Ectopic Pregnancy

Description

Ectopic Pregnancy

What is an ectopic pregnancy?

In a normal pregnancy, a fertilized egg implants in the uterus ("womb"). In an ectopic (say: ek-top-ik) pregnancy, the fertilized egg does not make it to the uterus and implants somewhere else (see drawing below). An ectopic pregnancy most often occurs in the fallopian tube, causing a “tubal pregnancy”. It can also occur in the ovary, cervix or abdomen.

It is important to find the ectopic pregnancy before there are problems. An ectopic pregnancy can rupture the pelvic organ that it has implanted in. This can be very dangerous for the mother.

Who is at risk for an ectopic pregnancy?

Anyone who can get pregnant can have an ectopic pregnancy. You are more likely to have an ectopic pregnancy if:

• you are between 35 and 44 years of age
• you have had infections (such as pelvic inflammatory disease) or operations in the pelvic area
• you have endometriosis
• you smoke
• you have had trouble getting pregnant or have had fertility treatment

What are the symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy?

The early signs of an ectopic pregnancy are like those of a normal pregnancy. You may have missed periods, sore breasts, and nausea of pregnancy ("morning sickness"). A home pregnancy test may be positive.

More serious signs of ectopic pregnancy are pain and vaginal bleeding. You also may feel a sharp or stabbing pain in your stomach or on one side of your pelvis. If you bleed too much, you may feel weak or dizzy and you could pass out.

How will my doctor know if I have an ectopic pregnancy?

Your doctor will likely perform a physical exam to check the size and shape of your uterus.  He or she may also order a urine test and a blood test to check your levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). hCG is a hormone that is produced by the placenta. If you have an ectopic pregnancy, you may have a low hCG level. Your doctor may also want you to have a sonogram. A sonogram uses sound waves to make "pictures" of organs in the body. This will allow your doctor to see where the ectopic pregnancy is.

How is an ectopic pregnancy treated?

If an ectopic pregnancy is discovered early, your doctor can give you a shot of medicine called methotrexate. This medicine dissolves the egg, and your body will reabsorb it.

Ectopic pregnancies that are not discovered early enough, or that cause a pelvic organ to rupture, require surgery.

Will I have an ectopic pregnancy if I get pregnant again?

If you have had an ectopic pregnancy, you are more likely to have another one. You also may have trouble getting pregnant again. You should give yourself time to heal before you try to get pregnant after having an ectopic pregnancy.