Ectopic Pregnancy
(Tubal Pregnancy)

1. Stages of Pregnancy Slideshow Pictures
2. Early Pregnancy Symptoms
3. Conception (Egg to Embryo) Slideshow Pictures

• Facts and definition of ectopic pregnancy (tubal pregnancy)
• What causes an ectopic pregnancy?
• What are risk factors for ectopic pregnancy?
• What are the early warning signs and symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy?
• When to seek medical care if you think you may have an ectopic pregnancy
• Is there a test that can diagnose an ectopic pregnancy?
• What is the treatment for ectopic pregnancy?
• What about methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall) to treat ectopic pregnancy?
• What about surgery for ectopic pregnancy?
• Which specialties of doctors treat ectopic pregnancy?
• Can ectopic pregnancy be prevented?
• What is the prognosis for ectopic pregnancy?
• Read more on Ectopic Pregnancy from Healthwise

• An ectopic or tubal pregnancy is a pregnancy that develops outside a woman's uterus (womb). This happens when the fertilized egg from the ovary does not reach or implant itself normally in the uterus. The products of this conception are abnormal and cannot develop into fetuses.
• The most common place that ectopic pregnancy occurs is in one of the Fallopian tubes (a so-called tubal pregnancy). Ectopic pregnancies also can be found on the outside of the uterus, on the ovaries, or attached to the bowel.
• The most serious complication of an ectopic pregnancy is rupture. Leading to intra-abdominal hemorrhage (severe bleeding).
• The most common signs and symptoms of a tubal pregnancy are abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding.
• Ectopic pregnancy is usually found in the first 5-10 weeks of pregnancy.
• An ultrasound imaging test is a common diagnostic test for ectopic pregnancy.
• There are both medical and surgical treatments available for ectopic pregnancy.
• Ectopic pregnancy is the leading cause of pregnancy-related deaths in the first trimester of pregnancy in the US.

Ectopic or tubal pregnancy is caused when a fertilized egg lodges in a Fallopian tube or other location instead of continuing its journey to the uterus, where it is supposed to implant. The egg can become stuck when a Fallopian tube is damaged, scarred, or distorted.

Common conditions that are known risk factors for ectopic pregnancy include:

• Previous tube infections (salpingitis), such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), chlamydia, and gonorrhea
• Previous surgery inside the abdomen, especially involving the Fallopian tubes, ovaries, uterus, lower abdomen, or bowels (Local surgery to the outside of the cervix is not a risk factor.)
• Use of fertility medications at the time of conception
• Prior history of tubal pregnancy
• The use of an intrauterine device (IUD) does not increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy. However, a normal pregnancy is unlikely with an IUD in place, so if a woman becomes pregnant while using an IUD, it is more likely the pregnancy is not inside the uterus.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

---

VIEW

Pregnancy Stages Pictures: 1st, 2nd and 3rd Trimesters

Must Read Articles Related to Ectopic Pregnancy

Chlamydia Chlamydia is a sexual transmitted disease (STD) ...learn more >>

Gonorrhea Gonorrhea is one of the most common learn more >>

Miscarriage A miscarriage (spontaneous abortion) is a learn more >>

See the Entire Ectopic Pregnancy Topic Guide »