Definition

An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy that occurs outside of the uterus. Most ectopic pregnancies occur within a fallopian tube. Other, less common locations may include the cervix, an ovary, or the abdominal cavity. This type of pregnancy cannot survive. Only the uterus can support the growth of a fetus and its placenta.

Causes

Many ectopic pregnancies occur because the fallopian tube is not functioning normally.

Risk Factors

Ectopic pregnancies are more common in women over 35 years old and those who are non-Caucasian. Other factors that may increase your chance of ectopic pregnancy include:

• Previous ectopic pregnancies
• History of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
• Endometriosis
• Prior surgery on fallopian tubes or uterus
• Fertility treatments
• Abnormally-shaped uterus and/or fallopian tubes
• Presence of an intrauterine device (IUD)
• Pregnancy that occurs after a sterilization procedure—tubal ligation
• Smoking

Symptoms

Ectopic pregnancy may cause:

• Missed or abnormal menstrual period
• Abdominal pain
• Spotty vaginal bleeding
• Pain in the shoulder
• Fainting

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be also be done.

Tests may include:

• Pregnancy test
• Pelvic exam
• Blood tests
• Transvaginal ultrasound to check the uterus and fallopian tubes for the presence or absence of a pregnancy

Treatment

Treatment options include:

Prevention

To help reduce your chance of an ectopic pregnancy:

• Maintain safe sexual practices to avoid sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) , which can damage to the fallopian tubes and ovaries.
• Get early diagnosis and treatment of STDs.

American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists http://www.acog.org

Women’s Health Matters http://www.womenshealthmatters.ca

Ectopic pregnancy. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at:
http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/gynecology-and-obstetrics/abnormalities-of-pregnancy/ectopic-pregnancy
Updated February 2010. Accessed August 13, 2012.

Ectopic pregnancy. Planned Parenthood website. Available at:
http://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/pregnancy/ectopic-pregnancy
Accessed August 15, 2012.

4/22/2011 DynaMed’s Systematic Literature Surveillance
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed:
Creanga AA, Shapiro-Mendoza CK, Bish CL, Zane S, Berg CJ, Callaghan WM. Trends in ectopic pregnancy mortality in the United States: 1980-2007. Obstet Gynecol. 2011;117(4):837-843.