What is an ectopic pregnancy?

An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants and begins growing outside the uterus, most commonly in a fallopian tube. Because the pregnancy cannot develop normally outside the uterus, an ectopic pregnancy cannot continue and requires prompt medical attention. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to help prevent serious complications.

Understanding Ectopic Pregnancy

In a typical pregnancy, a fertilized egg travels through the fallopian tube and implants in the lining of the uterus, where it can grow and develop.

An ectopic pregnancy happens when the fertilized egg implants somewhere outside the uterus. Approximately 90% of ectopic pregnancies occur in a fallopian tube, but they can also occur in the ovary, cervix, or abdominal cavity.

As the pregnancy grows, it can damage nearby tissues and may lead to internal bleeding if left untreated.

What Are the Symptoms of an Ectopic Pregnancy?

Early symptoms can resemble those of a normal pregnancy, including:

• A missed menstrual period
• A positive pregnancy test
• Breast tenderness
• Nausea

As the ectopic pregnancy progresses, symptoms may include:

• Sharp or severe pain on one side of the lower abdomen
• Vaginal bleeding or spotting
• Pelvic pain
• Shoulder pain, especially when lying down
• Dizziness, weakness, or fainting

These symptoms require immediate medical evaluation because they may indicate internal bleeding.

What Causes an Ectopic Pregnancy?

An ectopic pregnancy may occur when the fertilized egg is unable to reach the uterus.

Factors that can increase the risk include:

• Previous ectopic pregnancy
• Prior surgery involving the fallopian tubes
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
• Endometriosis
• Certain fertility treatments
• Smoking
• Structural abnormalities of the fallopian tubes

However, some ectopic pregnancies occur without any known risk factors.

How Is an Ectopic Pregnancy Diagnosed?

Healthcare providers may use several methods to diagnose an ectopic pregnancy, including:

• A review of your symptoms and medical history
• A pelvic examination
• Blood tests to measure human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels
• A transvaginal ultrasound to determine where the pregnancy is located

Early diagnosis helps reduce the risk of complications.

Can an Ectopic Pregnancy Be Treated With Abortion Pills?

No. Mifepristone and misoprostol do not treat an ectopic pregnancy. These abortion pills are intended for pregnancies located inside the uterus and are not effective for a pregnancy growing outside the uterus.

If an ectopic pregnancy is suspected, immediate medical evaluation is necessary because delaying treatment can be dangerous.

How Is an Ectopic Pregnancy Treated?

Treatment depends on the individual's condition and how early the ectopic pregnancy is diagnosed.

Possible treatments include:

• Medication to stop the pregnancy from growing (in appropriate cases)
• Minimally invasive surgery to remove the ectopic pregnancy
• Emergency surgery if internal bleeding has occurred

Your healthcare provider will recommend the most appropriate treatment based on your clinical situation.

When Should You Seek Emergency Medical Care?

Seek emergency medical attention immediately if you experience:

• Severe or worsening abdominal or pelvic pain
• Heavy vaginal bleeding
• Shoulder pain
• Dizziness or fainting
• Difficulty standing because of pain or weakness

These symptoms may indicate a ruptured ectopic pregnancy, which is a medical emergency.