An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants and begins to grow outside of the uterus. Most ectopic pregnancies develop in a fallopian tube, which is why they are sometimes called tubal pregnancies.
Ectopic pregnancies are rare but can become life-threatening if not treated promptly. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to preventing serious complications.
At Banner Health, we provide comprehensive, compassionate care for ectopic pregnancy and early pregnancy concerns.
In a healthy pregnancy, a fertilized egg travels through the fallopian tube to the uterus, where it implants and grows.
In an ectopic pregnancy, the egg implants outside the uterus. The most common location is the fallopian tube, but it can also occur in the ovary, cervix or abdominal cavity.
An ectopic pregnancy cannot survive because the uterus is the only place designed to support a growing pregnancy.
If untreated, the growing tissue can cause severe internal bleeding. Ectopic pregnancy is a medical emergency.
Ectopic pregnancies occur in fewer than 2 out of every 100 pregnancies in the United State. While rare, they are a leading cause of pregnancy-related complications in the first trimester.
Ectopic pregnancies are rare, occurring in less than 2% of all pregnancies in the U.S. It is not clear why a fertilized egg doesn’t make it to the uterus. However, several factors can increase your risk of having an ectopic pregnancy.
Common risk factors include:
Early symptoms can be mild, which is why medical evaluation is important if you have risk factors or unusual pain.
Other factors include becoming pregnant while using an IUD (intrauterine device) or after taking fertility medications. Although the risk of getting pregnant with an IUD is extremely low, if you were to become pregnant while using an IUD, the pregnancy is more likely to be abnormal.
Early symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy may look similar to a normal pregnancy. You may notice:
As the pregnancy progresses, symptoms may include:
Symptoms can start mildly and become more severe over time.
An ectopic pregnancy becomes a medical emergency if the fallopian tube ruptures. This can cause life-threatening internal bleeding.
Call 911 or seek emergency medical care immediately if these symptoms occur.
Health care providers usually diagnose ectopic pregnancy in the first trimester (up to 12 weeks of pregnancy). If your provider suspects an ectopic pregnancy, they will perform several tests.
In addition to a pelvic exam these tests include:
If necessary, your provider may run additional tests to assess your condition.
An ectopic pregnancy happens when the embryo implants outside the uterus. A miscarriage occurs when a pregnancy inside the uterus ends on its own.
Both conditions may cause pain and bleeding, which is why medical evaluation is important to determine the cause.
An ectopic pregnancy cannot develop into a viable pregnancy. Once an ectopic pregnancy is diagnosed, treatment must start right away. If it is not treated, it could lead to serious internal bleeding and even death.
There are two main options for treating an ectopic pregnancy: medication or surgery.
If the ectopic pregnancy is caught early, a medication called methotrexate may be used. This drug stops the cells from growing, and the body absorbs the pregnancy tissue. Methotrexate is often used if there is no immediate risk of infection or the fallopian tube rupturing.
Surgery will be needed if the fallopian tube has ruptured, is at risk of rupturing or if methotrexate isn’t an option. The procedure is an emergency surgery, and it is typically done laparoscopically (through small cuts in your belly) while you are asleep under anesthesia.
The surgeon will remove the ectopic pregnancy and, if necessary, the damaged part of the fallopian tube. In some cases, the entire fallopian tube may need to be removed.
Physical recovery may take a few weeks after surgery. If treated with methotrexate, your provider will monitor your hCG levels until they return to zero.
Emotional recovery may take longer, and support is important.
Recovering from an ectopic pregnancy can take time, both physically and emotionally. After surgery, your body may take a few weeks to heal. Pain or discomfort is normal, and your provider may prescribe medication.
Emotionally, it can be difficult to process the loss of a pregnancy. Many people feel grief, anger or sadness. It’s important to reach out for support during these times. Support groups and grief counseling are two ways to receive support after an ectopic pregnancy.
You may worry about your future fertility. However, most people can still have a successful pregnancy after an ectopic pregnancy.
Wait at least two to three months after medication or surgery before trying to get pregnant again. This gives your body time to heal and decreases the risk of another ectopic pregnancy.
Yes, it’s possible to have a baby if one fallopian tube has been removed. Many people with one healthy fallopian tube can conceive naturally. The remaining tube can pick up an egg released during ovulation.
If you have concerns about your fertility or pregnancy options, talk to your health care provider. They can provide guidance based on your individual health and circumstances.
While it’s not always possible to prevent an ectopic pregnancy, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk:
Learn more tips for a happy, healthy pregnancy.
If you are pregnant and experience sharp pain, vaginal bleeding, dizziness or fainting, seek immediate medical attention. A ruptured ectopic pregnancy is life-threatening and requires emergency surgery.
If you suspect you may have an ectopic pregnancy or have concerns about your reproductive health, don’t wait. Contact Banner Health for prompt and compassionate care. Our experienced team is here to support you every step of the way.
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