Ectopic Pregnancy

What is Ectopic Pregnancy ?

Ectopic pregnancy is when a fertilised egg implants itself outside the uterus (womb). In Australia, about 2 in 100 pregnancies are ectopic pregnancies. 

Ectopic pregnancies most commonly occur in the fallopian tubes, which carry the eggs from the ovary to the uterus. Sometimes, the ectopic pregnancy can be seen in the ovary, site of previous caesarean scar or in the abdomen. The uterus can support the development of the fetus as it is able to stretch and grow with the pregnancy. Other organs such as the fallopian tubes cannot stretch and will tear or burst if the pregnancy gets bigger causing serious complications if not detected early.

While pregnancy tests may show that a woman is pregnant, a fertilised egg cannot properly grow anywhere other than the uterus. An untreated or undetected ectopic pregnancy can be a medical emergency and poses risk for complications of future pregnancies.

Ectopic pregnancy causes:

• Inflammation or scarring of fallopian tubes

• Hormonal factors

• Genetic abnormalities

• Birth defects

• Other medical conditions

Risk of ectopic pregnancy:

• Increased maternal age

• History of pelvic or abdominal surgery (multiple abortions)

• Pelvic inflammatory disease

• Endometriosis

• Intrauterine devices (Mirena)

• Fertility drugs

• Smoking

• Previous ectopic pregnancy

• STDs

• Structural abnormalities in the fallopian tubes

Symptoms of ectopic pregnancy:

• Single sided abdominal pain

• Dizziness or fainting

• Vaginal bleeding

• Shoulder tip pain

• Bowel pain

• Diarrhea and vomiting

• Rectal pressure

Diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy:

• See doctor immediately

• Transvaginal ultrasound

• Blood test

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