Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Medindia

Ectopic Pregnancy


About

An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy where the fetus is not growing in its usual location i.e. the uterine cavity or the womb.

It is also known as “Tubal Pregnancy”as vast majority of ectopic pregnancies occur in fallopian tubes (almost 98%).However, they can occur in a number of other unusual locations including abdomen, ovary or cervix.

It is a life-threatening condition to the mother with a major risk of rupture leading to internal bleeding.

It is the leading cause of pregnancy-related death in the first trimester of pregnancy.

Advertisement

An ectopic pregnancy results from a fertilized egg#$#s inability to move into the uterus. This can be due to congenital deformities or blockages in the tube. The classical signs and symptoms of ectopic pregnancy include abdominal pain, amenorrhea and vaginal bleeding.

A quantitative hCG test and an ultrasound can help diagnose ectopic pregnancy.

Treatment of an ectopic pregnancy depends on the size and location of the pregnancy. An early ectopic pregnancy can sometimes be treated with methotrexate injection, which stops the growth of the embryo. If the abnormal ectopic pregnancy ruptures, surgery is required to remove the abnormal pregnancy.

Latest Publications and Research on Ectopic Pregnancy

Advertisement
Recommended Reading