An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants and grows outside the main cavity of the uterus. The most common site for an ectopic pregnancy is in one of the fallopian tubes (called a tubal pregnancy), but it can also occur in other areas, such as the ovary, abdominal cavity, or the cervix.
Key Characteristics:
Non-viable Pregnancy: The fertilized egg cannot survive outside the uterus, and the growing tissue might damage nearby organs, causing life-threatening complications.
Symptoms:
Sharp or stabbing pain in the abdomen, pelvis, or shoulder.
Vaginal bleeding or spotting.
Weakness, dizziness, or fainting (a sign of internal bleeding).
Risk Factors:
Previous ectopic pregnancy.
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
Endometriosis.
Surgery on the fallopian tubes or pelvic region.
Use of fertility treatments or intrauterine devices (IUDs).
Diagnosis:
Ultrasound: A transvaginal ultrasound can usually confirm the location of the pregnancy.
Blood Tests: Measuring human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels to assess pregnancy progress.
Treatment:
Medication: Methotrexate can be used to stop the growth of the pregnancy if it is detected early.
Surgery: In more severe cases or if rupture occurs, surgery (laparoscopy or laparotomy) is required to remove the ectopic tissue and repair or remove the damaged fallopian tube.
Keywords
severe cases
transvaginal ultrasound
fertility treatments
pelvic region
abdomen pelvis
stabbing pain
growing tissue
tubal pregnancy
common site
ectopic tissue
ectopic pregnancy
main cavity
fertilized egg
fallopian tubes
ectopic pregnancy occurs
fertilized egg implants
fallopian tubes called
ovary abdominal cavity
damaged fallopian tube
detected early surgery
spotting weakness dizziness
shoulder vaginal bleeding
