An ectopic pregnancy happens when the fertilized egg implants outside of the uterus (womb). This is most often a fallopian tube, but it can also happen in an ovary or the cervix. It is very important to find an ectopic pregnancy as soon as possible for the health of you and your baby.
Your doctor will do tests to diagnose an ectopic pregnancy. These tests include a pregnancy test and a pelvic exam. If the ectopic pregnancy is severe, you may need an ultrasound to help the doctor diagnose the problem.
Symptoms of an Ectopic Pregnancy
If you have an ectopic pregnancy, you can have pain or bleeding in your lower abdomen, pelvis, or back, usually on one side. These symptoms most often show up 6 to 8 weeks after you last menstruated normally.
It is also important to get a scan to check for a ruptured fallopian tube. This can cause severe bleeding in your abdomen and is a life-threatening condition.
Surgery is the most common treatment for an ectopic pregnancy. This treatment may be done to remove a portion of the fallopian tube or completely, depending on how large and damaged it is.
The procedure is called a salpingectomy. The doctor makes a couple of small incisions in your lower abdomen and manipulates the tissue to remove the ectopic pregnancy.
In some cases, a small piece of your ovary or the end of the fallopian tube is removed as well. The doctor then reattaches the tube using microsurgery.
If the ectopic pregnancy is not severe, your doctor can give you a shot of this medicine. It takes about 4-6 weeks for your body to absorb the medicine and stop the pregnancy.
Your doctor will then monitor you closely for the next few weeks. This will help to make sure that the treatment is working and you are not having any problems with your pregnancy.
You should call your doctor right away if you have any of these symptoms: heavy vaginal bleeding, lightheadedness or fainting, extreme abdominal pain, and/or shoulder or upper abdominal pain.
It is also important to get treatment if you have a ruptured fallopian tube, as this can be very dangerous and can lead to serious internal bleeding.
A fallopian tube is a long tube that carries eggs from the ovaries to the uterus. It can sometimes be blocked by scar tissue from previous abdominal surgery or other issues, such as an infection.
In about 90% of ectopic pregnancies, the fetus implants inside a fallopian tube. This type of ectopic pregnancy is called a tubal pregnancy and is the most common.
In rarer ectopic pregnancy situations, the fetus implants in the ovary or the cervix. These types of ectopic pregnancies are more difficult to diagnose and treat. It is also more likely that the fetus will die once it implants.
