in the abdomen. A rupture that occurs later in the pregnancy is very dangerous and can lead to death.
